In a faucet, the moving parts are called valves. When the valves break down, they begin to leak and the faucet drips. Like many older faucet manufacturers, Strom Plumbing originally used compression valves in their lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, and clawfoot tub faucets. When technology introduced the ceramic disk valve, Strom Plumbing converted to the more modern valve. They now offer ceramic disk valves exclusively but for many years Strom Plumbing gave customers the option of either valve type. The compression valve appeased restorers concerned with historical accuracy while the ceramic disk valves pleased renovators looking for the reliability of ceramic disk valves.
Strom Plumbing (also known as Sign of the Crab) versatility did create a problem, however. Repairing a Strom Plumbing faucet became more difficult because the faucet owner now needed to know if their faucet was configured with compression valves or ceramic disk valves. Although the faucets look identical, the internal valves are different and not interchangeable. Therefore, you must determine if the faucet has compression valves or ceramic disk valves in order to repair it with the correct parts.
Strom Plumbing ceramic disk valves only require a quarter turn to fully open or close the valve. This can be a hint that your faucet was likely configured with ceramic disk valves but it is no guarantee. To determine with certainty if the faucet has compression valves or ceramic disk valves, you must inspect the valve. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Next, uninstall the handle from the valve stem. Depending on the type of faucet, remove the packing nut or escutcheon. Finally, unscrew the valve from the faucet body and inspect it.
The valve pictured at left is an example of a Strom Plumbing compression valve. Strom Plumbing used several different types of compression valves, depending on the faucet,
so your valve may not perfectly match the valve pictured. Strom Plumbing compression valves have a hard rubber washer (usually black) secured to the bottom of the stem assembly by a screw through the center of the washer. Turning the faucet handle rotates a stem at the other end of the valve which causes the rubber washer to press against a seat in the valve body to seal the valve or lifts the washer away from the seat to open it. Eventually the rubber washer wears out. Hard water and over tightening the handles are particularly damaging to the washer. Eventually, the rubber washer will wear out and the faucet will begin to drip. Repair kits that include replacement washers for Strom Plumbing compression valves are available from Shop 4 Classics. If compression valves are not maintained, it may be necessary to replace the complete stem assembly. This is more expensive than replacing the washers but is still more economical than replacing the faucet.The valve pictured at right is a Strom Plumbing ceramic disk valve. As is the case with
compression valves, there are different types of ceramic valves. Therefore, your valve may not exactly match the valve pictured but the photo should help you with identification. Ceramic disk valves rely on two-part revolving ceramic disks in a sealed brass cylinder. Turning the faucet handles rotates the valve stem causing the disk to rotate inside the cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that, when aligned with the other, will allow water to pass through the valve. The white disks are usually visible through holes in the brass cylinder. The ceramic disks have a much longer lifespan than rubber washers and are impervious to contaminants such as sand or sediment. If a ceramic disk valve leaks, it is typically because a disk has cracked. It may be a hairline crack that is undetectable to the naked eye. Unlike the washers in compression valves, you can not replace the disk. If a ceramic disk valve leaks, the entire cartridge must be replaced. Again, replacing a ceramic disk cartridge is more economical than replacing the faucet.New Strom Plumbing kitchen faucets, lavatory faucets, tub and shower sets, and clawfoot tub faucets feature modern ceramic disk valves. The ceramic disk valves are backed by a five year manufacturer warranty; although they should provide many, many more years of satisfactory use. If repairs are required, you can be assured that Strom Plumbing will continue to support it's faucets as it has for over 30 years.
10 comments: