You can repair a faucet valve using the proper plumbing tools.
Some bathtub faucet assemblies use metal valves instead of plastic cartridges. This means the valves last longer, but the seats, seals and other wearable parts on the valve do not. If the bathtub's faucet is leaking water, this indicates the valve needs to be replaced. Feel the temperature of the water dripping out of the faucet to see if you need to repair the hot or cold water faucet. If you are unsure what replacement parts kit to buy for your faucet valve, once you have removed the valve take it to the store to properly identify it.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub by shutting off the main water valve in the house. Turn on a faucet at a lower level of the house to relieve water pressure in the bathtub's pipes.
2. Pop the plastic cap out of the middle of the water control handle where the leaky valve is located. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw in the middle of the handle.
3. Slide the handle off the spindle, or use a handle remover tool if the handle does not budge easily. Unscrew the metal sleeve that sits below the handle by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Place the bath socket over the faucet valve and turn the socket counterclockwise to remove the stem from the pipe. Apply lubricant to the valve's threads if the valve does not budge after a few attempts.
5. Insert the seat wrench into the water pipe and turn it clockwise to remove the old seat. Remove the old parts from the faucet's valve assembly and replace them with the new parts that came in the repair kit, applying plumber's grease to the new parts. Reassemble the valve assembly and faucet handle in the reverse order you took them apart.
Tags: repair, bathtub, faucet, valve, faucet valve, bathtub faucet, does budge, valve assembly
