Replace the valve stem in your bathroom faucet.
The valve stem is the heart of your bathroom faucet. The stem controls the flow of water through the faucet tap by means of a small rubber washer at the end. The faucet handle attaches to the top of the stem, allowing you to turn it easily. Occasionally these washers or stems can break, leading to a leaky faucet. Luckily, replacing the valve stem in a bathroom faucet isn't a difficult task. It's a good project for a newbie DIYer looking to get some hands-on experience.
Instructions
1. Cut the water supply to the faucet where you are replacing the valve stem. Look underneath the faucet to locate the water supply shut-off valve. The valve knob should be round or oval in shape. A hose connected to the valve connects to the faucet above. Rotate the knob clockwise to shut off the water supply to the stem above.
2. Remove the faucet handle. How this is done depends on the type of faucet handle. Look on the top of the faucet for the Hot or Cold indicators set into a disc. On these types of faucets, the faucet handle screw is located underneath the discs. Insert the edge of a knife or a flat bladed screwdriver underneath the edge of the disc to pry it off. Unscrew the faucet screw with a Phillips screwdriver. If you do not see these indicators on the top of the faucet, look underneath the faucet handle or behind it for a small screw. Remove this and then pull the faucet handle straight off.
3. Unscrew the packing nut. This is the first hexagonal shaped nut located at the top of the valve stem. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove.
4. Remove the valve stem by turning the second hexagonal nut located at the base of the stem body. Pull the stem out of the faucet socket.
5. Apply pipe thread compound to the sides of the new stem. Insert the stem into the faucet. Tighten with the wrench.
6. Insert the packing nut over the stem and tighten.
7. Slip the faucet handle over the end of the stem. Insert the faucet handle screw into place and tighten. Replace the facuet handle disc cover, if present.
8. Restore the water supply.
