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Need to replace bathroom tub fixtures (slrpnk.net)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/11339091

My bathroom tub fixtures have seen better days. Pretty sure they're original to the house (~60 years). We have fairly hard water, and the prior owners were not the best at maintenance so no clue how long these slow leaks have been going on. But the shower handle is stuck hard on the valve, and the bath spigot is crumbling away and similarly fused in place. Hot and cold come off easily.

Does anyone have any tips for freeing the one handle and spigot? I've tried light tapping with a mallet on the back of the handle to no avail. The spigot seems bound pretty tightly, to the point where I'm concerned about damaging the pipe if I apply too much torque.

As for the leaks, I haven't decided if I'm going to just replace the valves, or try fiddling with/replacing the packing nuts. This is my first time messing with plumbing, but either way seems straightforward enough after watching a few videos.

Any tips/tricks/suggestions appreciated, thanks!

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[–] Strider 2 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Back when I had to swap out a mixer valve I had the worst time trying to get everything off until someone suggested soaking it all with some vinegar in a spray bottle. Everything came apart much easier after a few minutes!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Vinegar, lemon juice, citric acid in water - as long as it's mildly acidic that scale will come apart no worries

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

Thanks for the tip. I should be able to get some vinegar behind the shower knob, not sure about the spigot.