Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Buying New Tub Faucets

So we're putting in wall surrounds (drywall had rotted out, etc.) and thought we'd try to fix our faucet problem at the same time. We have two faucets and you had to turn the hot handle about half a turn before the water would go on. Thought we just needed a new adaptor. Turns out we had to crack off the handle to get to the screw and the adaptor and all other pieces are corroded together (likely original to the 1972 house). So we thought okay, we have to replace the whole faucets, since we can't take the adaptor or stem out of the old flange nothing can be saved. There's no brand name on anything so we bought universal parts. The total cost by the time I got all the little pieces (stems, handles, etc.) was $45. Geez. I would rather have dealt with having to turn the handle half a turn b4 it came on! They had some really nice units with everything (drain and shower too) for $70. So my question - could I have just gotten a whole nice new set, or does that totally depend upon the brand, my piping size, etc.? It's frustrating because there are so many variables! :mad:

When you shop for bath fixtures you have to ask about being able to get parts if you need them down the line. Major manufacturers have replacement parts. They are initially more expensive but can be repaired rather than replaced. You can also buy a less expensive brand and get parts at the same time so you know you have them. All boils down to what you want to spend. Most name brands last a long time and work well. Some of the discount ones don't work well from the day you install them.

Yes, I would have recommended replacing the entire tub/shower valve while you had the walls open. Any brand or model could have been installed. Some minor plumbing work involved in connecting the pipes to the new valve.

If you have already buttoned up the wall, you may have to live with what you have for a while. I would suggest taking your old parts to a good plumbing supply house who can identify the brand and model. " Universal" parts are often less than satisfactory in a shower, so you may soon be repairing it again. If you can get a set of new parts (genuine brand) you can usually rebuild a tub/shower to like-new condition which will give you many more years of service.