Help with Shower Control valve? (image attached)

[davefr]

Hi,
I have a guest bathroom/shower and my guests complain that it's always too hot. I removed the control cover and discovered the cold water stop valve was completely shut. (could have been that way since house was built in '92).

I could not open the valve. It's very tight. Plan B is to heat it up with a torch and try with a better fitting screwdriver.

Here are my questions:

1. Does anyone know a source for these stop valves. It looks like the bushing insert/valve assembly could be replaced. (stubborn valve is to the right of the control in the image)

2. Can anyone identify the manufacturer of this one handled control/cartridge. I can't find any manufacturer markings.

3. Any other suggestions on getting this stuck inline stop valve turned on?? Where can I find this stop valve or it's insert. I've searched and come up empty.

Below is the valve that's stuck in the off position. Any tricks of the trade to get if unstuck and on?

 

[johnjh2o]

You can try loosening the packing nut. Just be sure the water is turned off. Also keep in mind it may be just a 1/4 turn valve.

 

[phishfood]

A bigger screwdriver, with a clean, straight tip on it. Also, try some solid taps on the handle of the screwdriver with a small hammer both before and as you are trying to turn it. Try turning it both ways.

 

[LockePlumbing]

The brand is price pfister and that particular one has a new style cartridge. You have to change the handle and esc. And everything. New number of the cartridge is 974-042.

 

[davefr]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!!

The house is over at the coast and I do plan to give that screw valve another try with a better fitting screwdriver and more torque. (maybe some gentle heat, penetrant and light taps)

If that fails, Plan B is to remove that entire bushing that houses the valve. (I don't know if it even is a std. bushing?? If so how does it seal the valve??). As long as it's 1/2" NPT O.D. threads, I can probably remove it and plug the hole to get cold always on.

These screw in stop valves are not integrated into the shower control. They look like add on valves. (sweated to the pipe and threaded onto the control. I've searched and searched and can't find them anywhere nor can I find any online link to them.

Anyone have a link to an online catalog of valves or fittings that could possible list them??