Shower Stem Stuck in Valve

[Kaye H.]

Hello,

Hope the picture is visible. I was trying to replace the stem and unable to use the stem wrench. I tried Home Depot 27/32 and 29/32 and can't seem to find anything to fit in that small gab to turn the base of the stem. Any suggestions?

 

[Reach4]

Are you referring to the gap between the metal and the cement/wall board? You should be able to chip or cut that away.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MKS]

Do you know what make this valve is?
That could help.
First picture shows what looks like a retaining clip on the bottom. Silver looking.
A six point socket maybe an option.
I have found knipex waterpump pliers to bite when others tools won't.
I would not muscle up until you know the make.

 

[Kaye H.]

Are you referring to the gap between the metal and the cement/wall board? You should be able to chip or cut that away.

No the stem valve

 

[Kaye H.]

No, the stem base don't think I need to cut the wall. This stem little different think it's a Gerber. Trying to turn the hex shape nut. I recently sprayed WD 40 to see if it turn

 

[Kaye H.]

Do you know what make this valve is?
That could help.
First picture shows what looks like a retaining clip on the bottom. Silver looking.
A six point socket maybe an option.
I have found knipex waterpump pliers to bite when others tools won't.
I would not muscle up until you know the make.

Do you know what make this valve is?
That could help.
First picture shows what looks like a retaining clip on the bottom. Silver looking.
A six point socket maybe an option.
I have found knipex waterpump pliers to bite when others tools won't.
I would not muscle up until you know the make.

 

[Terry]

It helps to have something like these.

 

[Kaye H.]

I think Gerber the diverter looks totally different and was easy to turn. I sprayed with WD 40. Aiming to turn hex shape nut.

 

[Kaye H.]

It helps to have something like these.

Yes I have the set

 

[Kaye H.]

Yes the it smallest one turned diverter with no problem. But the hot water or cold won't move.

 

[Terry]

I often use a bigger wrench with these sockets. Or pliers work too.

 

[Dj2]

Spray some lubricant on the stem base, to loosen some of the corrosion and let it sit.
Use the proper size wrench from your set, place it on the stem and use a 12" adjustable wrench to rotate counterclockwise. Place the adjustable wrench where the stem wrench is in contact with the stem.
If you are still unable to turn the stem, replace the rough in body. If you have a closet on the other side of the wall, cut an access hole in the drywall to do the rough in change over.

 

[SWong]

I once had some undersink basin nuts which were a nightmare to loosen. I ended up using a appropriate 1/2-inch 5-point impact Harbor Freight impact socket with a 12-INCH ratchet with extension bar to get them loosened. Desperate times call for thinking "out the box". With the price of having to call in a licensed plumber at record highs here in the city even if I must purchase a specialty tool to complete the task it's still worth it in the long run. Having had to call in a plumber recently to replace a failed closet lead bend I've also a finer appreciation for tools such as a soil stack cutter. Amazing tool but a typical homeowner would never use this tool but once in his life ... if that!