Bathtub Valve Stem Replacement

Bathtub Valve Stem Replacement: A Simple DIY Guide

A leaky bathtub faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also lead to water damage if left unrepaired. If you're experiencing a leaky faucet, it's likely that the valve stem needs to be replaced. Replacing a bathtub valve stem is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in an hour or two. ### Tools and Materials Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials: * Adjustable wrench * Phillips head screwdriver * Flat head screwdriver * Pliers * Teflon tape * Replacement valve stem * Pipe sealant ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1.

Turn off the water supply.

There should be a shutoff valve located under the sink or behind the bathtub. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply. 2.

Remove the bathtub faucet handle.

Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut on the base of the faucet handle. Once the packing nut is loose, you can remove the faucet handle. 3.

Remove the valve stem packing nut.

Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the valve stem packing nut. Once the packing nut is loose, you can remove it by hand. 4.

Remove the old valve stem.

Use the pliers to grasp the old valve stem and pull it out of the faucet housing. 5.

Apply pipe sealant to the new valve stem.

Wrap the threads of the new valve stem with a few layers of Teflon tape. Then, apply a bead of pipe sealant to the threads of the valve stem. 6.

Insert the new valve stem into the faucet housing.

Push the new valve stem into the faucet housing until it is flush with the top of the housing. 7.

Tighten the valve stem packing nut.

Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the valve stem packing nut. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this could damage the valve stem. 8.

Reinstall the valve stem packing nut.

Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the valve stem packing nut. Once the packing nut is tight, you can turn the water supply back on. 9.

Test the bathtub faucet.

Turn on the bathtub faucet and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, you may need to tighten the valve stem packing nut further. ### Tips * If you're unsure about the size of the valve stem you need, take the old valve stem to a hardware store and ask for help. * Be careful not to overtighten the valve stem packing nut, as this could damage the valve stem. * If you're having trouble removing the old valve stem, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it up. * Once you've replaced the valve stem, it's a good idea to run the bathtub faucet for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks.