How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey fixes a faulty shower valve with new valve stems and seats. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Shopping List for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:
Cloth [amzn.to/2m0Gs3D], for plugging up drainpipe
Replacement valve stems [amzn.to/2lmWSTH] and stem seats [amzn.to/2mWo9wz]
Pipe-thread sealant [amzn.to/2n1JwfR], to create watertight seal on stem seat
Plumber’s putty [amzn.to/2mTuuJl], for sealing escutcheons to shower wall
Tools for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:
Pocket knife [amzn.to/2m2Z6rv], to pry off index covers
Phillips-head screwdriver [amzn.to/2mWdC4F], for loosening and tightening handle-retaining screws
Valve socket [amzn.to/2lRaerG] and pliers [amzn.to/2mWftGF], to remove and install new valve stems
Seat wrench [amzn.to/2m32brz], for replacing existing stem seats
Steps for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:
1. Turn off the water at the water main or wherever it enters the house.
2. Cover the tub/shower drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from dropping into the drainpipe.
3. Use a pocketknife to pry off the small round index cover from the shower’s hot-water faucet handle.
4. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem.
5. By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem.
6. Use a valve socket and pliers to loosen and remove the old stem from the wall.
7. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench.
8. Brush pipe-thread sealant onto the threaded end of the new stem seat.
9. Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve.
10. Carefully hand-tighten the new valve stem into the valve body, then tighten it with the valve socket and pliers.
11. Repeat the previous eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the diverter and cold-water faucet handle.
12. Apply plumber’s putty to the back of each escutcheon plate, then hand-tighten them onto the stems. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out.
13. Screw the handles onto the valve stems.
14. Snap the index covers back onto the handles.
15. Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House
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[@vc8424]

So grateful we live in an age where I can find information like this for free, this just saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@JM-fz1ct]

Currently on a plumbing repair video binge. What I've learned so far: there's a special tool for everything.

[@joebobjoesayshi]

Yea that part is bullshit. Wish there was a place that rented these tools

[@fbksfrank4]

I’m working in the plumbing department, winter hours now, thankfully. So the store is closed when I start work! But summer hours we were open for one hour. In that hour I saw all kinds of different things trying to get done with the wrong parts, emergency trying to get done by people with no clue.

[@thomasdickson35]

Yes. I fix things for a living and have received SOO many comments about strange tools I own.

[@danielcollins5194]

A belt is a special tool for plumbers crack

[@redd605]

For the bathtub ,the box spanner is a must have , to make the job.go probably, because , someone always tighten the nuts so hard..

[@user-rq5jm6ih7r]

The "seat" replacement is what makes this tutorial more helpful -- thank you.

[@teri9636]

Perfect demonstration of both the stem and seat replacement! I'm a 66 year old female and fixed it myself (with your helped!)

[@bln2762]

This is the best video I have seen on this type of repair! He shows a cutaway valve which allows you to view how it actually moves and works (or doesn't work). I finally get it! lol

[@kellyrogers1800]

Best step-by-step video of it's kind. I just did this myself for the first time and saved cash instead of calling a plumber. thanks!!!

[@freeconsgaming8936]

Love this old house, not only for help on a current problem, but just the enjoyment, (and learning) of watching them fix all manner of things!

[@alanwagen]

I don't know why but I find plumbing fascinating. I guess because it evolves and it is truly is a type of engineering. Richard, you are the man!

[@mattjjacob]

Every time I go to fix these I look up this video. Truly timeless

[@AF200002]

Thank you, This Old House and my local plumbing shop!

[@lattina62]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@phi1618ify]

You make it almost easy for people like me who think they can do almost anything and can't but with you showing us the way I feel like it's time to break out the tools "they are clean because they are new hehe" and play plumber like I sorta know what I'm doing. Cheers Sir! I hope more people make DIY videos that are down to the point and really show everyone how it's done by pros like you.

[@riddell74]

Whoever preps the work area for This Old House - bravo. Those handles and valves are way too easy to come off. TV magic. Give the behind the scenes workers credit.

[@jpark6008]

It's a family show. If it were real life there would be way too many swear words to air and it would be 3 hours long while he went to the hardware store to get extra tools and struggled to get those loose. haha

[@CivilizedWarrior]

I know. Like I’m sure he just happened to have her exact valves AND AN EXTRA ALREADY CUT AWAY ONE TO SHOW HER! I was just at Home Depot in the plumbing aisle and there’s literally like 20 different sized ones lol. Unless his van is literally a mobile plumbing supply co. on wheels there’s no way.

