DIY Plumbing Fixes Stall at the Valve
Homeowners are experiencing frustration and difficulty repairing or understanding the operation of bathroom and kitchen fixtures like faucets, shower valves, and dishwashers. The issues range from simple clogs and leaks to complex cartridge replacements and unusual installation designs, often compounded by a lack of accessible documentation or qualified help.
SOURCES (60)
“I have a Gerber toilet (2002) and got a new tank to bowl kit to replace the bolts, rubber washers and gasket. The new bolts are slightly shorter than the old ones, but I found that the main culprit is the new gasket being much…”
“True. Based on the picture im guessing the gasket is gone. Try tightening it first. As my father always said, tighten it right before it breaks. If it started leaking all of a sudden, slightly tighten it more, not a lot or you could break the plastic fitting. If leak is still there, replace the gasket. A couple bucks for gaskets.”
Carefully pick away the crud until you can seat the Allen wrench fully
“Bradford Whites have (at minimum) a 6 year warranty. If it's still under warranty, a plumber would be able to replace it under the warranty claim. You'll still need to pay for the plumbers labor & whatnot, but the tank itself will be covered.”
“After almost 60 years, the diverter is slowly giving up. Do I just cut the caulk, unscrew the spout and replace the whole thing? Most spouts that I see for sale at the box stores have the diverter directly over the opening--will that style work? submitted by /u/Whadya-Know [link] [comments]”
“Op is this a manufactured home or trailer? They use completely different types of faucet and shower fixtures. A lot of them are pretty chintzy. I’m slowly replacing all that nonsense in mine. I’ve actually had to replumb the whole house because of the cheap lines they used during the unstall”
“Do you have a socket wrench? If so, look for an extension (one end is for the wrench, the other is for attaching a socket). These are available in various lengths. Once you have a long enough one that the wrench will miss the ridges on the toilet tank so it will be free to turn. Then look for a crowfoot wrench “socket” that fits on the extension and fits that nut on the tube. They are designed for tight spaces. They look like this: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51U+4gXF5pL.\_AC\_SX679\_.jp”
“I got home from my overnight shift and apparently this was leaking all night?? The ground is soaked. I tried turning off the faucet but it just keeps spinning . So far the leaking has stopped by a lot but how can I actually fix this? submitted by /u/srslysquish [link] [comments]”
“I’m doing some plumbing and discovered that the threads are broken. How should I go about fixing this issue submitted by /u/Competitive_Lie9354 [link] [comments]”
“Probably just missing or the gasket needs replaced right there. Someone mentioned thread tape, which would work, but the gasket is what should be stopping it.”
“Recently had our sewer line under the basement slab replaced. This is in the basement bathroom where they had to rip out the vanity and sink. The left side valve is turned off, but is dripping. Is there anything I can do? The hot water tank is just on the other side of the wall if that has any relevance. We eventually plan to put a sink back, but maybe we shouldn’t wait? Thanks. submitted by /u/provolone304 [link] [comments]”
“Hey! Just moved to a new place and hooked up our washer - second hand from grandma - and we have a leak. The connection leaks water as soon as the tap is turned on. I’ve tried adding more tape to the threads, and also checking the rubber seal, which is still intact. From the pictures, it looks like the leak is coming out the back of the adaptor/connector rather than leaking directly where it meets the tap. Advice appreciated before I call a plumber submitted by /u/riften- [link]  ”
“Hi guys, being tearing my hair out over this leaky shower...hopefully someone can help me with diagnose the root cause. Water seems to be leaking out of the corner, where the tile meets the shower screen but BEHIND the tiles. Not a large amount, just drips. There's also no stains on the ceiling below the shower. Things I've tried so far include: Reseal the shower base and shower screen corners. Changed washers and teflon tapes for the shower head even though the exterior of the pipe is d”
“Guys - I have tried everything but there is a blue ring at the bottom of my tap that I simple can’t remove. Do you have any ideas for me to try? I clean with viakal I’m not sure if it’s this that has given the ring. Thanks! submitted by /u/UlquiorraA88 [link] [comments]”
“I can’t get the handle off to get to the cartridge inside to stop this steady drip. What would you do? I’d really like the win here without cutting the whole thing to pieces. I’ve soaked the screw in CLR and then wd-40. I’ve tried a couple different screwdrivers that bite really well only to have them jump. I’ve got a rubber band in there to help grab. Nothing’s worked so far. I’m sure it’s just corroded and fused in there from hard water so I’m at a loss. I’m thinking of different ways to drill”
“Got a leak under my kitchen sink and found where it was coming from can someone please tell me how to fix it? Not sure if there is a plug I can put in it or what needs to be done. submitted by /u/Bigddif [link] [comments]”
“Sigh. I just replaced my 10-year-old water softener (brown yellow clumps were showing up in the washing machine). I thought it would be easy since I was using the same brand (Whirlpool). These bypass valves would seem to be impossible to put together wrong (nothing to tighten too loose or too tight, no solder, etc.). I went with the new valve. It drips at the middle part of the clip. Is there a common problem with this little leak? Is there a common mistake a newbie makes? Did I put too little s”
“Guys, gourd fells down from the metai extention. I could not underatand what is the role of that screw sits on gourd but absolutely no impact on tightening the metal extention from sink. Temporary solution (placing Clorax bottle under) is not a solution at all. What I am doing wrong in here? submitted by /u/MrCCDub [link] [comments]”
“Your question isn’t if you can get new ones your question is why did they rust in the first place.”
