Is this some kind of Epoxy in this faucet pipe?

[michael60622]

I couldn't get the cartidge out of this old faucet for nothing. Finally, I used a torch, and it loosened up right away. This white stuff inside is as hard as a rock? It can't be tape.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Looks like hard water or some ignorant person used some sort of adhesive to install the stem.

 

[wpns]

Maybe it was leaking so the previous ‘repair’ involved pipe dope?

 

[havasu]

Looks to be the same color as Rectorseal #5.

 

[Bird Doo Head]

Maybe soak a cloth in white vinegar and shove it in the valve. If it foams, the white is lime. Leaving the cloth for a while may (hopefully) get the lime loose enough to brush off with a nylon brush.