[@klynnmonroe5346]

It is a show designed to help people who do or are learning to do their own maintenance on their homes. It would be of no help if their work areas and instructions were as unorganized and ill-prepared as viewers like myself. If he spent 90% of his time looking for things, dropping things and just generally screwing things up first, before actually fixing things, I wouldn't need to watch.

[@anthonymartinez6334]

You can tell that this guy knows what he’s doing good job 👍🏻

[@MR-nl8xr]

pulling & replacing that valve seat with no F ups; yea, hes good.

[@adrenalinehigh2070]

Yeah, specially when he shows you to take it apart without shutting off the water at all! Hahahaha

[@MysLed]

*Watching just this video alone, would have saved me sooo much time, frustration and the hell I've gone through when repairing what seemed like at first would just be a g.d minor F#!%ing fix with my faucets!* Wow, I've watched hundreds of video repairs over the years when trying to fix a number of different issues with my old tub, and this is one is a first!!! Just this one video alone has covered what so many have neglected on mentioning to such vital descriptions/details that are either never mentioned or just briefly glossed over! THANK YOU!

[@johnsee7269]

Tommy and Richard are quintessential experts. Tom especially with things like rafters and stairs; demonstrating complete mastery of the complex geometry; wow! Wow! Every repair or job... I've often wondered whether or not mistakes are edited out. No matter; amazing!

[@jenniferp7749]

Thank you for take the time to produce a wonderful step by step educational video. Enjoyed every bit of it. Aloha 🌺

[@nickramos3417]

Very cool demonstration on that stem that’s half cut. Really took your time, great job

[@nicksprung436]

glad to see you replaced the seat as well, seen many plumbers replace the stem but skip the seat then it works for a little bit and the problem returns.

[@revenant6910]

Hands down, you saved me at least 10 hours dealing with this! Thanks so much.

[@aaqilian5.085]

Hands up!

[@hawaiidispenser]

Whew, this helped me a lot when replacing both hot n cold stems. Thanks!

[@sharit7970]

Great video and explanation!! So easy to follow! You guys ought to have your own TV show . . .

[@kronk358]

I bet plumbing is a gratifying job. Fixing problems for people makes you feel good. Especially when they have no idea how to do it and its actually quite easy for you.

[@crywhit4619]

I need me a Richard to come fix my valve stems!🙌🙏

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

FANTASTIC RICHARD,THANK YOU

[@SpartyLinguist]

Very helpful. I didn't know about the seat inside the pipe. Was able to replace both stems and now, no more drips. Thanks!

[@juanleonellozadamaldonado8865]

Yes. Fantastic. Great, you are an authentical master plumbing.

[@pmonk1177]

Thank You for this video, this came at the right time, I watched it several times to make sure I got this right.

[@julieeanderson945]

A decent enlightening post that you have shared and appreciate your work for sharing the data. I value your endeavors and all the best. Praise your work and continue sharing your data.

[@whttcwwhttcw9027]

Just so happened to have the part + Replaced seat without dropping 🎉🎉🎉

[@JillianNorwood]

This is the best bathtub plumbing video I have seen all day!

[@peterhunterxxxxx]

I had a 1930s home with leaking and sticking stems. I agree, if you have the budget, replace them all. Yes, it took two trips to plumbing store, but $90 well spent.

[@rurome2151]

Came here for ideas to remove stuck tub faucet handle from the stem, and learned about water pressure drop on a worn out stem… which has become a recent problem on a sink. Thanks much.

[@Quicktwosteps]

Thanks for making the video. I did mines myself.

[@teefrankenstein4340]

Excellent video working on my shower today and using this video as a reference. Thank you for sharing!

[@devo076]

Thanks, RIchard! You saved me a lot of time.

[@brianallison1913]

A trick I found for preventing cross threading anything with threads is to put the male and female(or the threaded and tapped objects) threads together and before tightening inwards, go outwards first. You will feel and hear the threads click and align with one another. Then start tightening inwards.

[@macvideoworld]

I thought that was my little trick. I now see I am not the only one. But great idea to prevent cross threading. I hate it when I see someone cross threading, specially with a power tool, making sure to damage the threads. I almost feel the pain.

