How to Remove a Price Pfister Stem Valve

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Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver

  • Deep-set socket

  • Socket wrench

Price Pfister manufactures a variety of faucet valves, including the popular stem valve. Unlike cartridge or ball faucet valves, which mix hot and cold water together, stem valves control only hot or cold water. For this reason, stem valves are used in pairs. At the base of the valve is a rubber stem washer. When that washer cracks or distorts, the faucet will leak. Replacing the stem washer is fairly simple, but the valve must first be removed to access the washer.

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Step 1

Turn off the supply of water at either the built-in shutoff valves or at the main water valve next to the water meter.

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Step 2

Pry the index cap off the center of the handle with a screwdriver, if the faucet is so equipped. Some Price Pfister faucet assemblies feature a plastic cap in the center of the handle to conceal the handle's securing screw. Other Price Pfisters leave the screw exposed.

Step 3

Turn the securing screw in the center of the handle counterclockwise with a screwdriver until the screw can be pulled out of the handle. Then pull the handle off the valve.

Step 4

Remove the circular escutcheon plate that surrounds the valve assembly by first removing the screws that hold the plate in place, then by pulling the plate off of the assembly.

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Step 5

Attach a deep-set socket to a socket wrench, then position the socket over the faucet stem until the socket grasps onto the knurled edges of the faucet.

Step 6

Turn the faucet counterclockwise with the socket wrench until the faucet detaches from the plumbing.

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