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janabaker · Jan 30, 2009, 02:11 PM

Our cold water side in the tub was leaking. We replaced the stem and seat.
The first day or so the pressure would come and go. We replaced the stem again after being told there was probably debris in it.
We replaced it again - still no pressure.
We removed the stem again, flushed the pipe, replaced stem again - still no cold water pressure.

HELP!

massplumber2008 · Jan 30, 2009, 02:26 PM

Hi janabaker...

When you FLUSHED THE PIPE... how much water came out of the valve? Did you use a shutoff at that shower or did you shut the water main off?

If you used a separate shutoff then it is possible that the shutoff itself is clogged and will need to be disassembled and cleared of debris. Just a thought...

Let me know...

MARK

janabaker · Jan 30, 2009, 02:30 PM

We shut off at the street. We do not have a shut off inside the house. Unscrewed the old stem, turned water on, flushed into the tub.
Flushed great. Lots of water.

massplumber2008 · Jan 30, 2009, 02:39 PM

Janabaker:

I'm wondering if you have the correct stem assembly for your unit? Seems like a silly question, but are you sure you got the right replacement part or are you using a universal fit stem.. Let me know.

Otherwise, I would have you shut the water again, remove the stem, flush the pipes again and then take a coat hanger and fish around inside the cold side of valve and see if something got lodged into pipe AFTER the stem shuts. Be sure the washer is screwed tight on the washer.

MARK

janabaker · Jan 30, 2009, 02:43 PM

I had taken the old stem to Ace Hardware when I originally started this. I am pretty sure it is the correct one. There wasn't another one that even looked close to it.
Funny thing that you mentioned the screw. The one I first took out did not have a screw. When I get home I will have my boyfriend flush again. We will let it run top speed for a while this time. Thank you very much and you will hear from me later - either to cry or thank you more.

massplumber2008 · Jan 30, 2009, 02:51 PM

Jana...

There are so many different stems out there. Do you still have the old one? If so, I would recommend that you take it to a local plumbing supply house and see what they have for you.

Lastly, where did the old screw go..? That could be lodged up or down and could be causing the issue here... hmmm..

Just some more thoughts... ;)

Get back to us when you can.

janabaker · Feb 2, 2009, 07:28 AM

Guess what? It WAS the old screw. It had also eaten up the old seat. Pulled the old screw out, replaced the seat (pain in the you-know-what trying to get that sucker out), and Voilà!!
Thanks a million.

massplumber2008 · Feb 2, 2009, 07:30 AM

Glad I could help... :)