Crane Model "A" Pat. 22 Dec 1914 shower mixer valve

[OldFartDIY]

So I bought an old house in upstate NY. It was built in 1900 but seems to have had electricity and indoor plumbing added after the fact. While tearing down plaster and lattice I found several support beams had been notched up to 80% through the full height of the beam, in order to run plumbing lines. And yes I found some real "lead" drain pipe. I tore out all the old iron plumbing and put in modern stuff but I am trying to keep the old original fixtures in the Master bath. So far the biggest obstacle I have run into is Crane Mixer valve for the shower. It is all external exposed nickel plated piping and valves. One of the plungers (mirror image upside down parts inside) was broken off at the threads. I was able to get the threads out but can I even find one of these little plunger things? I was able to get o-rings and graphite packing string to rebuild it but this one piece is holding me up. I even had the on/off shower valve welded where it had split open during the winter as the house was abandoned for a few years. Does anyone have any helpful hints or ideas?

 

[Tim Whistler]

You gotta add pictures, man.

 

[OldFartDIY]

Sorry, lost the internet so trying this on my cell.

 

[OldFartDIY]

Now I can not find the broken off piece. I was going to try and repair it. But if I can find a replacement that would save me a LOT of work. I would call them plunger valves (the 2 movable reverse shaped plugs) but I don't no any of the real names for these parts.

 

[OldFartDIY]

I got new O rings and gaskets to rebuild it. And the two seats are in good shape with no pitting so I think it will work ok in the end.

 

[TomFOhio]

I'm trying to look at your picture but the cold seat to me looks like a small chunk is out of it. Maybe its just the picture.

 

[OldFartDIY]

I'm trying to look at your picture but the cold seat to me looks like a small chunk is out of it. Maybe its just the picture.

That is the inside shoulder below the actual seat, there is a small chunk. If I can find a replacement or repair the plunger I can test it.

 

[Twowaxhack]

My dentist taught me how to repair a faucet seat like a tooth.

File the bad area away and use solder to fill in the area. Then smoothie over with a file.

Great temporary fix

 

[OldFartDIY]

I think I have confused people by posting the photos. The ONLY problem I have with this is the broken plunger valve that snapped off at the thread line. So just looking for helpful advice on replacing it or repairing it.

 

[Twowaxhack]

I think I have confused people by posting the photos. The ONLY problem I have with this is the broken plunger valve that snapped off at the thread line. So just looking for helpful advice on replacing it or repairing it.

Order a new one if it’s available. Check with Chicago Faucet Shoppe.

 

[rcjunk]

Hey @OldFartDIY did you ever get that valve fixed? I have the same valve and I think it's broken in the same way...

 

[Geofd]

Have you sent Crane pictures????? They are still in biz....

 

[rcjunk]

I called crane, and they said they wouldn't have anything that old. They redirected me to DEABath.com....
I've emailed DEABath. I'll see if they have anything. (I couldn't find the obvious parts on their website.

 

[havasu]

It may be a perfect time to retrofit that old valve with something newer and more common?

 

[rcjunk]

I agree. I just thought it would be worth one last check before drilling big holes into the backside of this concrete wall....

 

[havasu]

Concrete walls? Ugh!

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

...but I am trying to keep the old original fixtures...Does anyone have any helpful hints or ideas?

Well, if you search long enough and hard enough you may find identical models to what you have on eBay or similar, but they will be removed from service and suffer the same issues you have? Maybe the thing to do is get a modern faucet that looks old. I'm sure there are some manufacturers of these retro look things, you are not the only one wanting to keep the character of your lovely old home.

My two cents: one thing disturbs me however, and that is, you are showing these external (very cool!) pipes and valves on what is to be a shower? And that looks like plain old drywall behind it, not even the "damp proof" green board and certainly not "waterproof" tile backer board or Hardiboard for the tile. Even if you cover it all with RedGuard or similar, I think it's trouble waiting to happen...unless you have some other plan in place.