I have an original PP bath faucet guessing about 40+ yrs old.
It is the three handle type with a diverter in the middle. I want to install new handles and spout. I have pryed off the cap in the diverter to reveal the screw holding the handle on. Removed the screw, pryed handle off, then I was able to pry off the escutheon (cover that fits over the handle stem). The stem doesn't seem to budge...

Now I have the stem revealed. Before I go forcing anything further, I wanted to check here. This is all very old plumbing, so I am afraid of breaking something in the wall.
(There is no access to the backside.) What is my next move? Do I pull the stem out?
Twist the stem out? Other than the new handles I purchased, will there be cartridges or other items to be replaced?

Also, when ready to replace the hot and cold handles, it is sufficient to only turn handles in off position or should I be turning the homes main water supply off for this?

Thanks

Last question first... any time you are going to go into a fucet you need to turn off the main water line to the house or turn off a cutoff valve that has been placed somewhere like in the basement to turn the water off to the house. After you have turned off the water then turn on the faucet you are going to work on and let the water bleed the pressure off. Also you might open a fucet that is lower than the one that you ae going to be working on, this will stop any drips as you are working on the faucet.

Now since you have gotten so far that you can see back into the wall you should be able to see two hex head nuts that holds the faucet together, the one closest to you is call a packing nut and it keeps the water from coming out from around the stem. The larger nut that is further back next to the valve body is the one that holds the stem in place. Slip the handle back on the stem and open it a turn or two, this will keep the stem threads from binding up as you unscrew the stem.

You may have to have a large socket to fit the large hex nut, they seel a set of sockets for plumbers that consist of about six different size sockets, they should be fairly cheep.

Now after you have found a socket that fits put it on the nut and use a wrench of some kind to turn the sockek counter clock wise. This should get the stem asembly out so you can put new bib washers on it.

Also shine a light back into the hole the stem came out of, you will see the seat. This should have a completely smooth face, if there is any doubt change it, it has a square hole in the middle for a wrench to fit into, it also will turn counter clockwise. Just reverse to but things back together, remember that the stem should be open a turn or two.

letmetellu,


Good information, thanks. I will try to tackle this again next weekend.