Shower Stem Valve Replacement
by
James A
Replaced hot, cold and diverter stem valves in my shower.
*Options I considered for this project:
Hiring a plumber was the only other option to doing it myself. Thought I would give it at try.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
The number of stems and handles to match up. Frozen stem valves make removal a nightmare. Didn't realize there were separate stems for hot and cold.
* Cost Comments:
Washers are only a couple dollars. If you can, just replace the old washers.
*My motivation to do this project:
My facuet was leaking.
*Project Steps:
Preparation. Arranged tools so I could reach them easily. Removed handles and decorative aluminum sleeves around stems. Had to use plumber's wrench to loosen. Protected finish with towel. Extracted diverter stem (the middle handle that changes from tub flow to shower head). Turned off water main. Removed hot then cold stems. This was difficult. Used two spark plug sockets - one small to fit the stem, one large to fit the other socket. Used T-slide breaker bar. This was all I could do to break the stems loose. Examined for washer wear. Determined replacement was the only choice. Went to Home Depot and with an associate found correct replacements to include handles. Replacement was the revese and much easier. Turned on water main and tested. No more leak. Cleanup.
Advice:
Don't crush the decorative sleeve with pliers (it's easy to do). Do prepare for applying a lot of leverage on the stems as they want to stay put. Don't be afraid to spend time checking and double checking all your parts, with an associate. Do place a towel on the side of the tub to sit on makes life more pleasurable after several hours. Do replace only the washers if stems look in good shape.
Materials:
Diverter stem - $15.00
Hot and Cold Stem Valve - $26.00
Replacement Handles - $10.00
*Options I considered for this project:
Hiring a plumber was the only other option to doing it myself. Thought I would give it at try.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
The number of stems and handles to match up. Frozen stem valves make removal a nightmare. Didn't realize there were separate stems for hot and cold.
* Cost Comments:
Washers are only a couple dollars. If you can, just replace the old washers.
*My motivation to do this project:
My facuet was leaking.
*Project Steps:
Preparation. Arranged tools so I could reach them easily. Removed handles and decorative aluminum sleeves around stems. Had to use plumber's wrench to loosen. Protected finish with towel. Extracted diverter stem (the middle handle that changes from tub flow to shower head). Turned off water main. Removed hot then cold stems. This was difficult. Used two spark plug sockets - one small to fit the stem, one large to fit the other socket. Used T-slide breaker bar. This was all I could do to break the stems loose. Examined for washer wear. Determined replacement was the only choice. Went to Home Depot and with an associate found correct replacements to include handles. Replacement was the revese and much easier. Turned on water main and tested. No more leak. Cleanup.
Advice:
Don't crush the decorative sleeve with pliers (it's easy to do). Do prepare for applying a lot of leverage on the stems as they want to stay put. Don't be afraid to spend time checking and double checking all your parts, with an associate. Do place a towel on the side of the tub to sit on makes life more pleasurable after several hours. Do replace only the washers if stems look in good shape.
Materials:
Diverter stem - $15.00
Hot and Cold Stem Valve - $26.00
Replacement Handles - $10.00
This is the Diverter Valve Stem. It diverts water from the faucet to the shower head and is in the middle.
Hot stems trn Counterclockwise, cold the opposite.
There are many sizes and many are standardized. Double check and take your handles to the store with you. Each package has a precut hole to test the size.
My torque system - Small spark plug socket over the stem nut, Large spark plug sockett over the small Big T breaker bar. Worked perfectly!
My shower controls. Easy on and off. No leaks. Think about this project evry time I shower!
Comments
Join the conversation
2 comments
-
I want to replace my shower head, What do I need to do in order to remove the old one. Will I need to cut the sheet rock?
-
No! It just screws off. Then screw the new one on. Wrap the end of the pipe once with plumber's tape.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?