How to remove valve stem in single handle bathtub faucet. - Page 2

**havasu** · 08-24-2010, 12:39 AM

You don't know how much we are rooting for you to complete the job without the aid of a plumber. Hang in there and keep your persistance!

BTW, you are getting the flag dirty!

wndrwmn67 · 08-24-2010, 02:41 AM

Thank you havasu and believe me, NO ONE will be happier than me to get this darn thing done! I appreciate your vote of confidence.

I actually took that picture on my mouse pad. Guess it might be time for a new one of those, too, but all in due time. This plumbing issue must be resolved first!

Thanks again!

Deana

wndrwmn67 · 08-25-2010, 03:09 AM

I am doing the happy dance right now! I called the hardware store yesterday to inform them of the issues I had with the cartridge puller and the man told me I could bring it back for another one, but he wouldn't have it in the store until today. So I went to go get it after work, but ended up staying at my parents' house for dinner so didn't get home until about 20 min. ago.

I decided to give the new tool a try, but wasn't sure I would have success with the way the cartridge broke off inside of the pipe. It was at an angle and there was only one hole left in the cartridge for the tool to grip on to. I put it in and could feel the piece spinning around. I could also feel it grip something, but the moment I turned it, it would just start spinning again. I was just about to give up when I could feel it grab something and get a little tougher to turn. I very slowly held onto the tool and pulled it out very gently. Lo and behold! the broken off piece came flying out and into the tub!! I was so happy and excited!

I slipped in the new cartridge and was so anxious to give it a try, but wouldn't you know, I could not find the darn knob! This kind of stuff always happens to me! LOL! I decided to go ahead and screw the part in without the darn knob and give it a whirl. I ran down to the basement to turn the water back on and yelled at my son to tell me if it was leaking or not. He didn't answer, so I ran upstairs to see that it wasn't leaking at all. I pulled it out (see pic to see what I mean about not having the knob) and it worked like a charm. Then pushed it back in and found that it didn't leak one single drop!

Whew! This job is done! Now to get that new mouse pad, and find the darn knob for this thing. As for now, I'm happy with it even if it does look a bit "ghetto fabulous!"

Thanks so much for all of the help! I appreciate it so much and it saved me a bundle!

Deana

P. S. I do realize that my tub needs a good cleaning after all of this, but I am exhausted and it can wait until tomorrow!

**havasu** · 08-25-2010, 03:44 AM

Congratulations for a job well done! Just because your project is done, nothing says you can't stick around and keep us company!

wndrwmn67 · 08-25-2010, 03:49 AM

Heck, why not? I'm an expert at this sort of thing now!

Thanks again!

Deana

**Mr_David** · 09-03-2010, 12:19 AM

Sorry I'm a slow chiming in. I don't install the brass Moen cartridges when I replace the one you just pulled out. I use the plastic 1225b. The next time you have to change it you will have a repeat experience.
You don't need a special tool to pull the plastic one out. The brass cartridge bonds to the valve body and that's what makes them hard to pull out.
I had 2 different plumbers at my shop end up having to replace the entire valve. Their "Pasco" tool once inserted in to the core locks in and unless the core comes out the tool is permanently locked in.
Back at the shop I pulled one of the cores out of the valve. The other one I had to slice open the valve body to remove the core to recover the tool.
The Moen cartridge is known for being one the easiest and fastest cartridges to change out. Unless it's a brass one and it's been in there for a long time.

This is the tool I mentioned and personnally use myself. I found this listed in the tool section of this forum.
Pasco Moen cartridge puller

wndrwmn67 · 09-05-2010, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the comment, but as I stated before, the job is done and I'll be darn if I'm puilling it all out to do again! I'm sure the repair will last as long as I need it to considering I don't plan on living here forever.

My tool did get stuck, too, but I continually worked, and tugged, and pulled until I got the darn thing back out.

I guess that's just a chance I'll have to take!

It's done and working beautifully!

Deana

wndrwmn67 · 09-05-2010, 05:58 PM

Oh...and f.y.i. I tried another plumbing project today. I was so excited to find a kitchen sprayer the other day, brand-new, still in the package at a yard sale. My previous one was black and the water just dribbled out rather than spray. The new one is white and matches everything else in my kitchen. The repair was going well, until the last moment where I overtightened and cracked the new sprayer! Luckily, this is one that won't be too expensive to repair! You never know if you don't try! That's MY motto!

Deana

**havasu** · 09-05-2010, 06:05 PM

That is something I do way too often. These days, everything is either cheap plastic or such a low grade pot metal that you really have to resist overtightening too much. The usual rule of thumb, especially if there is a rubber washer involved is to connect until the parts touch, turn another 1/4 turn and then check for leaks. If it still leaks, try another 1/4 turn and check again. It's very tedious, but necessary.

**phishfood** · 09-06-2010, 03:15 PM

Usually with things like sprayer hoses and the like that utilize either a flat rubber washer or an O-ring as a seal, hand tight is as tight as necessary.