Need Help with a Shower Valve Seat Removal

[Rick Allen]

So our shower was dripping and water was coming out of the hot water valve, so I decided to replace the washer. After I removed the hot water valve, I noticed that the rim where the washer goes in was chipped, so I needed to change the valve. The cold water valve didn’t look that great either. Decided to replace all three valves, and since the valve ends where chipped, might as well replace all the seats as well.

The Cold water and Mixing valve seats came out with a little force, but the hot water valve was a bear. I used some Blaster and let it soak and tried again, and let it soak again over night. Blaster didn’t do a thing.

I ended up stripping the hex inside with no results. I then got a #5 screw extractor and tried to use that tool.

I think it bottomed out because it would not turn anymore. I tried the screw driver and hammer route to no avail. Next I got a drill and removed the lip of the set screw and tried a #6 extractor. Put it on a socket and tried to turn it but it seemed to just get tighter. I think it just expanded the seat and made things tighter.

Replacing the three valve setup is not an option, as there is not access panel. I tried to use two washers to stop the drip, but it doesn’t work.

My next step, if possible, is to drill out the seat and retap the opening manifold and put in a larger seat, but not sure if this is even possible.

Can anyone give me some other tips to remove the seat?

TIA !

 

[Rick Allen]

So our shower was dripping and water was coming out of the hot water valve, so I decided to replace the washer. After I removed the hot water valve, I noticed that the rim where the washer goes in was chipped, so I needed to change the valve. The cold water valve didn’t look that great either. Decided to replace all three valves, and since the valve ends where chipped, might as well replace all the seats as well.

The Cold water and Mixing valve seats came out with a little force, but the hot water valve was a bear. I used some Blaster and let it soak and tried again, and let it soak again over night. Blaster didn’t do a thing.

I ended up stripping the hex inside with no results. I then got a #5 screw extractor and tried to use that tool.

I think it bottomed out because it would not turn anymore. I tried the screw driver and hammer route to no avail. Next I got a drill and removed the lip of the set screw and tried a #6 extractor. Put it on a socket and tried to turn it but it seemed to just get tighter. I think it just expanded the seat and made things tighter.

Replacing the three valve setup is not an option, as there is not access panel. I tried to use two washers to stop the drip, but it doesn’t work.

My next step, if possible, is to drill out the seat and retap the opening manifold and put in a larger seat, but not sure if this is even possible.

Can anyone give me some other tips to remove the seat?

TIA !

OK
So after a few days I decided what do I have to loose, so I did Drill out the seat with a 3/8 bit, just thin enough to not reach the threads and get rid of the lip of the seat. Took a cold punch and pried on what was left of the seat and it snapped in two and fell out ! Cleaned the threads and used some pipe sealant and replaced the seat and the valve. Put everything back together. and NO Leaks or Drips. All's Good !
Thanks to all who read the thread. Have a Nice Day !