How To Repair & Replace A Shower Faucet Valve (Easy DIY Fix)
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
- Not all jobs are outside on the homestead. There are many jobs that need attention inside your home, cabin, barn, or dwelling. One of those jobs will ultimately involve plumbing skills. In this video our shower faucets and showerhead were leaking badly. We show you how to diagnose the problem and replace your shower faucet stems/spindles in a few quick and easy steps with a few tricks and tips thrown in.
This is a quick, easy, and clear step-by-step tutorial on how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet stem. This is specifically a Price Pfister.
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Tools needed:
phillips head screwdriver
faucet wrenches (sockets)
thread sealer
pipe wrench
adjustable wrench
knife - Jak na to + styl
So others don't feel incompetent (alone) when they try this "easy" "10 minute repair". We got the handle off, then couldn't unscrew the next part. We thought we needed a different kind of wrench so we went to Ace to talk to the helpful repair guy, he sold us some "superzilla" solvent to dissolve the lime that was keeping it stuck. That worked. We removed the parts and went back to get the new, unbroken ones. Needed the Ace guy again, it turned out it was in 2 parts, didn't look like ours exactly but they'd work. Great, went back home. Turned out the part that goes into the handle was broken off in there and cemented on with the lime deposits. No way to get it out so we went back to Ace and got new handles. $70 and FIVE HOURS later (it's an hour round trip to the hardware store) it is fixed. Oh and did I mention we had to remove a shelf in the closet on the other side of the wall from the shower and make a hole in the wall so one person could push the pipe through the hole while the other screwed on the collar thing? So we do still need to repair the hole in the wall and then put the shelf back up and meanwhile a lot of linens are on the bathroom floor. It was a small 2" hole.
One of the best videos I've seen regarding this subject. Very well explained in a concise, precise yet easy to understand. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful
Only video I finally found that showed how to adjust the actual valve stem nut for proper seal and turning pressure! Great!
Thank you. We are glad it was helpful.
Thanks for making this video. I don't know why it was so hard to find someone doing this on CZcams?
Gave you a big thumbs up.
Awesome! Glad we could help.
Saved me a plumber visit and fee. You rock!
Glad we could help.
Thank you so much for a single lady this has really helped me, hope I do it correctly. I don't see how I can mess this up at all, great
You're welcome. You can do it!
I was so nervous about attempting to fix a leak that has been going for months. Thank you! Can't believe how simple that was!
You're welcome
Thanks! You addressed the one issue no other video I've seen yet did: adjusting the handle turning strength by loosening/tightening the locknut.
Cool. Glad we could help.
Nice bro. My maintenance guy came in to replace the valve and he made the handle so tight I couldn't even hardly turn it. So I watched this and loosed up the valve and got the handle to turn yay!!!
Awesome!
Thanks, that was very clear and helpful, was able to get the job done with my only (not very difficult) issue being matching the stem at the store (no markings on the stem I pulled). Thanks again.
Glad it helped
Oh my goodness THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! FINALLY somebody gives an easy description of how to see where it's leaking and how so we know which and exactly how much work needs to be done STEP BY STEP!!! Oh man you just have no idea🤦🏼♀️ how long I've been looking for this!!! 😭😰😵💫😫😓😲😮💨🫣🤭🤣
I truly am thankful for this video! I appreciate you!!! 🙏🏻❤️💯🙏🏻❤️ God bless you!
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.
Awesome video, thanks for taking the time to make one.
Thank you. We appreciate it.
I watched 3 videos before i found this 1 and knew i needed a special tool and this guy showed me exactly what i needed to buy. Thx homestead!
We are glad our video was informative and helpful. We appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for watching.
@@CountryLivingExperiencewhat are those special tools called? I need to do this.
great easy explained video, well done.. from australia
Thank you, we appreciate it. Have a nice day!
Thanks for your easy video demo. Pleasant and simple thanks again I will try replacing just need some tools.
You’re welcome. Glad we could help.
Thank you! Fixed mine today thanks to what you taught me here.
You’re welcome
Thank you . It's a relief that I don't have to tear up the tile to get the valve out.
You're welcome.
That was very helpful I hope the shower that was probably last serviced in the 50s (when my house was built) will be that easy to fix
Glad we could help
what a fantastic video, so we’ll explained...