[@camtwan1]

@@macvideoworld your trick? Quite literally the most common and natural thing people do when screwing things in

[@klynnmonroe5346]

That's ok to call it your little trick. I'm glad you shared it no matter what anyone calls it. I didn't know & appreciate the info

[@felixalonzo2847]

I love how there happens to be the new part on hand ready to go!

[@AdamMargie4ever]

Old school real plumber 👍 Great explanation

[@raulgutierrez5920]

Nice job professor well under stood !!!👍👍

[@OnazolHidrocalido]

Rich u are a good plumber. I like to watch your videos...

[@Nyck461]

I liked your video. Very good repair.

[@159India1]

I think it is important to mention when removing and installing stems, that it should be turned 1/2 way open, because If you unscrew or screw in the stem while it is turned all the way closed, it may damage the new washer and seat.

[@mikeh8008]

Idk why didn’t mention that. It’s in the direction to make sure the stem is open all the way. I just learned the hard way about that, thankfully I can swap it out at Home Depot. That is a very critical step.

[@brianszanyi5538]

He's wearing green for money I sure saved a lot of money watching him God bless him 🙏🙏🙏

[@aguaf]

Very clear explanation. Very informative.

[@bluemelody24]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@stevebaker8322]

c'mon baby, when he was loosening old seat made me smile. I'm always saying that to customers fixtures, C'MON BABY. I go back with faucet grease on seat treads though, not recta seal. It's all good, putty , grease , dope.

[@VisaliaMuscle]

i love THIS OLD HOUSE!... Thoroughly explains cause and affect in a step by step manor in a simple way.. Thank You!

[@VisaliaMuscle]

Did the job today and cost me $30 amd about 30min to do 2 shower faucets... Thank you once again..1st time EVER doing this kind of job...

[@paigedothan9167]

Excellent. Thank you. Easy to follow.

[@m.karenkernan6129]

I have to do a similar project like this today! This video was very helpful! Thank You so much!

[@jeremythevirushuang6303]

I like this guy! Very detailed explanation. New subscriber!

[@psyche141]

Thank you so much for this video! You just saved me a lot of money and time in replacing my old shower knob. I thought I was gonna end up breaking the wall to take out the actual pipe and fixture but your video showed me that it is so easy to just remove the stem and replace it. Just did it in 10 minutes without any hitches!

[@alloutjoy3172]

I took out the wall, but only one large tile, easy to out back.

[@carlethafavors2884]

Thank you, I too thought I would have to break the wall, have not used my shower for over a year because of this issue. Thank you. Thank you.

[@sand0077]

Didn't know the seat was replaceable, great to know!

[@Daniells1982]

Richard is da man!!

[@janieriddle6068]

We moved into an Older house and we're having an issue with the shower as well. I'm very glad i watched this! Now i know there is a "Seat" that goes in there. Matching the Stems is the real problem i'll face :-(

[@ricardoturin5858]

Great video!!! I've replaced a ton of them. Bravo

[@poeticthoughts06]

Great video!

[@dwightemorgan4367]

great video very helpful

[@Warturtle16]

Thanks for this video! Helped a ton!

[@diphrent4yt]

Excellent video.

[@terrymitchell7714]

What a great tip, I have the exact problem. Thanks

[@milowhite1478]

He’s my fav such a pro and teacher

[@auletjohnast03638]

GREAT WORK.

[@tonych9225]

richard is the man!

[@ernestopalafox8036]

Best video on how to do ANYTHING

[@PROJECT_936_dot_NET]

Marvelous work You have inspired me to work on my channel, thanks. 🐼

[@OpenMindedForever]

Richard is awesome! I love watching him repair plumbing problems! I wish he'd do a spin-off series "This Old Apartment - Affordable Repairs" ... and start with repairing the plumbing issues in my rent-controlled CA Berkeley Studio Apartment. Unfortunately, the Landlords here and City Housing Code Enforcement tend to let the Landlords defer maintenance or simply not do any until conditions reach slum-landlord level -- the trade-offs of getting accommodating Rental Housing Property Owners in a limited housing/tax-revenues high-priced limited affordable rental Bay Area. Yikes!

[@stevew270]

He's my favorite TOH'er!

[@BigDsHomestead]

What about "This Old Mobile Home"?

