[sjc67]

I am working on a condo that was converted from an apartment 20 years ago. It was built in 1977. There are two shut off valves going to the shower in order to repair or replace the stem. They appear to be 1/2 inch male thread screwed into the copper, much like a bushing. A screw driver would then be used to turn the insert valve inside them. One of them is frozen so I may have to replace the valve.
Are they called integral valves? I have done a preliminary search online since big box stores would never carry anything like this. If anyone can tell me what they are called and maybe a place to find them. Maybe a tip to get the frozen one moving. Thanks

[Reedwalker]

A picture would help here.

Integral shut off refers to a shut off that is built right into the valve itself.

It sounds like your speaking of a threaded ball valve that I usually refer to as a balancing cock. Generally not used as a shut off, but usually used on hydronic systems in order to balance flow.

Seems like the easy fix is to replace both of them with a new ball valve.

[sjc67]

Upon further look behind the shower (meaning I used a falshlight this time) the shut offs are part of the mixing valve. This is a cheap fiberglass tub/shower insert, there is a fiberglass shower on the other side of the wall. So opening the wall to replace the mixing valve is not an option. Has anyone ever seen replacement parts for mixing valves? Am I going to have to try and find another one and steal parts form the new to fix the old?

[havasu]

Mixing valve repair parts are usually readily available at most big box hardware stores. If not, you will have to make lots of calls to specialists who may have the needed parts.

You mention having a fiberglass shower directly behind this bad valve. Some fiberglass showers can be disected apart allowing access for a full valve replacement on the opposite side and while you are at it, both valves could be replaced with up to date, safety valves.

[ProFlowPlumbing]

What i believe you are refering to is a pressure ballancing valve or sometimes called an isolation valve.These are mandatory in multi-family dwellings here in California.This allows the valve to be serviced without having to shut down the main to complexes that have only one main servicing many units.
If the valve is a MOEN then you can easily find parts.If not.......then good luck.Also if one of the shut off valves is frozen (probably the hot side) good luck.
I usually replace the valve.

[Reedwalker]

Find the name of the manufacturer on the valve and call their tech support. They can help you get the parts you need.