Repairing Guides

how to repair a bathtub faucet stem

by Jacquelyn VonRueden Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here’s a quick how-to:

  • Pry away the index cap at the front of the handle to access the handle screw. Remove the screw and pull. Use a handle puller if it’s stuck. ...
  • Use pliers or a deep-socket wrench to gently turn the stem counterclockwise.
  • Wrap Teflon tape around the base of your stem and screw it into place.
  • Replace the handle hardware.

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House
1:10
7:15
A good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down theMoreA good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down the drain. All right so there's that and what's behind here is a Phillips screw.

Full Answer

How do you repair a bathtub faucet?

  • Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
  • Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
  • Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
  • If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.

How to repair a leaky faucet stem?

Start with the retaining nut, then look for other problems

  • Tighten retaining nut. If you're lucky, you can fix your leaking faucet by simply tightening the nut under the handle. ...
  • Remove the stem. Next, remove the faucet stem. ...
  • Replace washer assembly. Keep track of the parts as you disassemble the faucet so you can install the new ones in the same order.
  • Remove the vacuum breaker cap. ...
  • Vacuum breaker parts. ...

How to fix a leaky faucet?

Unscrew the headgear nut using a spanner.

  • Locate the headgear nut under the decorative cap
  • Keep the screw and handle somewhere safe so that you find it when you want to put the tap back together.
  • Put the plug in the plughole to stop any screws falling down the pipes.

How to repair a shower valve stem?

Tools you may need:

  • Phillips-Head screwdriver
  • Slotted screwdriver
  • Wrench (Some shower faucets require a specialized tool, a cartridge puller, to remove the cartridge. Read your manufacturer’s manual for more information.)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Hex key (Sometimes called an Allen key, this tool is needed to remove some faucet handles.)

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How do you remove an old bathtub faucet stem?

Remove it with a special bath socket wrench, which looks like a spark plug wrench on steroids. Slide the bath socket onto the stem bonnet and turn it counterclockwise to break the stem loose. If it sticks, soak it with penetrating lubricant. Unscrew and remove the stem.

Can you repair a faucet stem?

0:121:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.

How do you replace a plastic tub faucet stem?

1:383:20Repairing a Leaky Two-Three Handle Tub-Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you purchase your new stem you can install it into your faucet. Replace. The plastic stem byMoreOnce you purchase your new stem you can install it into your faucet. Replace. The plastic stem by placing into the faucet body next to screw on the retainer nut depending.

How do you replace a faucet stem?

7:038:06How do I replace the stem in my double handle faucet? Part 3YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it faces forward push your cap back in same way on this one there's a C for cold. Put that oneMoreSo it faces forward push your cap back in same way on this one there's a C for cold. Put that one back in push it down now you've learned to change your stem.

How do you take apart a faucet stem?

1:035:29Faucet stem repair and replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a brass stem you'll need to remove this by using a wrench and rotating it in the onMoreIf you have a brass stem you'll need to remove this by using a wrench and rotating it in the on direction until it threads out entirely.

How do I identify a faucet stem?

It is easiest for us to identify your stem or handle needs by measuring your stem from the left where the washer is attached to the right where the handle fits on the knurled end (The Broached end).Broached ends are unique by manufacturer and is critical when identifying your stem or cartridge.More items...

How do you remove a plastic faucet stem?

0:312:51How to Remove a Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy turning them counterclockwise.MoreBy turning them counterclockwise.

How do you remove a plastic shower faucet stem?

0:122:05How To Replace Plastic Tub Cartridges To Stop Drips Or Leaks ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese look good you can use your finger and feel around make sure everything's clear.MoreThese look good you can use your finger and feel around make sure everything's clear.

How do you remove the cartridge from a bathtub faucet?

0:111:21Fixing Faucets : How to Replace a Difficult Tub Faucet CartridgeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this puller simply fits on to the cartridge. Tightens its tightens into place you rotate it getMoreAnd this puller simply fits on to the cartridge. Tightens its tightens into place you rotate it get it to to work all the way around.

How do you stop a leaky faucet stem?

1:157:15How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down theMoreA good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down the drain. All right so there's that and what's behind here is a Phillips screw.How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you replace a shower faucet stem?

How do you fix a Delta faucet stem?

0:386:35Replacing a single handle kitchen faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI unscrew the actual supply on top with the wrench here once I get it loose I can go ahead and justMoreI unscrew the actual supply on top with the wrench here once I get it loose I can go ahead and just use the wrench until I get it loose enough to get with my hand.Replacing a single handle kitchen faucet - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do I remove a single stem faucet?

How do you remove the stem from a sink faucet?

0:402:56How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next you will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the handle.How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you remove a single handle faucet stem?

How do you remove a broken faucet stem?

Stop a faucet stem leak A new rubber washer under the packing nut usually fixes leaks around the stem and handle. If a faucet leaks around the handle, you either have a loose packing nut or a bad packing washer. First try tightening the nut with a wrench or pliers.

How to remove a stem from a bath tub?

Slide the bath socket onto the stem bonnet and turn it counterclockwise to break the stem loose. If it sticks, soak it with penetrating lubricant. Unscrew and remove the stem.

What causes a faucet to leak?

Worn rubber washers, seals or gaskets in the valve assem bly cause most leaks. Here we'll show you how to fix a stem-type valve, which is common in older, two-handle faucets (separate hot and cold). We won't cover single-handle faucets here.

Why does my seat washer leak?

Leaks usually occur for two reasons. Over time, the seat washer stiffens and won't seal tightly. And water pressure gradually erodes the brass rim of the seat. Replace the seat using a special seat wrench. Press the seat wrench firmly into the center of the seat.

Is it cheaper to fix a leaky faucet or a plumber?

The entire job, with special tools, may set you back a bit of cash, but doing it yourself is a lot cheaper than hiring a plumber, and usually much cheaper and easier than tearing out the old faucet and installing a new one.

What wrench to use to fit a bathtub stem?

If the stem nut is behind the wall, use a stem wrench, which is a deep socket wrench made to fit a bathtub stem.

How to loosen recessed stem?

If the stem protrudes far enough past the wall surface, loosen it with an adjustable wrench or groove-joint pliers. For a recessed stem, use a stem wrench.

What is a diverter on a tub faucet?

The diverter on a three-handle tub faucet is essentially a stem. When its washer presses against the seat, water cannot rise up to the showerhead and is diverted to the tub spout.

How does a shower faucet work?

A two-handle stem shower faucet has a stem with a washer that presses against a seat to seal off water.

What to do if water drips out of shower spout?

If water drips out the spout or the showerhead, replace a worn washer with a new one that is exactly the same size.

Can you call a plumber for a leaky shower faucet?

A leaky faucet is one of the most common concerns amongst homeowners, so if you hear dripping, don't call the plumber yet. Like most electrical, plumbing, or other handywork, repairs to your faucet are ...

Where is the valve stem on a faucet?

The valve stem is located under the handle of the faucet. They can rust over time, or the threads could have stripped when a prior owner installed or worked on the faucet. Fortunately this is a fairly quick and easy fix for an annoying problem. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

Where is the main water valve located?

The main water valve should be located by the water meter, usually outside the house. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Then, turn the faucet on to release any excess water in the pipes.

Can a bathtub faucet be knurled?

In a newer simple system, there is usually only the collar, but older faucets, especially bathtub faucets, may have a knurled fitting that can be removed with a channel lock . There may also be some hexagonal parts that you will have to use a wrench to take care of.

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