My shower valve was leaking so I replaced the stem but it was SO tight going in (the large threads). As it is, it almost takes two hands to turn it. Also, after just a few days of use it is leaking again. Before I go and buy another stem, why would it be so tight?

Purchase a can of Plumbers Heat Proof Grease and coat both male and female threads and reinstall. Do not crank down hard on the bonnet packing nut,(the top nut on the stem). If you tighten it too tight the handle will turn hard. Good luck, Tom

Hi Jetmech:

I know exactly what you are talking about here.

When you go to replace the next stem assembly you want to install the stem into the large nut first (remove old stem), but leave it loose by one full turn or so. Then as you install/tighten the nut and stem assembly keep checking to be sure the stem/handle rotates freely.

As you get into final position, about to tighten last bit or so, again... rotate that stem so you feel no resistance. Then cinch down on it and then double check the stem is still correct.

I don't know if you noticed this when removing and re-installing the new stem assembly, but if you don't rotate that handle as you back out the nut/stem assembly it actually TIGHTENS the stem assembly so it can actually damage the threads to the stem assembly. That is why you had this issue. Back off the stem a little as you go.. play with it so you feel no tension as you loosen and then as you tighten.

Then as Tom suggested, be sure not to overtighten the packing nut at the end of stem as this can also increase tension at the handle.

You may also want to pulse the water on/off at the shower valve just before replaceing the new stem... this will dislodge any sediment or loose brass shavings that may intefere with the new stem assembly seating correctly!

You should also check the stem assembly when you pull it out to be sure you did not damage the seats inside the unit (there is a separate seat for hot and for cold. Check the washers to be sure not cut up or damaged... then run finger over the seats to be sure not damamged... if dmamged, may need to replace these... and you need special SYMMONS SEAT REMOVAL TOOLS for that... :) ).

Check out this website for more info. on the valve, seats, tools, etc.

http://www.symmons.com/~/media/Files...ptrol_ins.ashx

Check out page#4 of 6, and figure #8 regarding seat removal and tools needed if you should need to remove them.

Let us know what you think... MARK

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