Paul's Travel Pictures

Shower & Tub Faucet Valve Stem Replacement Guide
How to repair or replace a leaking hot or cold water faucet valve stem for a shower, tub or sink including pictures.

Main Menu            Home           Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures            Articles            My Blog

 

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-001
3 Handle Tub/Shower
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-002
Hot Water Leaking Out
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-003
Remove Trim Cap & Screw
This home repair and maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist homeowners with three handle (hot, diverter, cold) Price Pfister brand fixtures in replacing a leaky hot or cold water faucet valve stem for a shower, tub or sink.

These DIY instructions should also be helpful for replacing other similar faucet valve stems from manufacturers such as Delta, Kohler, American Standard, Glacier Bay, Peerless, Sears, Danco, Gerber, Sterling, Moen, Crane and Nibco.

To complete this procedure, you'll need the following tools: a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a set of plumber sockets, a faucet seat removal tool, a roll of plumbers Teflon tape and a new faucet valve stem that matches the original unit from your kitchen or bathroom.

You might be able to stop the water leak by just replacing the rubber washer at the end of the valve stem that pushes against the metal seat.

For a long term repair, I recommend just replacing both the valve stem assembly and the seat.



 
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-004
Spin Out Phillips Screw
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-005
Long Screw Removed
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-006
Pull Off Faucet Handle
The first step is to turn off the water supply.

Since the leaking faucet in our bath tub was the hot water valve, I was able to just turn off the hot water supply valve located above the hot water heater.

If you have a leaky cold water faucet in your tub or shower, you will need to turn off the water to the entire house.

For a leaking sink faucet, just turn off the water supply valves located under the sink by turning them clockwise until they stop.

If your faucet handle has a trim cap, gently pry it off with a small flathead screwdriver and set it aside in a safe place.

Remove the screw that secures the faucet handle in place by turning it counterclockwise with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Set the long Phillips head screw aside in a safe place.

Gently pull off the faucet handle.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-007
Remove Trim Ring
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-008
Flathead Screw On Side
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-009
Old Stem In Sleeve
Loosen the fastener on the chrome metal ring or "collar" around the faucet sleeve by loosening the flathead screwdriver in the counterclockwise direction.

Slide the collar off the sleeve and set it aside.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-010
Handle Splines Extension
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-011
Turn Off Water Supply
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-012
Plumber's Socket Set
Your valve stem might have a splines extension bar piece. Pull it off and set it aside.

If you haven't already, remember to turn off the water supply!

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-013
Packing Nut - End of Stem
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-014
Removing Packing Nut
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-015
Loosen Counterclockwise
An optional step is to first remove the "packing nut" located at the end of the old valve stem.

I was concerned that it might interfere with the larger plumber socket while removing the valve stem.

I used a 27/32" plumber socket to remove the packing nut by turning it counterclockwise.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-016 Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-017
Packing Nut Removed
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-018
Once the old packing nut was out of the way, I was able to more easily get a look at the valve stem.
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-019
Twist Off Metal Sleeve
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-020
Trim Sleeve (Tube) Removed
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-021
Old Faucet Stem Exposed
If your faucet has a trim sleeve (metal tube) installed on the old valve, remove it by twisting it off in the counterclockwise direction.

Set the sleeve aside in a safe place.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-022
31/32" Counterclockwise
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-023
Loosening Valve Stem
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-024
Valve Stem Removed
Then use a plumber socket to remove the old valve stem by turning it counterclockwise.

If you have trouble removing the old valve stem, make sure the valve is all the way open (out towards you), just in case the old rubber washer is stuck to the old seat or rubbing against it.

This Price Pfister valve stem from 1987 required the use of a 31/32" plumbers socket.



 

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-025
Old Metal Seat
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-026
Inspecting Old Stem
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-027
Original 1987 Price Pfister
Inspect the old valve stem.

Our old valve stem was rusted and damaged beyond repair. The rubber seat washer was missing and the metal rim around the washer was partially missing.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-028
Washer Missing - Broken Rim
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-029
New Part & Tool
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-030
New PartsmasterPro Stem
I purchased a new PartsmasterPro Hot & Cold Valve Stem which was compatible with Price Pfister for just $10. It also included a replacement "seat".

The six sizes stepped faucet seat wrench was about $7.50.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-031
Stepped Seat Removal Tool
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-032
Loosen Counterclockwise
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-033
Old Seat Removed
Test fit the two sides of the faucet seat wrench to see which side has a better grip on the old seat.

Loosen the old seat by turning the tool counterclockwise.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-034
Old Seat & New Seat
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-035
Black Plastic Gasket
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-036
Install Washer On Stem
Continue loosening the old seat in the counterclockwise direction until it can be removed.

Push the "bonnet washer" (plastic gasket) on to the threads of the new valve stem.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-037
Teflon Tape On Seat
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-038
Attach New Seat To Tool
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-039
Tighten Clockwise
Wrap some plumbers Teflon tape around the threads on the new seat.

Attach the new seat to the wrench.

Tighten the new seat in to place by turning it clockwise to just barely past hand tight.

Try to avoid over tightening the new seat.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-040
New Faucet Valve Stem
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-041
Spin In Clockwise
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-042
31/32" Tighten Clockwise
Line up the new valve stem and carefully spin it in to place in the clockwise direction.

Try to avoid cross threading the new valve stem.

Use the 31/32" plumber socket to tighten the new valve stem to just past hand tight.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-043
New Valve Stem Installed
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-045
Packing Nut - New Valve
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-046
Tighten Packing Nut
Use the 27/32" plumber socket to tighten the smaller "packing nut" near the end of the new valve stem in the clockwise direction until it is snug.
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-044
Turn On Hot Water
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-047
Test New Faucet Valve
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-048
Spin On Metal Sleeve
I recommend testing the new valve stem before finish re-assembly all of the trim pieces and the handle.

Turn on the water supply and open the new valve.

Check for leaks from the valve itself or from the area around the packing nut.

Turn off the valve and check for leaks from the valve and also the shower head or tub spout.

If there was water leaking from the packing nut when the valve was open, try tighten the packing nut an extra 1/4 turn with the 27/32" socket.

Twist the sleeve (metal tube) on to the new valve in the clockwise direction until it is snug.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-049
Splines Extension Bar
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-050 Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-051
Push On Trim Collar
If your faucet was equipped with a splines extension bar, push it back in to place over the splines on the new valve.

Slide the trim collar (metal ring) over the sleeve and up against the tile.

Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-052
Re-Attach Handle & Screw
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-053
Testing New Faucet
Leaking-Shower-Tub-Faucet-Valve-Stem-Replacement-Guide-054
Faucet Valve Replaced
Push the faucet handle back in to place and spin in the Phillips head screw.

Tighten the Phillips head screw in the clockwise direction until it is snug.

Double check that the new valve is working properly and doesn't leak when it is open or closed.

For more, check out my other Home Repair & Maintenance DIY Guides.
 

If you found this guide to be helpful, please consider making a small donation by clicking on the PayPal.com "Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
(Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.)

Main Menu       Home       Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures       Articles       My Blog

 

Copyright 2024 © PaulsTravelPictures.com
 All Rights Reserved ®

Paul's Travel Pictures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Privacy Policy     About Paul & Author Contact Info