How to change tap valve with unusual size?

[avalon018]

Hello,

I want to change the tap valves of my shower. When I opened the tap spindle I saw there was an extender, then the tap valve. However the tap valve is smaller than the 12mm tap valve normally sold in hardware retailers like Bunnings. I did Google search and tried 10mm tap valve and saw they are sold in some places like Mitre10 and Reece. I went to buy the FIX-A-TAP Delaware Tap Valve 10mm but when putting them in they are too wide and did not fit.

I then took some measurement and the 12mm tap valve is 20mmD(diameter)x20mmL(length from the top of the valve to the end of the stick) while the old tap valve was something like 18mmDx16mmL (on the left in the attached photo).

Where could I purchase the matching tap valve to replace the old valve?

TIA

[EricL]

Hello @avalon018 

The tap valve that you have is an older type of model. Back then a certain tap valve manufacturer produced a line of tapware with this smaller valve. They made it so that you wouldn't be able to use any other type of valve except theirs. Meanwhile the rest of the tap manufacturers got together and decided to standardize the tap valve size. 

This type of tap valve is still available, however you'll need to go to a specialist plumbing shop in order to get one. I recommend bringing the old tap valve with you so that you can be sure that the replacement piece you get is exactly the same.

If you are planning a renovation sometime in the future, I recommend changing your shower set to the new standard. In this manner you'll be able to repair it with ordinary tap valves.  

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric