Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Can't remove stem from leaky faucet
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nlg
11-12-04, 09:36 AM
The hot water stem on my tub faucet leaks when on, turning the handle quite hot. I have followed instructions for removing the stem in order to check for problems (remove handle, loosen packing nut, turn stem until it come out). However, once the stem is in the full on position, it turns no further. I have put the handle on to help in turning, but it doesn't help. Is this something that should be forced? The faucet is only a couple of years old. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
majakdragon
11-12-04, 09:51 AM
Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Are you sure the stem is not turning out and hitting the packing nut? May have to remove the nut to remove the stem. Good luck
Are you sure the stem is not turning out and hitting the packing nut? May have to remove the nut to remove the stem. Good luck
nlg
11-12-04, 10:10 AM
Thanks, I tried that and it didn't work. I assume the stem is supposed to come out by turning it counter-clockwise or "on". Is the packing nut what prevents it from coming off in normal use? Should it pull out when it is turned on fully or should I continue to turn it before it comes out? I have performed other simple plumbing repairs, but until now, if I followed directions, it was successful.
arkayassoc
11-12-04, 09:02 PM
Yes the packing nut is what keeps it from coming off in normal use. You will need to remove the packing nut to remove the stem.
However, the symptom you describe was the hot water leaking around the stem when the valve is open. To repair this, you do not need to remove the stem. What you need to do is remove the handle and packing nut, and then add some more packing. They sell valve stem packing as both teflon and graphite rope (about 1/16" in diameter). Cut off a piece of this packing, enough to make at least a full revolution around the stem, and stuff it into the annular space between the stem and valve body housing. Re-install the packing nut, being careful not to overtighten. I tighten until I feel resistance (compression of the new packing), and turn an additional 1/4 turn. Turn the water on, and see if the leak is stopped. If not, tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.
You may need to add additional packing and repeat procedure above.
However, the symptom you describe was the hot water leaking around the stem when the valve is open. To repair this, you do not need to remove the stem. What you need to do is remove the handle and packing nut, and then add some more packing. They sell valve stem packing as both teflon and graphite rope (about 1/16" in diameter). Cut off a piece of this packing, enough to make at least a full revolution around the stem, and stuff it into the annular space between the stem and valve body housing. Re-install the packing nut, being careful not to overtighten. I tighten until I feel resistance (compression of the new packing), and turn an additional 1/4 turn. Turn the water on, and see if the leak is stopped. If not, tighten the packing nut until the leak stops.
You may need to add additional packing and repeat procedure above.