Thank you
Awesome I’m a union plumber commercial I do residential plumbing under my own account when ever I have time lol an needed a reminder had to change my own stem in my shower..like anything we do you want to do your research to make sure you get it done right the first time no matter if you’ve done it in the past cause that lil piece you forgot can cost you the time you can’t replace lol great job bro maybe should of added to have them flush toilet etc after the water valve was closed so they won’t get as much residual water when removing the stem 😎👍🏼
Thanks
Very helpful, easy to understand.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing good man! No fuss no stress just a hands on demo is what i needed to know how tight is "tight enough but not too tight" 😅
You’re welcome. Just tighten till snug and the go another half turn.
Thanks bud. You’re the man!
Glad to help
Appreciate the video, it was the best one I watched on this subject.
Thank you
Our tub faucet constant running water feels Lukewarm and not running like water is fully on, maybe 50%. Embarked on a DIY journey out of not wanting to pay a local plumber the quoted rate of $600 + I've been able to do other home and car repairs with the help of several how-to videos that saved us tons! Like installing our new washing machine, fixing the tub drain on our old washer, replacing car battery, etc. etc. Stems/seats look like they have never been changed, house built in 1970s. And they are Price Pfister had I had the original information or receipt would have been covered by their lifetime warranty. 😞 A stamp of USA and 23 is barely made out on the old ones which did me no good without an actual part number. Thank goodness for this video! Explains it so clearly, once I began, I knew this is definitely something I can do and don't need the $600 plumber. A handyman had been out 4 months ago for this issue and when I took out the stems that they managed to get to not leak... they used plumbers' tape and both stems did not have any washers whatsoever! But they did cut a giant hole into the wall above the tub handles and forgot to 'come back' to caulk it. At that time the tub handles had to be grinded off as they were majorly stuck, and they did not want to use WD40 or CLR. Our PP stems are part # 910-3850 and seats are (we and Pfister.com support think) 970500. Both of course not carried at HD or a local wholesale plumbing supply. It seems the online biz sells more of these older parts; stores keep the newer versions. So, stems out cleaned with CLR looking brand new put the pipe dope on screw parts and silicone paste in the area of the gasket and on the gasket. Back into wall, still a small dribble of constant running water. Tightened everything. okay now need new seats, stems. Found hopefully the right parts on Amazon, easily returnable if not. Will do it all again for the hot/cold. Now with the 3 handle tub faucets is it recommended to do the middle handle also? Not sure if we should touch that one, as the showerhead is not leaking. All said and done I did not have the necessary tools had to buy everything but thankfully this video lays out exactly what you need. Also, I did not use the handle tool that came with the shower valve wrench set, I had gotten the pipe wrench and best tool ever! So now waiting for the new stems, seats to arrive, hope to finally fix this leak! Can't wait for the water bill to come in, yay! (sarcasm) Tools: $45.00, parts $65.37 Water bill (unknown-best scenario $150) Time: 3 weeks, planning, waiting. $110 fix saved $500, know how to do this myself and will gladly do it again! :-)
Great video, but might be helpful to note that the valve seat might need to be replaced for some. The leak may come from there, but luckily most replacement stems come with a new one
Thank you
Good video. Replaced my leaky faucet
Glad it helped
Thank you so much. Great video.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks you for good video
You're welcome
thank you! very helpful
You're welcome!
Thank u , I fixed mine after watching
Awesome!
You are a good presenter
Thank you
Worked. Thanks.
Glad it helped
Good stuff
Thanks. Glad it was helpful
great video
Thank you. Hope it was helpful.
Very Helpful
Awesome
Good job 👏
Thank you
Thanks for the plumbing video. :-)
You're welcome
Thanks a lot
You're welcome
There are 3 major problems with leaking on faucets in showers and tubs:
1. The black "Washer" on the End of the stem.
2. The Packing around the stem. And the screw needs to be tightened as you did.
So you can say, that the leak was either on 1. or 2. or both. Now the third one.
3. The washer is stopped; in piping in the wall. It is called the "Seat". It does not go bad very much. But it does happen. So I suggest whenever you did what you did; you should always change the seat also.
It requires a special tool; to get it out, and in. Home Depot has them. $16.00. For what it's worth.
Thank you sir much appreciated 😮💨
You're welcome
Good video
Thank you
Thanks, I now know how to fix my shower.
You’re welcome
Thank you sir.
You’re welcome
Thank you
You're welcome
Thanks
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.
I'm doing this with a much older set of stems (from the 1950's) and I had to use PBlaster on the handles and then a puller - big PITA - then I could not get the stem out - the smaller fitting where you can pack it with teflon to fix that specific leak came off but the actual stem so far has been a big pain and I've not been able to get the stem out. probably need more wd-40 or pblaster. plus, when they finished the wall. the tile was not cut enough to allow that special socket to get in so I had to carefully chip away the tile and then I find the mortar used for the tile also needs to be chipped away from the stem. This can get to be quite the job. Oh, and the shutoff valves for the hot and cold both do a bad job of actually shutting of the water.
Wow! Sounds like a true PITA job. I have had a few of those in my time. Luckily this was not one of them. Hope you get yours sorted out.
I feel for ya. I had the exact situation. Plus every piece of old galvanized pipe just crumbled. Turned into a massive job. I was ready to pull my hair out
Love the hat!
Thanks! Go Green!
I was about to pay like $2000 because some fkn plumber told me I needed new pipes and some other stuff…. So thank you for this video!!!
So glad I did some research before making an expensive decision. !!
Yikes! Glad we could help and glad you didn't get raked over the coals by some crook.
Good
Thanks
Thanks now i can fix my shower .
You're welcome
thanks
You're welcome
Ty
You're welcome
The socket thingies are called barrel wrenches.
Thank you
Can you tell me what brand shower faucet covers these are? My valves are long like these but I’m having a hard time finding replacement covers that will fully cover the valve.
These are Price Pfister. The stem should have a stamp on it with a number and the manufacturer. Mine had a PF.
Thanks. This is very informative. What is the name of the tool used to tighten the shower stem? The chrome thingie?
Thank you. It is just called a faucet wrench, shower wrench, or faucet socket. Here is a link to one.....amzn.to/36E6UDd
@@CountryLivingExperience Thank you
I am looking for the manufacturer for the fixtures and stems you featured on the invite to this video as they match the fixtures I have in my 60+ year old bathroom and they need to replaced due to a broken tub handle stem and stem seat. I am hoping you can help me.
Sorry, I just used a stock photo for this video. The fixtures that are show there have been mimicked by so many companies over the years that you should be able to find them.
Good video. Do ypu know what brand the stems are in your thumbnail? My parents have that exact style as thumbnail but not sure what brand haha
Thanks
I am not sure, this is a stock photo. Your parents old stems should have a code/brand stamp on them. You have to look on them.
@@CountryLivingExperience thabks I found it. American standard. Thanks
Great video another thing to check while it's apart are the valve seats in the faucet body
Thank you. Yes, we checked them but the didn't need to be changed.
I would turn the water back on to check for leaks before putting the escutcheons back on. If the leak is behind the wall, you may not know until you have water damage. And you might as well replace the seat while you have the stem out.
Seat was fine. Left the euscuteons off for a while but you didn’t see that in the vid.
I have used penetrating fluid and the vale nut still will not release using the same tools.Any suggestions on what can be done?
You may have to soak it a long time in that penetrating oil. The only other things that may work is 1. heat from a blow torch (be careful the penetrating oil is wiped up or that could cause a fire) 2. use a longer lever on the tool (be careful not to break the pipe). If it does not come off, you may need to replace a portion of the pipe or call a plumber.
I have a stuck bath tub faucet valve, hot water side. Any suggestions on how to get it unstuck?
Liquid wrench or wd-40. Something that will not harm the gaskets.
EVERYBODY ELSE REPLACES THE VALVE SEAT TOO! ( Could be why the washer is jacked up ! )
lol
I lost a piece of the valve inside my wall but the stem was different to the one shown in the video can i buy a new set of of handles with valves or will i have to change the seat inside? Thanks hopefully its something i can do without making things worse lol
Oh man that's not good. There are so many stems on the market. Each company has their own and each model may use a different one. You have to look at the stamp on the stem after you remove it and then try to match it at the store. You may have to buy a whole new assembly....seat included.
@@CountryLivingExperience oh man hope i can find one that matches. Thank you for the response
Thanks for this video, im bout to do the big bosses moms house. Don't wanna looks like a ding dong on site.
Cool. Don't forget to check the seats. They sometimes wear out. Mine were fine, so I didn't show that part in the video.
