[mowgrasslady]

I replaced the stems in the handles of my bathtub faucet. The cold is fine but the hot water leaks where it is screwed into the pipe. Why? I used plumbers dope on the threads and all the washers and O rings are in place (was done same as the cold) why is it still leaking? Very frustrating. It is screwed in as tight as it will go.
Also I would like to know where to apply lube to make the handles turn easier.

[speedball1]

Hey Lady, If you're referring to the bonnet packing nut,( the nut the stem comes out of) then the threads are there to secure the packing around the stem. Using plumbers dope won't help. You must dig out the old bonnet packing in that nut and replace it. That is what holds the water. You might want to consider replacing both bonnet packings when you replace the hot water one. Your handles turn hard because you overtightened the bonnet packing nuts. Open the valve up, now back the nut up until water begans to come out aroung the stem. Now slowly tighten the nut until the leak stops. Your valve should turn much easier now. You may apply lubricant to the threads of the stem and the valve body however DO NOT use grease or any other petroleum product. That will eat up the neoprene "O" rings. Instead use Silicon Jell. Most hardware stores carry small jars of it. If they don't then go to a plumbing store and ask for Alladin Magic Lube, lubricant sealer. More questions? Just click on back. Tom

[mowgrasslady]

I just want to make sure I understand what needs to be loosened and retightened.  The water is dripping from the part of the stem that screws into the water pipe.  Is this the part that needs to be worked on to stop the leak?  Also to make the handles easier to turn do I need to work the other part of the stem that screws into the larger part of the stem or the part that it going into the pipe?  I have a difficulty of describing what I'm talking about.  I'm just not sure what the bonnet is.

[speedball1]

Before we go much further let's get some terms straight. You have the handle and usually a cover plate to remove before you get to the bonnet packing nut which is the nut you remove to back out the stem and washer assembly which is the part with the male threads and the washer on the end. The bonnet packing is a graphite packing that rides up in the bonnet packing nut and compresses down on the stem to prevent water from leaking out. If you over tighten it the valve will turn hard. The seat is the brass fitting the washer screws down on to stop the flow of water. The valve body is the main part of the valve. It has the seat, the female threads that the stem and washer assembly fits into and the male threads on top that the bonnet packing nut screws down into. The supply line,(water pipe) is the pipe that connects into the valve body . Now that I've explained the different terms can you ask your question again? The only things that should concern you are the bonnet packings and the nuts that secure them. To make your valves turn easier just follow my previous directions and adjust the bonnet packing nuts. But you should replace the bonnet packing first. Things a bit clearer now? Regards, Tom