Popular plumbing problem solving and remodeling DIY discussion advice forum site.

hot water stem won't come out

Author: jn3737 (TX)

I have an American Standard hot water stem in the bathtub that will unscrew to a point and then just stops. It won't turn anymore and I can't pull it out. Not sure what the problem is and was wondering if anyone has run into this problem before and has a solution to getting the stem out? Read some other posts and they spoke of tile blocking the stem but this is not the same. The hole in the tile is not in contact with the stem.

Re: hot water stem won't come out
Author: Paul48 (CT) Post a picture...sure it's not a cartridge?

Re: hot water stem won't come out
Author: hj We would have to know WHAT you are trying to unscrew, before we could tell if you are doing it correctly.

Re: hot water stem won't come out
Author: jn3737 (TX) Here is a picture of the replacement stem. I replaced the cold water side two years ago. It just unscrewed and I was able to pull it out. This one will unscrew to a point and then it acts like it tightens up and won't turn any more. I think it is still partly threaded in the fitting coming out of the wall. Thanks for your help.

Re: hot water stem won't come out
Author: hj The packing washer is probably getting stuck in the threads inside the body. Pull harder after making sure you have "unscrewed" it far enough so it IS loose inside the wall.

Re: hot water stem won't come out
Author: jerco (MD) Make sure you get the old 'Wave washer" out before you install the new stem with the new wave washer. They are tricky to get out sometimes.