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seagar · Dec 24, 2006, 05:18 AM

I have a 40 year old PriceFister 3 handle, washer-variety, tub faucet that has a slow, constant drip.

This is a vacation home by the ocean where everything seems to break down and rust constantly, (not sure if this is important).

I have shut the water and replaced the washers which really didn't improve the constant dripping problem.

Now the problem seems to be worsening where you have to turn the valves off with some strength to shut the faucet to a constant drip.

I guess my next step is to attempt to replace the seats. I'll see about picking up new stems and seats and replace both when I take them apart, (start all new?).

I have NEVER replaced seats and I guess I am at this point VERY APPREHENSIVE in that I do not want to have to get into a bigger project, (replacing the faucet), in the event the seat removal doesn't go as anticipated. That would involve removing tile, sheetrock, etc. My thoughts were to attempt to remove the seats and if they do not remove easily, attempt resurfacing the seats, (again I have never done that).

I have been thinking about letting the project go until Sprintime when we use this outside shower again and do not rely on this inside shower.

Any feedback, advice, or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

speedball1 · Dec 24, 2006, 07:21 AM

"I guess my next step is to attempt to replace the seats. I'll see about picking up new stems and seats and replace both when I take them apart, (start all new?)."

You shouldn't have to replace the stems, just the seats. Ask for a seat wrench when you buy the sears. Insert the seat wrench in the seat and back it out counterclockwise. This should solve your problem. Regards, Tom

seagar · Dec 24, 2006, 12:20 PM

You shouldn't have to replace the stems, just the seats.

I guess my next question is impossible to answer, but I'm just wondering what's the likelihood that these 40 year old seats will be able to be removed? Do you think there is a reasonable chance that they will come out? Should I spray WD40 around the seats to loosen or just insert the seat wrench and pray.

I have seen two types of seat wrenches one looks like the letter "L" and the other has a set of 4 bars that engage into a type of socket wrench. Any feedback on the better of the two?

Also, if the seats do not unscrew, is there still the option of "reseating" the old seats with a seat grinder rather than replacing the faucet? I've also never used one of these gizmos as well.

I am moderately handy and have replaced faucets, water heaters, valves, etc. So attempting this type of repair isn't completely foreign, however, those "15 minute jobs" sometimes ending up taking all day.

speedball1 · Dec 25, 2006, 08:04 AM

Valve bodies and seats are made of brass so there is no rust. Use the "L" tpye seat wrench,see image)

Also, if the seats do not unscrew, is there still the option of "reseating" the old seats with a seat grinder rather than replacing the faucet? I've also never used one of these gizmos as well.

Tes, It's called a reseating tool. We'll get into that if you can't remove the seats.
Let me know if there's a problem removing the seats. Merry Xmas, Tom