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owl132 · Apr 8, 2011, 02:15 PM

I have a hot water faucet that is leaking in my bathtub. It started as a slow leak and gotten to be a pretty big leak. I have cut off my water at the hotwater heater and I am trying to remove the stem(I believe that is what it is called). I got the tools to remove it. They look like over sized spark plug deepwell sockets. I have sprayed pb blast on it and can not get it to move. Am I doing somethng wrong? I have never done this before and am not very good at DIY stuff. From my understanding the whole thing is suppose to come out. I am not suppose to try to get the thin piece the handle was attached to alone out. I am suppose to put the tool on the big nut and turn counter clockwise but like said I can't get it to turn and I don't want to hurt something in the wall by putting too much pressure. I have attached pictures of the issue. I would apprecate any help.

hkstroud · Apr 8, 2011, 02:27 PM

Turn this nut counter clockwise, will be harder to turn than the packing nut you have removed.

mygirlsdad77 · Apr 8, 2011, 02:34 PM

Just have to apply more pressure. These things can get pretty tight. It also helps to impact the wrench a bit, like give it a good solid whack with a hammer to break the theads loose. I would be a good idea to shut the house main water supply off, just in case something does give way, and have a backup plan (like cutting into the wall to replace or faucet or repair fuacet piping) just in case a worst case senerio does arise. Usually these things will withstand extreme pressure, so just try a little harder. Also, make sure you are indeed going counter clockwise as you mentioned. Lefty loosy, righty tighty. Good luck and please let us know how things work out.

owl132 · Apr 8, 2011, 02:49 PM

Thank you both very much for your help. When I do get this loose it should be as simple as going to the hardware store getting a replacement and putting it back in and putting the stuff back and than we are good to go right?

mygirlsdad77 · Apr 8, 2011, 02:54 PM

Well, hopefully. The stem and washer may be culprit here, but there is also a chance that the seat is bad. Once you get the stem out, take a flashlight and look in to see if the seat that the washer seals to is smooth. Even take your fingernail, or a screwdriver and rub it around the seat to feel if its smooth. If completely smooth, your good to go, if rough, or grooved, you will need to replace the seat. Just a matter of another tool, and a new seat.

ma0641 · Apr 8, 2011, 06:13 PM

Good pictures. Between the first and second pics you removed the stem packing nut. Can't tell if this is a washer or uses graphite packing but make sure to put a new washer or packing because even with a new washer and seat it may still leak.

afaroo · Apr 8, 2011, 06:24 PM

Hello Owl132,
Both experts have gavin you excellent advices, I will add one more, after you replace the washer and before installing the stem turn on the water for a second to flush out any debris out the faucet also it will be agood time to replace the cold side and the diverter washers too, See the image below just for info, Thanks.

John