I was asked by my neighbor to replace the valve stems in the tub/shower because you first must turn the handles almost all the way out to get water and second when the water comes out it is very slow. My question is is this the fault of the valve stems?

First can you tell us the brand and the model number of your faucet, has any work been done to your faucet lately, and where is the diverter installed is it one faucet or it is part of the tub, Thanks.

John

Doesn't sound like a stem problem. Sounds like a blockage problem.

I was asked by my neighbor to replace the valve stems in the tub/shower because you first must turn the handles almost all the way out to get water and second when the water comes out it is very slow. My question is is this the fault of the valve stems?

Let's check and see! Turn the water off to the valve and remove the stem and washer assemblies. Now turn the water back on, You should have a full stream shooting out of the open valve. Click ojn back and tell me about it. Good luck, Tom