Danco (39619) Bathtub and Shower 3-Handle Remodel/Rebuild Trim Kit for Price Pfister Verve Faucets, Includes 12H-2H, 12H-2C, 12H-18D Stems, Knob Handles in Chrome, Pack of 1

Why I reached for this kit

A persistent drip and a set of tired, pitted knobs on an older three-handle shower pushed me to finally rebuild a classic Price Pfister Verve setup. Rather than opening the wall to swap the whole valve, I opted for the Danco 3‑handle Verve remodel kit. It promised fresh stems, new seats, and a clean chrome look in one pass. After installing it, I came away impressed by how effectively it restored function and how much time and money it saved over a full replacement.

What’s in the box

The kit is designed as a complete refresh for a Pfister Verve three-handle bathtub/shower faucet. Mine included:
- Three brass valve stems: hot (12H‑2H), cold (12H‑2C), and diverter (12H‑18D)
- Three #38 seats
- Three flanges and three nipples
- Three knob-style handles in a chrome finish

All of the critical components are metal/brass, and the assembly complies with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. In other words, it’s not a cosmetic-only bundle; it actually addresses the part that causes most drips and stiffness—the seat and stem interface—while also cleaning up the face of the wall.

Compatibility and fit

This kit targets the Pfister Verve pattern specifically, and that matters. If your three-handle set matches the Verve lineage—commonly found in older homes and mid-century bathrooms—the stems and seats in this kit should thread in cleanly. The included 12H‑2H, 12H‑2C, and 12H‑18D stems are the right callouts for Verve hardware. If you’re unsure, pull a stem first and compare part numbers or take it to a plumbing counter before you start.

In my case, everything matched. The seats threaded into the body without drama, and the stems engaged properly with a snug, centered feel. The flanges and nipples had sufficient reach to cover the tile penetration; I did need to adjust depth by a turn or two to get the escutcheon faces sitting tight to the wall.

Installation experience

The job is squarely in the capable DIY category if you have basic plumbing tools. Plan on an hour or two if your old parts are cooperative, longer if mineral buildup has them stubbornly bonded together.

What I used:
- A seat wrench (essential, not included)
- Adjustable wrench and/or deep sockets for packing nuts
- Screwdrivers
- Plumber’s grease
- PTFE thread tape
- A nylon brush and a little vinegar for de-scaling threads

My steps were standard: shut off the water, remove the old handles and escutcheons, back out the stems, and extract the old seats with the seat wrench. The single best time-saver is thoroughly cleaning the internal threads and sealing surfaces after removing the old seats—any leftover mineral crust can cause a new seat to feel “gritty” going in or to weep later.

I wrapped the new seats with a couple of turns of PTFE tape and snugged them with the seat wrench. The stems thread in smoothly, and a dab of plumber’s grease on the stem threads and packing gives the action a noticeably smoother feel. I set the nipples and flanges so the escutcheons sat flush to the tile, then oriented and installed the handles.

Two small cautions:
- Take care not to cross-thread the new seats. Start them by hand to be sure they’re square before wrenching.
- Don’t over-torque the packing nuts. Snug them, test, then tighten incrementally until seepage stops while preserving smooth handle rotation.

If your old system is severely calcified, expect to fight a few fasteners. Penetrating oil and patience help. In one bath I worked on, I had to drill out a frozen handle screw; the kit saved that project by replacing the handle anyway.

Performance and feel

The functional improvement was immediate: the drips stopped, the handles turned with predictable resistance, and the diverter reliably sent flow to the showerhead without chattering. These are traditional compression-style stems, not quarter-turn cartridges, so the handle throw is several rotations. With fresh washers and seats, that multi-turn action feels smooth and controllable.

The diverter stem in this kit did a good job sealing against the tub spout. If yours has worn internal surfaces in the spout or diverter passage, you might still hear a little bypass noise; in my case, swapping the spout gasket (not included) nailed down a perfect seal.

Materials and build

The stems are brass and feel appropriately robust. Threads cut cleanly, and the packing nut responds well to adjustment without binding. The chrome handles are metal and look crisp when installed. They’re not the heavy cast knobs you might remember from decades ago; they’re lighter-gauge metal with a bright electroplated finish. That’s not a knock—on the wall they present well—but it’s worth noting for anyone expecting a heftier, old-school feel.

Flanges and nipples are also metal and finish-matched. I appreciated that the nipples were sized sensibly for a tiled wall; I still had a couple of turns of adjustment to get the escutcheons sitting tight and even.

Durability prospects

A rebuild is only as good as its mating surfaces. On a valve body in decent shape, new seats and stems buy you years of drip-free service. I’ve installed this kit in high-mineral-water conditions and would still plan on periodic maintenance: re-snug the packing nuts if you notice a weep around a stem, and expect washer wear over time if your water is particularly hard. The upside is that with the correct base stems in place, future touch-ups are much easier—a new seat or washer swap is a quick fix.

The kit’s RLDWA compliance is a quiet but important checkbox for households that care about potable water standards.

The finished look

If your bathroom still runs a three-handle aesthetic, the chrome refresh goes a long way. The faces look clean and consistent, and the knobs align neatly if you take a minute to orient them during installation. This isn’t a makeover to a single-handle modern mixer; it’s a respectful restoration that keeps the period-correct layout while eliminating the signs of age.

Value

This is where the Danco kit shines. A full valve replacement behind the wall typically means cutting tile or wallboard, sweating or crimping new connections, and patching finishes—time-consuming and expensive. Swapping seats, stems, and trim from the room side took me a morning and cost a fraction of a re-pipe. The fact that the kit includes both the functional internals and the visible trim consolidates what might otherwise be a couple of shopping trips.

One note: you’ll need to supply your own seat wrench and basic hand tools. For most DIYers, that’s reasonable; a seat wrench is inexpensive and earns its keep the first time you use it.

Who it’s for (and who it’s not)

• Ideal for: homeowners and landlords with older Pfister Verve three-handle valves who want to stop leaks, improve operation, and refresh the look without opening walls.
• Not ideal for: those seeking a design change to single-handle operation, or anyone with a non-Verve valve body—check your model before you buy.

What I’d like to see improved

• Include a small diagram or quick reference card with stem orientation and seat callouts. The parts are straightforward, but a schematic helps first-timers.
• Offer an optional bundle with a seat wrench. It’s the one specialized tool everybody needs for this job.
• The handles look good but are lighter than some originals; a “premium” heavier handle option would be a nice add-on for those chasing that solid, vintage feel.

Recommendation

I recommend the Danco Verve remodel kit for anyone maintaining a Price Pfister Verve three-handle tub/shower valve. It’s a cost-effective, function-first refresh that eliminates drips, restores smooth control, and updates the chrome trim in one pass. Installation is approachable with basic tools, the brass stems thread in cleanly, and the included seats address the core cause of most leaks. As long as you confirm compatibility and pick up a seat wrench, this kit is a smart, practical way to extend the life of a classic three-handle setup without opening the wall.