- 1). Cut the water supply to the faucet where you are replacing the valve stem. Look underneath the faucet to locate the water supply shut-off valve. The valve knob should be round or oval in shape. A hose connected to the valve connects to the faucet above. Rotate the knob clockwise to shut off the water supply to the stem above.
- 2). Remove the faucet handle. How this is done depends on the type of faucet handle. Look on the top of the faucet for the "Hot" or "Cold" indicators set into a disc. On these types of faucets, the faucet handle screw is located underneath the discs. Insert the edge of a knife or a flat bladed screwdriver underneath the edge of the disc to pry it off. Unscrew the faucet screw with a Phillips screwdriver. If you do not see these indicators on the top of the faucet, look underneath the faucet handle or behind it for a small screw. Remove this and then pull the faucet handle straight off.
- 3). Unscrew the packing nut. This is the first hexagonal shaped nut located at the top of the valve stem. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove.
- 4). Remove the valve stem by turning the second hexagonal nut located at the base of the stem body. Pull the stem out of the faucet socket.
- 5). Apply pipe thread compound to the sides of the new stem. Insert the stem into the faucet. Tighten with the wrench.
- 6). Insert the packing nut over the stem and tighten.
- 7). Slip the faucet handle over the end of the stem. Insert the faucet handle screw into place and tighten. Replace the facuet handle disc cover, if present.
- 8). Restore the water supply.
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