“To remove the cartridge you should be able to just pull it out, might be stuck in there. Are you sure you need to remove all that ? Usually grab the stem yank with channel locks, pull the top pin out sometimes, or get moen tool. Could be one I just haven't seen before”
“I’ve replaced the cartridge in my shower a few times with no problems. However, this time all the screws holding the cartridge in were rusted and same for the metal plate they’re attached to. Is it possible to just buy the metal plate and screws that the red arrow is pointing to or to I need to buy the whole valve kit? Can’t seem to find it online but don’t know the part names. Thanks submitted by /u/Serenity__Now__ [link] [comments]”
“What am I missing here? I thought maybe because the existing plumbing wall was only a 2 x 4 but according to the instructions, the center of the valve(inside the wall) needs to be between 2 1/2 and 3 inches from the finished tile surface which it is. The stem seats and the shower works, but it won't screw in any further. submitted by /u/Secret_RE_Agent [link] [comments]”
“It's part of the overflow drain where the screw goes in. The previous owner of our home left us a lot of little surprises to fix. 😅 Is this something I can fix easily? submitted by /u/Happy-Plan231 [link] [comments]”
“So I installed a bidet jet spray two weeks ago and kept a bowl under to track any leaks First week it was leaking so I took it out and re did it - saw no leaks for upto a week but suddenly has started dripping a lot What im finding it difficult to figure out is, it doesn’t look like a leak - the tank is wet and sweating on the outside and the area behind the toilet seat is also collecting puddles And so I think the condensation droplets are following the path down the plumping pipes and hence lo”
“Sink started leaking and I got down there and this pipe is just floating here. Is this how it’s supposed to be connected? Am I missing a piece? I’m not a plumber. Help me out here. submitted by /u/Dedlyblubird [link] [comments]”
“it’s been a while since this faucet was installed in my home and it’s been so long that I don’t have the box. Can someone please help me identify the model number and brand of this faucet so that maybe I can call the company to see if there’s any replacement parts for the magnet connecting bit for the facet head. I know the bottom of the head has lots of water buildup but if I’m able to find the right parts for the connecting magnet, that’ll be a good time to soak it in vinegar. submitted”
“I think I messed up. I successfully replaced the cartridge in my leaking faucet (woohoo!), but didn’t know what I was doing to start out and thought I also needed to remove the tub spout. For reference, the tub spout wasn’t caulked and was jiggly before I touched it. But aside from the leaking, it worked normally. Anyway, there were three plastic pieces left on the copper stem (photo) and I stupidly removed them without noting their order. Fast forward - the faucet cartridge is replaced and I pu”
“Hope someone can help and tell me what brand is this valve and how do I fix it. Shower was leaking hot water. Tool it to Home Depot they could not identify it. So I am not able to find replacement cartridge or rebuild kit. I was trying to get 2 orings out as well and cracked them. submitted by /u/Turbulent-Yard-8019 [link] [comments]”
“Sounds like you got some work ahead of you then. Be helpful to have a picture. Im guessing theres another pipe in the wall preventing you from tieing back into the vent but without seeing it I couldnt tell you what needs to ne done”
“Recently had a company redo my bathtub/shower and all that. They redid some plumbing lines (but didn’t tell me about it until after it was done-I was not aware this would be done in my house). Anyways. Long story short, now every time I turn on the water (only in this tub/shower they did the work in - nowhere else in my home) the water is brown for like 2-3 seconds. I’ve never had a brown water issue in my home until this. I DID run my basement (split level basement) water for 30 mins to see if”
“I think the cartridge is bad (leaks at r handle if I turn on hot or cold) Handle does not have a cap or hole for Allen key, unscrewed the base under the sink, the bigger base part of the handle unscrews about one turn, won’t unscrew further and won’t lift off. I’m so stuck. Have tried lubricant, strap tench… any more ideas? Can anyone identify the model so I can look for instructions? No logo, no numbers on it or underneath either, nor on the tubes. 😭 submitted by /u/Silent-Cookie13”
