Vintage Bathtub Fixture

Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to remove and replace corroding pieces inside her vintage bathtub fixture. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Tools:

adjustable wrench
offset screwdriver
screwdriver
heat-proof grease
plumber's tape
new handles and stems

Figure A

Steps:

1. Turn off water at shut off valve. Use the screwdriver to remove handles.

Figure B

2. Remove stem valves with adjustable wrench. Examine parts for wear. If they're just worn out, take them to the hardware store and use to find matching parts.

Figure C

3. Before installing new stems, take them apart and wrap threads with plumber's tape and coat the moving parts with heat-proof grease. This will greatly prolong the life of the valves.

Figure D

4. Insert new valve stems and carefully thread in place. Hand tighten stems as far as you can to avoid stripping them, then tighten firmly with the adjustable wrench.

5. Attach new handles, turn water back on and test for leaks. If everything works fine, then go ahead and run yourself a nice, relaxing bubble bath.