[Cherri Ann]

I want to replace the shower valve for the cold water side of my shower; it leaks and the knob turns all the way around. It doesn't shut the water off and I think it needs a new washer or valve. After watching several YouTube videos, I thought I'd be able to complete the job over the weekend. But after spraying the valve with WD-40, Liquid Wrench (this mess caused an allergic reaction/irritation), using shower socket wrenches, the valve will not come out. I can't turn it (I've tried turning it counter clockwise) and do not want to break the pipes. I saw a YouTube video where someone sawed off the valve stem, used a spark plug thing and a socket wrench to get their valve out but I don't want to do that because what if it's still stuck?

I think the valve is corroded--the bolt/threading around it looks old and worn. My home was built in the 60s and it's probably the original valve. I have no idea what brand it is. Any advice on how to get it out without tearing up the wall or cutting stems? Thanks in advance.


Not sure why the pics are sideways since the pics are upright on my computer.

 

[TarheelTerp]

I want to replace the shower valve for the cold water side of my shower

What's on the OTHER side of that wall?

 

[ktownskier]

Sawzall and sweat a new one in.

 

[jmon]

try some pb blaster or kroil penetrating oil. Worth a shot. I know, the only downside to penetrating oils and wd40 is the strong smell. Open widows and use fan or exhaust fan.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

There looks to be a hex nut that will need to be loosened. Sometimes that nut on some valves is called a Bonnet Nut. Those are seldom installed with plumber's grease applied so they can easily be removed without dealing with corrosion so you may need to bite the bullet and get a plumber's help.

 

[Yodaman]

Try tapping around the hex face with a chisel. The goal being to break the corrosion bond. Use a ball peen hammer if you have one when hitting a metal chisel.

You have more patience than me. I would have upped the leverage and got it out, or destroyed it trying.

 

[hkstroud]

Yes, that is a compression type valve. That means that there is a washer on the end of the stem that presses against a machined surface to stop the flow of water. The only way the stem can turn round and round is because the teeth of the stem or the teeth of the knob are stripped. Probably the teeth of the knob. In other words the knob is turning but not the stem. Yes, the tub wrench or socket is the proper tool to use. You are just not strong enough. The valve and stem are brass and do not corrode.

In the video the reason the valve stem was cut was because the socket was not deep enough to get on the nut. Using the socket enabled the user to use a ratchet wrench for leverage. The problem with that method is that you will have a hard time finding a replacement valve stem.

Yes, turning counter clockwise is the proper direction to remove the valve stem.


Open the valve slightly, turn counter clockwise slightly. That will relieve a little pressure on the nut. Use pliers on the valve stem to do that.

Put your tub wrench on the nut and put the longest #2 screwdriver or the longest steel rod you can find in the holes of the tub wrench to try to remove the valve stem.


If you are not strong enough to unscrew the valve stem, put a wrench on the tub wrench and use that for leverage. You will not break the valve body or pipes.


When you get the valve stem removed you will probably have to replace the seat, that is the machined surface that the valve stem washer presses against (they corrode over time). That will require a special tool.



The longer the handle is on that #2 screwdriver, steel rod or wrench the more strength you will have.


Post back and let us know how you are doing.

 

[huesmann]

Got any deep well sockets?

 

[hkstroud]

If you have one tub socket or wrench, you probably have a set of them. Note that one will fit inside of another. You can put two of them together to extend out beyond the wall enough to get a pipe wrench to turn them and remove the valve stem if necessary..