Can you still use the old stem if you buy an O-Ring kit?
If it is not totally worn out, sure.
Do you shut the water at the main in the front yard or water heater?
Main in the front yard or your shower may have shutoffs in the wall
I have a faucet thats the same as the one you have pictured in the thumbnail and its leaky. Looked all around but cant find a video with that exact faucet. Do you have a video on how to fix that exact vintage style faucet?
Sorry, we don't have a video on that type of faucet.
@@CountryLivingExperience thanks for responding though. Went to Home Depot, turns out its a very old faucet and they don't have those stems so just gonna replace the whole thing instead.👍🏼
@@Oracle150 Probably a good idea to just replace the entire thing. You would probably spend way too much time looking for the old replacements.
Quick Question: I have an old (1968ish) hot water & cold water shower faucet. I have slid forward the Plate, and then I Open the faucet knob, then I gotta unscrew the Smooth, Round, long STEM that threads into the "inside pipe socket/female opening". Normally I would utilize Large vice grips/ pipe wrench..... But for the life of my I can't unscrew the smooth round long stem. I end up digging into the smooth round surface But it won't loosen. Any tips / tricks or just MUSCLE IT ((I fear I will bend/warp that long, smooth, round stem.))
Not sure I understand exactly. You can buy a valve socket that will help.
You should take a picture and post it at one of the better plumbing forums. Some stems like the old Savoy brand take a special socket
GO BLUE
Lol. Go GREEN!
What glue been used? The yellow colour.
That is not glue. It is pipe thread sealant. This is the one we use...amzn.to/3cGkfgm
Can you tell me the part number/name on the stem? Thank you
Each brand has numerous part types that change over time. You have to remove yours first to find out which one it is.
How does one remove a rusted shower handle valve stem? Attempted to use the socket, however the edge of nut on stem has eroded to the point where socket is unable to grab. Used WD-40 to loosen...didn't help.
Keep putting the wd-40 on it. Use a pair of Vise-Grip pliers to tightly grab on.
Information is good, but it would be better if you posted information on the parts of the stem and what role they each they play. I learned the hard way when I repaired a leaking head. The local "experts" at Home Depot failed to address the issues that arise if (1), the seat(s) on the valve body are worn down and must be replaced, (2), if the cartridge head washer should be Flat, or Convex (3), the larger body washer should also be replaced in addition to the application of plumber's putty to the cartridge treads. Other wise, the water will then leak at valve body connection due to bad washers. If I was posting a how-to-video, i would show the valve body, the seats, the cartridge, and how they all work together. I would also show how to replace the seats. Just saying.......................
So I have the shower handles that are shown in the thumbnail. Having to change them out and having a hard time getting the screw covers off and thought that's what this video was.
Guess not.
Hope you find what you are looking for.
Did you check the seats, or replace them also?
I checked them. They were fine.
did you shut off the main water valve before doing this job ?
Yes
What about the valve seats? Why does no one check them?
Because mine were fine. They didn't need to be changed.
Any tips on removing stem when the screw head is stripped?
Is it the screw that holds the handle on to the stem?
@@CountryLivingExperience Yes, this is my problem as well
@@josepereira6528 Try vice grips.
@laura Mullins - They sell extractors for removing damaged screws, and they work quite well. Not sure why that would be stripped though.
I replaced my cold water valve but no water is coming out now. Any ideas as to why?
Not sure. Did you get it fixed?
The handles on the cover photo are not same as ones in your video. I need to know how the X handles come off
You also might want to us PB Blaster on the nut. It works better than WD 40.
Cool
@@CountryLivingExperience I forgot to ask, but is your tutorial the same for a modular home?
@@waltererhart3161 Should work the similarly.
Ugh🤦🏼♀️ what do I do if somebody tightened the screw too tight, trying to stop the leaking I'm sure, and I can't get it off???
Try to spray some WD40 in near the screw first to try to loosen it up. Then keep trying.
Hey I know this bid is older but when I took out the old stem in the kit there was a valve stem inside I finally got that out but when I went to put the new ones in I tightened everything down and the seat part was just doing on the inside why I don't know what I have done wrong need help please
I don't understand what the issue is. What is your specific question please?
