eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Replace the Stem and Seat of a Leaky Faucet

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Unfortunately, over time, faucet plumbing components wear out and eventually leak. If you find the problem and replace the leaky faucet early, you can avoid any ensuing water damage. Here's how to fix a leaky faucet by replacing the stem and seat.

From Quick Guide: Fixes for Stem Faucets
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Tub and shower kit
  • Ratchet
  • Hacksaw (not always necessary)
  • Faucet seat wrench
  1. Step 1

    Turn off the water from the main control panel.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the water handle for the leaky faucet. You'll have an indication of which handle has the problem by identifying the temperature of the water that is leaking. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry the cap off. After you remove the cap, you will have access to the screw that affixes the handle to the inner workings. Unscrew the screw and gently pull the handle until it comes off.

  3. Step 3

    Take off the trim and inner collar pieces. Some collars have an allen screw located on the bottom. Loosen it to remove the collar. Others just require that you rotate them to the left to remove it from the wall.

  4. Step 4

    Remove the insert which houses the stem and stem seat. This is easier to do with a tub and shower socket kit, which have the right tools to fit the insert. You may need a ratchet for additional traction. If the stem sticks out too far, take a hacksaw and cut it of to allow the socket kit to access the nut holding the stem in.

  5. Step 5

    Pull the stem off to access the stem seat. Remove the old seat with a tapered faucet seat wrench.

  6. Step 6

    Place the new seat on the end of the wrench and carefully position it into the spot where the old seat used to be, and screw it in. Make sure it's tight. After the seat is in position, place the new stem into the seat. Turn the stem into the "on" position and then insert it over the seat. Tighten the nut with the socket.

  7. Step 7

    Replace the collar and the handle. Hand tighten the collar and handle and you're done.

Tips & Warnings
  • Parts are not interchangeable among manufacturers.
  • When you buy a new stem for your leaky faucet, be sure to buy the exact same kind as the one you took out. Additionally, make sure the seat is included in the package with the stem.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden