Repairing Faucets
Most faucet valves can be repaired by a householder armed with the right tools. There are essentially four types of faucets and each with many variations resulting in literally dozens of slightly different parts such as washers and rings for each model. The only way to be sure that you have the correct replacement part is to take apart the faucet, remove the worn or broken item and take it to the hardware or plumbing-supply store to make a match. Sometimes you will need to use special tools to disassemble the faucet.
Tub and Shower Faucets
The operating parts of a tub faucet are similar to those in a sink faucet and the repairs are also the same. Shower and tub faucet valves look different from sink valves because they are horizontal and often large. You may have to shut off the water to the whole house before working on a shower or tub valve because there will probably be no nearby stop valve. In some tub faucets, the working parts are recessed behind the tile so to repair the faucet you may have to break the tile to reach them. You may want to have a professional do this job. On an older, compression-type shower valve, the problem is often with the seat – the ringlike metal piece that the stem’s washer pushes up against. If washers wear out quickly then the seat probably needs to be replaced. Use a seat wrench, it is a standard tool that can be found at most hardware stores and home centers to remove it. Then take the seat with you to buy a replacement.
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