Shower Faucet Stem Removal

Shut Off the Water Supply

Turn off the water to the shower before you begin this repair to prevent a serious leak from the shower stem when the stem is removed. To do this, shut the home's main water line. You should be without water in the home for only around an hour or so while making the repair.

Remove the handle to access the stem directly beneath it by taking off the cap on top of the handle and then unscrewing the screw under it using the appropriate screwdriver (either a hexagonal wrench, an Allen wrench or a Phillips head or regular screwdriver). Most faucets use a Phillips head screw but newer models might use an Allen head screw. Once this screw is removed, gently pull off the handle or use a handle puller to remove it.

The stem is underneath the handle trim sleeve and it is threaded onto the faucet head. The only way to get it off is with a stem removal tool, also called a bath socket wrench. This tool is cylindrical in shape with an open head, and it fits right over the stem. Once in place, turn it counterclockwise to unscrew and remove the stem. Many stems will corrode in place, so try a good lubricant to help loosen it. Soak the stem in this lubricant and wait several minutes. Then try the bath socket wrench again.

Stems have several parts, including a seat screw, seat washer and the threaded end that fits into your pipes. However, to keep things simple, just replace the entire part. Insert the new stem into the faucet where the old stem was located and tighten it with the bath socket, turning it clockwise this time until tight. If you are concerned about corrosion or wear in the seat, which is the round part located underneath the stem, remove this part and replace it before replacing the stem. Insert a seat wrench into the faucet head and turn counterclockwise to break the seat free. Then insert a new seat and tighten it with the seat wrench. This is the fail-safe way to prevent or stop leaks in your shower.