Valve Seat Problem

Hi,

I am attempting to help my daughter stop a leaky tub faucet. She purchased a gerber kit that contains 3 valve stems with seats and all the other chrome hardware.

I started on the hot water side and had no problem getting the old corroded valve seat out using the appropriate valve seat tool. However I could not get the new seat installed. I could get it started with my finger but when I tried to tighten it with the wrench it does not "catch". Fearing that this could get ugly (this is a converted apartment turned condo and the only access is through the front) I put the old seat back in. It now leaks worse than when I started.

Any help is appreciated.

Dennis B.

Here, Gerber is very popular. Are the parts that you purchased OEM?, this could be the problem if they aren't. If the threads that are in the faucet body got damaged when the new seat would not screw in easily, it may be beyond repair at this point. I would start over again with brand new seats and make sure the seat threads match the original ones that were in the faucet body.

Compare Seats

I agree with e that you should compare your seats. I think it's more likely you are not getting the new seat started correctly. Try a screwdriver that won't allow the seat to slip up on the tool and put sealant on the threads. You may not have gotten the old one back in tight enough or it has gotten debri behind it.