My shower has the standard 3 (not sure of brand) valve set up. All of the valve handles are very hard to turn and I am wondering is there a way of loosening any part of the stems to reduce the tension? I am not sure but I think a long time ago I read that when the stems are installed in a closed position then this increases the tension (not sure if I got this right). Also are there any techniques you would recommend to remove the stems IF they are hard to turn when removing them with a shower valve removal socket (caused by rust or calcium build up on the threads)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Nicole,

Some times the bonnet packings on rhe stem swell up and make the stem hard to turn. When that happens you must loosen the bonnet packing nuts a tad. (See Below) Remove the knob and the chrome cover plate. The Next brass nut closest to the top is the bonnet packing nut. Put the knob back on and open the valve up a bit and start backing the nut off counterclockwise while turning the knob. Stop! When it turns easy. Is it now leaking around the stem? If it is then tighten the bonnet packing until it stops. Move on to the next one and do the same thing. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Speedball -- will try and let you kow what happens.. Will probably be a few weeks as we are expecting company and don't want to mess it up before/while they are here :)

Hi Nicole,

Some times the bonnet packings on rhe stem swell up and make the stem hard to turn. When that happens you must loosen the bonnet packing nuts a tad. (See Below) Remove the knob and the chrome cover plate. The Next brass nut closest to the top is the bonnet packing nut. Put the knob back on and open the valve up a bit and start backing the nut off counterclockwise while turning the knob. Stop!! When it turns easy. Is it now leaking around the stem? If it is then tighten the bonnet packing untill it stops. Move on to the next one and do the same thing. good luck, Tom


I have a question about the part where you say "start backing the nut off counterclockwise while turning the knob": What direction do I turn the knob? I am definitely a novice and don't want to screw the job up!!

Thanks,
DeAnne

I have a question about the part where you say "start backing the nut off counterclockwise while turning the knob": What direction do I turn the knob? I am definitely a novice and don't want to screw the job up!!
Thanks,
DeAnne

Just turn the knob back and forth while backing the bonnet packing nut out counterclockwise until it turns easy. Do not back the nut out so far it starts to leak past the stem. Good luck, Tom