Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - bath/shower faucet leak
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katejamesnlilo
05-21-09, 07:15 PM
OK, I know this is a simple question and had probably been answered a million times on here, but I'm not sure what the names for the parts are or how to ask. (I am a plumbing idiot.) My bath/shower has the 3 knobs which are hot, cold and the middle one which changes the water from coming out the bath faucet to the shower head. We have a constant leak coming out of the bathtub faucet. If the middle knob is turned to shower, the leak comes out the shower head. It is getting progressively worse. We have the kind of knobs that have that little screw in the middle that can be removed and then the knob comes off. Can someone tell me what has to be done to fix this kind of leak? Is it as simple as a washer replacement? All the parts on these knobs are old and corroded, so step by step instructions of what I should be looking for would be grealty appreciated. I apologize for my plumbing ignorance in advance!
spdavid
05-21-09, 08:25 PM
Well assuming the parts are not corroded to the point of needing to be replaced,which can't be answered until you get farther into this...
You would remove the handles and then the stems from the wall.You might have to remove or widen the holes in the tile as often tile is put in after the plumbing.You may have to remove one to several outer bushing like nuts etc first then you would remove the stem by unscrewing it like you're turning the water on.You use a special set od deep sockets called a "plumbers socket set" to remove the outer bushings of the stems.Hardware stores have them for around 10 dollars.
The washer needed is on the other end of these stems.Do both,rebuild the stems by replacing any other o-rings,gaskets,packing etc on the stems.Take the old stems to a good hardware store or possibly a plumbing supply that sells to the public and hopefully a store with knowledgeable saleshelp so you can get the parts you need and can match them to what you have.
There are several possible complications that might arise.One fairly common one is the seat,the brass part the washer presses against,is damaged.If the washer looks chewed up or if new one fails quickly this needs to be replaced.You use a L shaped wrench to remove them and install them.
If the stems appear damaged,missing metal edges etc they must be replaced.Stems must be exactly matched and there are many many varieties.This requires you take them to wherever you'll shop for them to match them exactly.There is a whole set up for doing this and most hardware stores and plumbing supplies have a version of it.
You would remove the handles and then the stems from the wall.You might have to remove or widen the holes in the tile as often tile is put in after the plumbing.You may have to remove one to several outer bushing like nuts etc first then you would remove the stem by unscrewing it like you're turning the water on.You use a special set od deep sockets called a "plumbers socket set" to remove the outer bushings of the stems.Hardware stores have them for around 10 dollars.
The washer needed is on the other end of these stems.Do both,rebuild the stems by replacing any other o-rings,gaskets,packing etc on the stems.Take the old stems to a good hardware store or possibly a plumbing supply that sells to the public and hopefully a store with knowledgeable saleshelp so you can get the parts you need and can match them to what you have.
There are several possible complications that might arise.One fairly common one is the seat,the brass part the washer presses against,is damaged.If the washer looks chewed up or if new one fails quickly this needs to be replaced.You use a L shaped wrench to remove them and install them.
If the stems appear damaged,missing metal edges etc they must be replaced.Stems must be exactly matched and there are many many varieties.This requires you take them to wherever you'll shop for them to match them exactly.There is a whole set up for doing this and most hardware stores and plumbing supplies have a version of it.