[@CivilizedWarrior]

@@BigDsHomestead how about “This Old Cardboard Box on the Sidewalk.” Cause that’s where I’m about to be if taxes and inflation get any higher in NJ.

[@rhondaarnesen6684]

Thank you! I'm having a similar issue. Now I know what those odd sockets are for, too. Haha!!

[@3613jeremy]

great video my sister's shower has been driving me nuts I had no clue there was a actual seat that could be replaced I've seen them in kits but never knew what they where for thanks for this video cause I'm close to ripping out the wall to replace this same problem

[@jimhoggtx8962]

careful with the leak. Leaks can turn into a bust and flooding ):

[@carlito3094]

awesome richard

[@backinfx]

Now being 25 years old, almost 26, and learning today that you have to replace your shower stems... I now understand why people live off the grid lol. Great demonstration. You helped me out tremendously!

[@melaniegillard1208]

Great video

[@-los-7291]

I love this show

[@Lila22.11]

I am replacing our leaking faucets, they are wasting hot water now, hopefully soon no more. Thank you for this video.

[@gillani2004]

A wonderful video

[@juliaisabelmartinez9103]

exelente lastima que no lo traducen..bueno felicito a este plomero muy bueno

[@mnrodriguez]

Very professional

[@abeladamu5524]

Thank you!!

[@godschild5587]

Thank you

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Good call Richard...was wondering if you were gonna do that...👍👍

[@mohankrishnasamy1456]

Learned from you 🙌

[@earnesthill9477]

Mine is overturning and won’t stop dripping. This gave me a better idea of what might be going on.

[@krisone5253]

Their is no way I could perform micro surgery on these pipes. RICHARD TRETHEWY Is The PLUMBING MASTER IN THE MODERN WORLD 🌎

[@Maxid1]

4:56 Richard turns into Elvis for a second.

[@SeorangNeo]

c'mon man

[@chef423]

lol he did

[@olgasa6943]

More like Emeril Lagasse🍔🍰

[@christophernewell195]

Thanks man

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

Excellent

[@liaqatali-ht3it]

You are the best

[@lovelys.brockman1012]

Awesome ❤❤❤

[@Smokinlucretia]

Awesome Upload! I Had this style but I have the AIO style now... w/e ever that's called :P

[@gaylefriedman3773]

Old School was always the best. Also understandable to the customer. I have this problem now with my guest sink cold water. I have a separate idea as this bath tub was.. Do I need to Replace Al Parts for a Stem? Thank You!

[@loydkoon589]

So my tub faucet has been doing a similar trick of low flow but thankfully it hasn't stopped yet. Looks like I'm making a trip to the hardware store Friday....lol!

[@JodiJoAnnReed]

Thanks

[@62Cristoforo]

Interesting how increasingly hot temperature continues to lower the hot water pressure due to pipe expansion. I had a lavatory sink that drained normally when was cold water was used, but wouldn’t drain normally when the homeowner was using hot water. It all came down to hot water causing the air gap to push outward, at the point between the trap weir and the pop-up drain plug. The expanding air pressure in the tailpiece slowed down any water above it trying to drain. Took me a while to figure out that one.

[@halc.2899]

Ok video but show me what happens when the stem seats don't come out that easy....THEN you've really helped me. And believe me it happens.

[@tonyanderson5123]

Would you do a video to show us how to repair a Delta shower diverter valve because it is different from the other two? My diverter valve sent water to both the shower and the tub faucet; I replace the seat washer but that did not fix the problem. So I installed a flat ring washer on the other side of the seat washer holder and that fixed the problem. I was amazed that the tiny little gap between the bevel washer holder and the housing would let that much water go through and down the tub faucet!

[@artyzinn7725]

Never knew the valves could fail like that. I have one over 60 yrs old still working, and in another tub a single handle mixing Moen, still working too, that is 40 yrs old. Was at the Depot some months ago, and am dismayed how light and plastic feeling like many new faucets are, I hope the stems are still 'durable'.

[@eduardocastro6331]

me gusta creo que que cada dia se aprende algo nuevo.

[@billsmith2212]

Rich to the rescue ! I like the episode where I believe they were in Texas . It was hot and Rich commandeers the ice cream truck and drives it into the video !

[@drizzypuffs523]

My goodness you're awesome

[@danmartin6225]

you can feel this dudes vibe, you pass the vibe check✌ by the way you made my headache go away