Review on Chrome RP54870 Reno Repair Trim Kit: Enhance Delta 600 Series Tub and Shower Trim Kits with Delta Faucet Shower Handle by Edgar Gomez

My 1990's Delta (600 series) bath and shower faucets began to drip from the stem. I knew I could probably just order and replace the internals to stop the leak, but the VERY dated crystal style pen was just begging for an upgrade. This set fits perfectly. The first thing I did was search for "Delta 600 series" on YouTube. The first video made by user ramonasplumber gave a very good and detailed tutorial. Great help! The biggest problem with installing this kit is very carefully removing the old cap from the dome threads behind the grip. If you try to twist it with brute force, you will irreparably DAMAGE the underlying valve, necessitating a complete valve replacement. I just used large channel locks and a rubber mallet. Once I got a good grip on the cap, I hit the channel locks with increasing force until it broke (just like an impact wrench with stubborn screws). With years of mineral build up on each of the two Delta faucets I restored with this kit, with a little patience this method worked great. Once you've removed the lid, the rest of the work is pretty easy to do. Another very helpful tip (which I learned from a YouTube video) was to use silicone plumber's grease (make sure the silicone doesn't swell the rubber o-rings) on all moving parts. After completing the work, the movement of the handle became very smooth and comfortable. Note. When I installed one of these kits on a faucet I was sure something had gone wrong. After lubricating the steel ball with silicone, the weight of the handle continued to close the valve on its own (top to bottom). I pretended I was in the shower and it turned itself off. As soon as I brought the water back inside, the pressure immediately set it in place and held it in place. No big deal - wow! I already have several complaints about the hot and cold water valve not turning on. I'm not sure what they're talking about as the bottom of the long part of the button shows the appropriate temperature selection. Left for hot, right for cold. The kit instructions specifically mention that the steel ball must be installed in a specific way to ensure proper operation. So be sure to check them when installing. The only real performance difference I've noticed is the slightly reduced water pressure for each faucet as it exits the showerhead. It didn't bother me much, but I noticed it. This may be due to stricter water reduction regulations, but I'm not sure as it hasn't been reduced enough to compel me to investigate. So this high quality kit gave me a brand new upgraded faucet without having to replace the faucet or tear the wall apart. It should be good for another decade or so before you worry about it!