@@CountryLivingExperience so
@@CountryLivingExperience so when I go to put in the plumbing it just spins the whole thing I bought a remodeling kit and it and it came with everything that I needed to take out the stem and everything so when I bought it the guy at the Ace hardware told me that there's another piece inside that I needed to get out which I believe is the seat but it's a copper cup with holes in it to allow the water to flow in. I just had the stem so I went back and I pulled those out so when I went to put them back in I put them in and I tighten them down but then when I go to turn the water on the bathtub keeps running and it won't shut off so thenI take it apart put it back in again it's just spinning inside there like when I turn it to the right to shut to close it it just spins and spins and spins it won't close the round rubber gasket on the end of the seat is broken off as well what a nightmare thought maybe I am doing it wrong
@@CountryLivingExperience sorry I'm not sure what everything is called I put them together before and I put them in before but this one just I don't know what the heck is going on I think it's the seat but it's not it's an old antique tub so it's it's just like the picture on your video they look exactly like that that's the kind that I've got to work with
@@CountryLivingExperience and I really appreciate you responding and sorry that some of my writing is all gargled up it's talk to text so that's probably why but I fixed it so hopefully now you can understand me better
I thought you had the same knobs as the ones shown in the video I click the video the knobs are totally different
Just bought a house and I had the same issue :/ I have the handles shown in the thumbnail
I changed all that and also a little piece inside and still leaking water. I don't know what else to do 😢
You need some sealant on the threads or it is not tight enough.
Why would you have the star handle and when I click it’s not even that fixture!!!! Smh
I want to change the handles to something different
If the their valve stem are not found.. then what? Thank you
If you cannot find the correct one, you will have to cut the pipe and install new ones.
I replaced everything hot and cold. I still have leaks from the shower head
Then you may need to also replace what's called the seat as it could be worn out as well. Ours was not so we did not show it in the video.
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I cant get the handles off, I have tried wd40, I tried a tap puller device and no luck.
I can't see them to help you. Sorry. Try heating them slightly maybe?
Might be a dumb question but worth asking... do I need to shut off the water to the house first or does the valve being "off" before taking it apart make it unnecessary to do so?
Thank you! Great video.
Shut the water off to the house or shut the isolation valve off in the wall next to your shower if you have one. Also check the seats in the valve when you take out the stem.
@@CountryLivingExperience awesome thank you for such useful information!
Would this independent valve be the one that shuts off the toilet as well?
You’re welcome. It would be located in the wall behind the shower behind some sort of removable wall panel. It is not associated with the toilet.
@@CountryLivingExperience gotcha. I dont believe mine has that so I'll just shut off the main. You're the best! Keep doing what you do!
They're called cow bells
We need more cowbell
What about the valve seat?
It was fine so I didn't need to change it.
@@CountryLivingExperience You should mention that.
I'm always worried that if I got the wrong part, I have to leave the house without water for 30-90 mins while I go get the right part at the store.
Maybe it's no problem when I'm home alone but often there were other people still in the house.
Hope it works out for you. Thanks for watching.
Deteriorated, the rings were deteriorated.
Can you help me?
How?
He didn't replace the seats. If the seats are worn, it's just going to tear the washers and you'll just have to take it all apart again.
He didn't replace them because they were not worn.
I don’t know, the leak is not coming from there, the leak is actually coming from where water is suppose to be coming from.
If that is happening, the rubber seal (seat washer) at the back of the valve has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Additionally, the seat could be bad.
I had the same problem. Fix: (1) turn main water off,(2) remove the cartridge, get a flashlight and look inside the valve body and check to see if the Seat inside is not cracked/dent,( if it looks bad, replace it. Home Depot/ Lowe's sell a package of 4 for ($1.98). (3), You also need to install the correct front washer on the cartridge (Flat or Convex),(4) replace the large washer (rubber seal) on the front of the cartridge (behind the treads), then apply plumber's putty to the treads and the valve body opening, (5), reinstall the cartridge, make the sign of the cross, do a little dance, say a little prayer, turn water back on. Worked for me.
There is tool designed for replacing the valve seats. Home Depot/Lowe's, ($3.25 +tax)
Why not just replace the rubber washer? Also the valve seat could be worn or pitted which would cause a leak. I always replace the seat when installing a new cartridge.
The cartridge was leaking internally as well. I was at least 30 years old. Time for a new one. I did check the seat. It was fine.
@@CountryLivingExperience I agree, the stem was pretty corroded and needed replacement. Great video