How to Remove Faucet Stem
There is no difference between the kitchen and bathroom faucets in terms of how they operate. After turning the handle, water is released from the spout.
If you turn the handle in the opposite direction, the water will cease to flow.
Nowadays, in addition to the faucet itself, you can find several models with a thermostat built into the handle.
In other words, you can control everything with the same handle.
The basic function of all faucets is the same, but there is a wide variety of different methods used inside various faucets from different brands out there.
After a while, the faucet stems, which are responsible for controlling the water flow, wear out and break down.
One of the biggest problems people facing nowadays, is a dripping faucet.
The vast majority of people would prefer to replace the entire faucet because of dripping.
However, if you want to save some money, you can also repair the stem of the faucet instead.
It is imperative to note that you have to remove the stem in order to change it.
There are several reasons why people are inclined to replace the entire faucet rather than learning how to remove faucet stem.
The bottom line is that if you get the right faucet stem removal tool and give yourself some time, you’re likely to spend less money on the project.
However, what are the steps that you need to take?
let see in a detailed manner.
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How to Remove Faucet Stem
These two simple fixes may teach you how to remove faucet stem, but this isn’t a standard method.
If your faucet was built many years ago, simply cleaning them and spraying with cleaners would not solve your problem.
But you can try to see whether it works or not.
There may be a situation where it does not work, in which case you will have to bring in heavy artillery to complete the job.
If you are planning to complete this project, you will need a few tools in order to finish the job – you have nothing to worry about.
In order to complete the project, you will not need sophisticated tools – normal household tools will do.
You can buy these tools at any home improvement store if you don’t have them.
Almost every DIY store offers them for a very reasonable price. Let’s take a look at what you need.
- Hex key
- Pump pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
You may not need all the tools above depending on what kind of faucet you have and what kind of stem it has.
Whenever you have an opportunity to spare, take a look at what you already possess and see whether those tools are adequate.
In case you want to replace the other parts inside the faucet, you need to bring the used parts to a store.
This will enable you to verify that they have the right size.
Step 1: Turn off Water Supply
- Turning off the water supply should be the first step.
- Water should not be sprayed out of the system when you remove it.
- Turn off the main valves, which are typically located under the sink.
Step 2: Drain Remaining Water
- After you have completed the task, you may turn on the faucet handles as well.
- It is possible that there is still some water in the pipes, but it will drain out once you start your work.
- Hence, you should release everything beforehand in order to avoid accidents.
Step 3: Pry off Caps
- If you have the flathead screwdriver, you can pry off the top caps of the handles using it.
- Although, this is not the most common method.
- You are likely to see a cap on top of the faucet.
- There is no need to use a giant screwdriver for this task, but instead a small screwdriver, as it will fit into the tiny gap perfectly.
- Some faucets are fitted with exposed screws which are usually found on the top of the handles or near them.
- However, the majority of the faucets come with screws covered with caps.
Step 4: Pull Out the Handles
- You’ll need the Phillips screwdriver as soon as you’ve gotten inside.
- There are usually Phillips screws on faucets. Use a small hex key if you don’t have one.
- Unscrew the side screws if necessary.
- The system can then be loosened, allowing you to expose the stems and make an informed assessment of the situation.
- When the handles are pulled out, the stems will be visible underneath them.
Step 5: Remove the Nuts
- Pump pliers are very useful for this task.
- If you do not have any experience with plumbing, you cannot tell which stem you have by looking at the handles alone.
- Using the pump pliers, you can remove the nuts on cartridge stems.
- You should remove the packing nuts if you have compression type faucet stems.
- If you are using ceramic stems, then you should loosen the mounting nuts.
- Once you have done so, you should be able to remove the faucet stem.
Despite the fact that the job can be challenging, you could still fail no matter what you try.
Most faucets can be repaired by using the above-mentioned solutions, but some of the older models might never be able to be worked on.
The chance of successfully removing a faucet stem is very low with a system that was made in the 1970s.
It is not necessary to call a plumber in this case, but if the whole assembly is defective or if the faucet is malfunctioning, it must be changed.
In general, it is very important to be very patient and cautious when dealing with this matter.
Practical experience will greatly help, as well as knowledge of how to perform DIY projects will also help to complete this process.
Nevertheless, if you are completely inexperienced with plumbing and you do not want to get your hands dirty, then it is better to call a plumber.
This is because you can’t deal with the stems yourself.
Video guide: How do you remove a stuck faucet stem ?
How to Remove Faucet Stem Nuts that got Stuck
For removing the faucet stem you should remove the nuts around it.
It is easy to remove the faucet stem nuts. In case your faucet nut got stuck then follow these steps.
It is easy to implement these solutions, and it isn’t too difficult to follow them.
It is true that these methods may not always work, but they are affordable and quick. It would be worth a try as they are cheap.
- For instance, Take the valve assembly apart.
- You can use a wire brush to thoroughly clean it.
- If there is any gunk surrounding it, make sure you clean it and you will be able to see all the parts.
- Gunk might cause things to stick together, so getting rid of it may help to remove the faucet stem.
- In order to expedite the process, there is another quick solution that may be helpful.
- In case you cannot get the gunk out by cleaning it, use WD40 spray on it to give it a proper clean.
- Ideally, spray it over the entire assembly. It is important to do this even if the parts appear to be stuck together.
- If possible, knock it slightly, but do not damage it.
- By doing so, you will loosen parts of it, thus allowing the spray to reach all parts.
- Reapply the spray after 15 minutes and you will see how well it works.
Conclusion
It is easy to learn how to remove faucet stem.
You can begin by using WD40 and wire brushing.
Get more WD40 and whack again to loosen all the bonds.
When you find that nothing is working, try making sure the bottom and top of the stem is secured before rotating in two directions at the same time.
In the event that you have removed all the parts of the faucet, you should be able to take the worn parts to any local hardware store or home improvement center and get equal replacements.
