Pressure Balance Repair Kit K-5300FS

These are very hard to find ! Was so happy to find it here !

I have gone through 5 of these in 22 years. The original one lasted several years. Since then, two leaked immediately upon installation and two lasted about two years each. The replacement is supposed to be RGP71969. The diagram on the package shows an unidentified adapter between the 71969 and the GP800820 cartridge. The 71969 will not match properly with the 8009820 without the adapter. Neither replacement parts-houses not I can identify the adapter. Can you help me?

Not OEM! When fitted with the replace PBU unit, this kit leaked right away. Water from faucet would not turn off! May be the new design is not a 100% direct replacement of the orginal Sterling kit.

I was happy that I'd finally found the replacement part for my discontinued Sterling shower mixing valve. If your valve is marked B4304, this seem to be the right replacement. This unit, however, has major quality control problems. First, it came with the incorrect O-rings that interface with the pressure balance unit, but luckily I had appropriate replacements. Second, I installed the unit and was pleased that it solved my faucet drip problem, only to find that it leaks badly around the stem when the valve is opened! This is not acceptable performance for a part that is as expensive as this. Too bad there are no returns if you've installed the item. I'd recommend hiring a plumber to install a more modern shower valve body instead of trying to fix this valve. If you do give it a try don't get your hopes up.