Replacing A Worn Valve Seat
Turn off the water supply and disassemble the faucet valve. Lower the sing stopper and cover it with a cloth to prevent loose parts form falling in the drain. Pry off the handle cap, and remove the handle with a screwdriver. Remove the valve, loosen the compression valve with a water-pump pliers and remove it. Keep any washer or O-rings with the valve and set them aside.
Back out the seat. Use a seat wrench to remove the valve seat. Select an end that fits snugly into the seat. Insert the end of the wrench into the seat and tap the top to seat it firmly. The valve seat ma be stuck, so the first turn should be quick firm to release it without the wrench counterclockwise and remove it. Take the old seat to your local home center to be sure you replace it with the correct part.
Replace the seat. Install the new seat into the faucet. Apply pipe dope to the seat threads to seal them; insert the ends of the seat wrench into the seat, and set the seat in place. Screw the valve into place. Assemble the compression valve, faucet handle, and handle cap. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Repairing A Two-handle Tub and Shower Faucet. Turn off the water supply and remove the handle. Pry off the handle cap. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle. If there is caulking around the escutcheon plate, use a plastic putty knife to remove the caulk. Slide the escutcheon plate off the stem.
Unscrew the retaining nut. Use a shower stem socket available to most home center or hardware store, to remove the retaining nut.
Remove the cartridge. Grasp the end of the cartridge with a pair of pliers and pull it straight out. If the hole in the tile is too small, enlarge it by chipping with a screwdriver and hammer.
Peel off the O-ring, don't break or cut. Slip the O-ring from its groove and peel it from the housing. It is important to keep the ring whole so you can find an exact match at the store. Use the tip of a screwdriver to help release it if necessary. If you can not peel it off, pry it off with a screwdriver and cut it with a utility knife.
Slid eon the new O-ring. Apply silicone grease to the new O-ring. Slide it over the cartridge, seating it into the O-ring groove. Reassemble the faucet. Turn the water to check for leaks.
