Problem disassembling Gerber Brand tub faucet

[MasterPlumbersKeymaster]

I am trying to repack a gland nut in the handle of my bathtub faucet. I have everything I need to do the job, but I cannot seem to get the sleeve off that protects the stem. I’ve tried the new rubber belt-type wrenches, I’ve used a pipe wrench in conjunction with a rubber sleeve for gripping, and I’ve tried using products to dissolve possible mineral deposits, if they are the culprit. I cannot get it to unscrew. What else can I try? I hesitate to call a plumber because I am confident I can do the rest of the job myself. Please help. Thanks.

[SylvanLMPParticipant]

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In reply to message posted by dcorbin1:
I am trying to repack a gland nut in the handle of my bathtub faucet. I have everything I need to do the job, but I cannot seem to get the sleeve off that protects the stem. I’ve tried the new rubber belt-type wrenches, I’ve used a pipe wrench in conjunction with a rubber sleeve for gripping, and I’ve tried using products to dissolve possible mineral deposits, if they are the culprit. I cannot get it to unscrew. What else can I try? I hesitate to call a plumber because I am confident I can do the rest of the job myself. Please help. Thanks.

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Ah the old stuck Gerber sleeve thing AGAIN.
Simple cure.

Take an old flat screw driver and after removing the escutcheon gently chisel out the grouting around the valve bonnet/sleeve.

Then get an 8″ pipe wrench and try to unscrew this sleeve again.

To be on the safe side have a spare spindle and sleeve available.

Once in a while trying to remove this frozen part the entire stem comes out also.

A lot of times all you need is to just tighten the packing nut rather then re packing.

A whole new stem is about $6.00 with a new brass seat.

Gerber is a very easy faucet to repair and they do sell an entire replacement kit including new sleeves and handles.

Have at least a new sleeve and stem available

A strap wrench will not do it normally.

[robertgfParticipant]

i like gerber tub faucets alot, so when the trim starts to go bad i’ll buy a complete gerber hardwater faucet stip all the parts off and install it into the existing valve body (remove & disgard old bibb seats) the washerless stems fit right in and for less than $100.00 in cost and an hour later its a brand new faucet

[SylvanLMPParticipant]

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In reply to message posted by robertgf:
i like gerber tub faucets alot, so when the trim starts to go bad i’ll buy a complete gerber hardwater faucet stip all the parts off and install it into the existing valve body (remove & disgard old bibb seats) the washerless stems fit right in and for less than $100.00 in cost and an hour later its a brand new faucet

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Robert want to save some money?

Most codes outlawed the old showerbody (non pressure/temperature balancing type)

If your rebuilding its ok replacement is a no, no

With this in mind contact several plumbing supply company and offer to buy up the old stock of 2, 3 and 4 valve shower body’s and strip them down BET you can save over 75% instead of just buying the OEM rebuilding kit complete

The Older Showerbody’s seem to have been much better quality

[robertgfParticipant]

sylvan i have a question, is there a three valve faucet that is a pressure balance ? the only option that i could see would be to redo the tile wall for a single lever or install a moen posi temp or moentrol with a moen repair plate (ugly)

» This message has been edited by robertgf on 31 May 2002

[SylvanLMPParticipant]

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In reply to message posted by robertgf:
sylvan i have a question, is there a three valve faucet that is a pressure balance ? the only option that i could see would be to redo the tile wall for a single lever or install a moen posi temp or moentrol with a moen repair plate (ugly)

» This message has been edited by robertgf on 31 May 2002

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There is a TWO Valve Delta that you should look into. Tub and shower 2348 LHP Shower only 2324 LHP
One side is pressure the other side volume.

The tub spout can diverter the water.

Have a great week end If you need to get it ILL put you in contact with my supplier so you can get it at plumbers cost.

[Bruce TParticipant]

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In reply to message posted by robertgf:
sylvan i have a question, is there a three valve faucet that is a pressure balance ? the only option that i could see would be to redo the tile wall for a single lever or install a moen posi temp or moentrol with a moen repair plate (ugly)

» This message has been edited by robertgf on 31 May 2002

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Hey Robert, I have retro fitted old three valve tub shower combos to pressure balancing by just installing a pressure balancing valve on the supply lines before the fixture in the walls or attic,basement..(wherever the piping is at..)
its just a brass case with a piston in it with two inlets and two outlets.
If you want to go that route, make sure you strap the HECK out of it! and maybe consider installing a shock arrestor somewhere in the plumbing system as well because they can cause water hammer in high pressure areas.
this can save you trying to find a new valve that fits the old holes in the tile.
hope that helps.

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