Faucet Valve Stem Replacement

A two-handle faucet consists of valve stems to which the handles attach. The valve stems control the water flow when the handle is turned. Over time and with use, the valve stems can wear and may become hard to turn or may not completely shut off the water to the faucet. You can expect to pay a professional plumber over $100, according to 2011 prices, to replace a valve stem in your home. You can complete the repair for considerably less by following a straightforward procedure.


Tools Of The Trade
Standard screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Valve stem wrench
Plumber's grease
Valve stem

Step 1:
Shut off the water supply to the faucet by turning the handle or knob on the shutoff valves under the sink completely clockwise. If there are no shutoff valves under the sink, shut off the main water valve for the home. Open the faucet and let the residual water drain out.

Step 2:
Pry off the button cap in the center of the faucet handle using a standard screwdriver. The button cap may have a C or H imprinted on it, designating it as hot or cold.

Step 3:
Remove the screw at the center of the handle using a Phillips screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise. Pull off the handle from the valve stem once the screw is completely detached.

Step 4:
Fish the washer out from around the valve stem, if there is one, using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Step 5:
Place a valve stem wrench over the valve stem and turn it counterclockwise until it is loose enough to remove completely by hand.

Step 6:
Smear the new valve stem with plumber's grease and thread it into the seat at the bottom of the faucet handle. Tighten the valve stem using the valve stem wrench. Reassemble the faucet handle and restore the water supply to the faucet.