View Full Version : Stuck middle valve - 3 handle shower valve
 
 Farquar
Dec 8, 2008, 12:21 PM
Help and suggestions!! The middle handle, used to divert water from the tub spout to shower head is stuck in the 'tub' position. I have removed the handle and trim bezel and tried to  turn the shaft with pliers - no luck & quit before marring the splines on the brass shaft. What now??
 massplumber2008
Dec 8, 2008, 05:14 PM
Farquar:
 
You need to remove all parts down to the large nut (part#930-630 in pic below) that hold the stem in place... then you should be able to spin the stem out, sand it down a bit with sandpaper and then put some plumbers grease on the threads and re-install into the valve. Then re-install the stem assembly, all parts and trim and should be up and running again... if you're lucky! 
 
Can also click on the showervalve.pdf link below for a close up view of the nuts I am talking about!
 
Let us know how it goes... 
 
MARK
 Farquar
Dec 9, 2008, 08:20 AM
Farquar:
 
You need to remove all parts down to the large nut (part#930-630 in pic below) that hold the stem in place...then you should be able to spin the stem out, sand it down a bit with sandpaper and then put some plumbers grease on the threads and re-install into the valve. Then re-install the stem assembly, all parts and trim and should be up and running again...if you're lucky!!
 
Can also click on the showervalve.pdf link below for a close up view of the nuts I am talking about!
 
Let us know how it goes...
 
MARK
 
Mark, thanks for quick response. I got disassembled through the large nut 9300-620 but still cannot turn the stem. What now?
 massplumber2008
Dec 9, 2008, 10:21 AM
I guess you could try some penetrating oil like WD40 and let that sit for awhile before attempting to remove the stem.  After that, us a pair of pliers and try to rotate the stem in BOTH directions... 
 
Otherwise may be time to replace that old valve... ;)
 
Good luck...