I Need to Replace Stems in an Old Tub Shower

Removing Your Faucet Handles

• Removing the stems requires the use of a bath socket wrench and a stem wrench. Having these tools handy will increase your odds of success. If you don't have these tools, look for them at a local hardware store. Because the stems are inside the faucet pipe under your handle, you have to take the handle off first. To remove most handles, all you need to do is unscrew the screw on top of the handle and pull back on it. If the handle is stuck, attach a handle puller to the handle and turn the center post to ease it off the pipe.

Unscrewing the Stems

• The stems are screwed into the faucet pipe, and they have to be rotated to come out. So once you remove the handle, you have to attach a bath socket wrench to the stem and turn it counterclockwise until it comes out. This bath socket wrench is made to unscrew stems with a special head that fits over the stem. On older faucets, you might have to tap the handle of the stem wrench to dislodge the stem. Sediments will fuse the stem in place over time, but applying some force will force the stem to turn eventually.

Installing New Stems

• To install new stems, you simply insert them into the handle pipe where the old stems once were. Once inside the pipe, you turn the stems to screw them into the pipe. The bath socket wrench is used to tighten the stems, just as it's used to unscrew them. When tightening the stems, turn them clockwise like you would a normal screw. It's important not to over-tighten the stems, as it could damage the handle pipe, but the stems must be tight so they don't leak. Tighten them firmly and then give another quarter-turn.

Faucet Seats

• If replacing your stems doesn't totally solve your leak, another issue might need attention. The faucet seats are the parts underneath the stems. These seats also require replacing when worn out. If the seat is damaged, the stem won't close fully. Because seats are right below the stems, it's a good idea to remove them with a stem wrench and replace them when you replace the seats. You have to remove the stems in order to access the seats, so replacing both makes good use of your time and effort.