Stuck shower stems

[maggiemay904]

Hiya.
I am trying to replace my valve stems, seats and handles. However I can not get these things off for anything. Ive tried the plumber socket set, pb blaster, pipe wrench, channel locks. And nothing. It just won't budge. Any tips or advice? It should just turn & come off right?
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[hj]

Yes. A socket or Crescent wrench will do it, but replace the 'packing nut" on the hot stem, or you will deform the stem's body and have to replace it. It is a Gerber faucet.Why the big hole in the wall?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

With a large opening you can go for a single control.

 

[maggiemay904]

With a large opening you can go for a single control.

That looks way too complicated/hard for me to do myself lol.

 

[Terry]

You should be able to spin out the stems you have with a socket set, or a wrench.
It looks like you're connected on the bottom side with plastic. Go a little careful there.

Maybe not what you have, but the tools you need.

 

[FullySprinklered]

I use 12-point socket, 1/2 in drive, with a breaker bar. Not sure what your nut size is but might be a 13/16. You'll have to cut the stem off with a hacksaw to get the socket on.

 

[Dj2]

Maggiemay904,

You have 2 options:

1. Use the right size socket and a seat wrench to remove the old stems, then install new seats and stems.

2. Replace the faucet, with the same kind or with a one handle faucet. You have 2 unions for the hot and cold supply and a riser. When you unscrew the unions, make sure you don't drop the nuts inside the wall cavity. The riser should be replaced, it's rusting away.

All of the above require knowledge, experience, muscle power plus the right tools. If you can't do it, you will have to call a plumber.

 

[FullySprinklered]

I use 12-point socket, 1/2 in drive, with a breaker bar. Not sure what your nut size is but might be a 13/16. You'll have to cut the stem off with a hacksaw to get the socket on.
Sorry, Charlie, but these guys will often slip around before the nut breaks loose. You may need a real deep socket.