Posted: 10/27/2005 8:40:23 AM EDT
I'm trying to replace a washer in my shower. I've shut the water off at it's source and removed the valve handle and escutcheon (sp?). Here's what I'm up to: I can see the washer or what's left of it around the stem at it's base. From what I've read I'm supposed to remove the stem and take it from there, however the stem doesn't come out when I open the valve all the way, the stem just stops turning. Do I just slide the new washer down the stem without removing it or is there something I'm missing? You can see the nasty ass mildew that exists because of the humidity that I can't eliminate as the hot water drips constantly. Thanks! |
|
I'm no plumber, but if it's like a Moen design, there's a little circlip that you have to remove to pull out the spool (or whatever you call it). In your photo, look at the base of the fixture, maybe almost flush with the tile. Again, I'm no expert. Just making a suggestion based on what I have done. |
|
If you can get the stem or even the whole valve removed, take it your local lowes or Home Depot and they will have dozens of different valves on display. Find your vavle from the display, find out what the part numbers are of the broken parts, pick em up and fix it. Had it happen to mine about 3 months ago. I picked a 10pk of all the washers and seals needed for a dollar. |
. The valve stem came out with it.
While you have it out, pull the valve seat if you have the right wrench for it (a square or hex) and replace that too while you're in there. If the seat is bad it'll just tear up a new washer in short order. |
Yup. And if it went through that last washer recently then the seat is likely going bad. Was it leaking out of the spout or out of the handle? |
The leak was from out of the spout. I finished up about 20 minutes ago. I picked up an "O" ring assortment and a washer assortment at Home Depot and managed to use the right ones. No more drip. |