“Hi handyfolks, I suspect there is a leak inside my house but there is no sign showing up (water piles, toilet leaks, molds or colorations on walls). I just started to poke around with a second hand humidity meter. The readings are low most of the time until I poked around one area readings are high and the meter gives an alarming sound. Does that mean leaks are behind that wall? Thanks submitted by /u/Traditional_Dig_8292 [link] [comments]”
“this is theoretically supposed to be our water on our (commercial) patio - but I don’t understand how to get water out of it. Sorry if this is a dumb question - but any help is appreciated. submitted by /u/industry_gremlin [link] [comments]”
“Should be able to spin the body around so the handle is on the other side away from a soap dispenser”
“Plumbing terminology is… fun sometimes. Perhaps you’d benefit from a tool called a nipple extractor! There are different styles, but for this application perhaps one of those red T-handled extractors used in irrigation?”
“1225 for moentroll I belive, id replace the balance spool too its not cheap but if the balance spool sticks it wont balance the preasure”
“Are there any parts/fixes for this? Pump seems to be working just fine without it. submitted by /u/ultimateplanner1014 [link] [comments]”
“I’m trying to replace a cartridge in a Moen Millenium model shower faucet, and cannot get the handle off. I had the handle off earlier this year when I wanted to locate the type of cartridge needed. I wasn’t able to get the cartridge out and put the handle back together to mess with later. Now that I have a cartridge to replace it with I cannot get the handle off I removed the hex nut but the handle won’t budge. Looking online I saw people use a faucet handle puller so I got one off of Amazon. J”
“It leaks from this part i circled. But I don’t think water is in that part? (I don’t know how the water flows inside the toilet) I wonder if it’s the screw down there thats the issue or maybe there is a crack that’s making it leak? Can someone help me? submitted by /u/Apprehensive-Cow6758 [link] [comments]”
“My toilet is constantly running - there is always water entering the bowl. I'm assuming it's this seal that I've circled in the picture? Could it be anything else? submitted by /u/ChazCole578 [link] [comments]”
“I just upgraded the old faucet, leaving 2 extra holes. I added the cup rinser, but wondering what else I could add. the hole covers don't work, they're too short and I can't seem to get the thread shaft to separate from it so I could get a longer one. uggg submitted by /u/ATXENG [link] [comments]”
“This has been going on for a day, I didn't know it was my downstairs toilet until I tried to go now. Is it fixable? submitted by /u/FixHopeful5833 [link] [comments]”
“The bottom drain valve, if it leaks afterwards, you should be able to cap it. Not sure you can replace the drain valve easily, or not causing issues like unfixable leaking Anode rod: tough to unscrew. Better luck with impace wrench. Watch some videos. The telfon tape can not cover all the threads If there is so much dirt in the tank, when you refill the tank and open regular faucets, the air bursts can plug them up. At 12 years, why bother?”
“I pulled this out of the lawn and I’m headed to homedepot What is the black pipe and what kind of glue is that The glue doesn’t look like pvc cement Thanks submitted by /u/BikeSpaceNavigator [link] [comments]”
“Is there an easy fix here? Tried shortening the chain, water level appears high enough as have tried adding more water. Managed to flush it once if I pulled the lever from inside and held it for a long time, but wasn't easy as it should be. Should I be getting in touch with a plumber? submitted by /u/ChipBarmandPie [link] [comments]”
“Im trying to remove my faucet and replace it with a new IKEA faucet. The problem i have is the two lines and the threaded nut that holds thr faucet in placr are so tightly together i cant seen to get the tap spanner onto the nut. Any suggestions in how to get this done? submitted by /u/4thMainCourse_ [link] [comments]”
“Water is trickling out of this into the drain. I’ve worked here for months and that has never happened. We have had rain the last few days which leads me to believe it’s draining some reservoir that catches rainwater somewhere but I’m not sure. Any help works be appreciated. submitted by /u/MrQuaintTown [link] [comments]”