How to Repair a Bathtub Faucet Stem
- 1). Turn off the water supply for the bathtub. Locate the main water supply valve for your house, which will usually be located where the water meter is. Look for a plastic or concrete block that holds the water meter and valve, usually in the front of your house buried at street level. Open the cover and turn the valve to the opposite direction. A wrench or pair of pliers might be needed on older valves.
- 2). Close the drain in the tub or place a towel over the drain opening. This will help keep any small parts from being lost down the drain.
- 3). Pry off the faucet screw cap cover with a screwdriver. These are usually concealed as the "Hot" and "Cold" labels on the outside of the faucet. Unscrew the faucet screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the handle straight off the stem.
- 4). Locate the two hexagonal nuts at the base of the stem. Remove the first hexagonal nut, known as the "packing nut" with the wrench. Unscrew the second nut, which is the valve stem itself. Pull the stem straight out of the faucet.
- 5). Examine the stem for cracks or chips. If these are present, the stem will have to be replaced. Clean off any calcium buildup with the nylon brush. Check the rubber washer at the base of the stem. This will also have to be replaced if it is torn or worn. Replace the washer by unscrewing the washer retention screw at the end of the stem. Discard the old washer and replace it with a new one. Secure with the screw. Apply pipe thread compound to the threads on the faucet stem. Insert into the faucet socket. Tighten with the wrench.
- 6). Place a few drops of silicone grease on the outside of the stem. Slip the packing nut over the end of the stem. Tighten with the wrench.
- 7). Replace the faucet handle. Insert the handle screw and tighten. Press the screw cover back into place.
- 8). Restore the water supply by turning the main valve back to its original position.
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