Is Your Faucet Giving you Trouble? Faucet Stems Might Be the Root of the Problem!
Have you noticed the pressure in your faucets diminish? Is it only happening in one particular faucet in your home? If this is happening to you, you might need a faucet repair.
Oftentimes, when it is an isolated pressure issue, part of the problem might be with the stem of the faucet. Instead of having to replace the entire faucet, just the stem can be replaced.
Read more about the work we do here at Rescue Plumbing to repair faucets. Also, learn more about how you can identify this problem on your own.
Stem Replacement in Oak Park
Stem replacement is a job that Rescue Plumbing is qualified to handle anywhere in Chicago, including Oak Park. Our customer, located in Oak Park, needed a new stem after showing signs of low pressure.
Fortunately for this homeowner, our team, having late availability, was able to immediately head out to Oak Park. They quickly identified and fixed the problem with minimal interruption!
Oak Park Rescue!
This work was completed in the grand village of Oak Park. Rescue Plumbing has completed many jobs for the residents of Oak Park!
We received a call from this Oak Park customer detailing their problem. They were experiencing pressure problems in their shower faucet. This was happening for some time but they were unable to diagnose the problem themselves.
This was not a problem for our plumber because isolated pressure problems are common calls here at Rescue Plumbing. Our plumber got to the rescue right away!
Antique plumbing fixtures
This was an older home with beautiful antique plumbing fixtures that began to not function properly. Therefore, the customer wanted to maintain the current faucets and handles.
Changing the faucet to an American standard brand would not fit the customer’s bathroom aesthetic and our plumber wanted to meet the wants of this customer and did whatever he could to do so.
In this case, repairing the current hardware was the first option. Our plumber was also dealing with expensive fixtures and wanted to avoid full replacement in order to provide an affordable price.
This would save the customer money, especially for an isolated problem that can be resolved by a more affordable, and easy-going fix on the antique fixture. The end results would be undeniable!
In other cases, when the customer wants to save money and avoid the trouble of replacing the faucet, the plumber will make sure to check the stem and ensure that only the stem needs replacement.
Oak Park Work Site
Upon arrival, the plumber was directed to the faucet that was having issues. The customer explained that changing the temperature was challenging as the water would be too hot or too cold when adjusting the faucet.
Moreover, the customer also explained that the pressure from the faucet was low. The plumber inspected it and then proceeded to carefully remove the inner components of the faucet.
Looking over the parts, the plumber found the stem had corroded. Stems corrode over time, which was of no surprise to the plumber. The stem belonged to the hot water side, which explained the corrosion.
The plumber physically took the damaged stems to a specialty parts supplier that matched it up with a replacement stem. They ordered the new parts and as soon as the orders came in, they were installed.
The plumber finished off by sealing the faucet edges to protect the parts inside. Making the right calls, the plumber was doing an excellent job.
Once installed, the plumber did a review of the work to ensure everything was functioning properly. He made sure the fittings were on tight and the stem had been installed correctly and with no recurring problems.
The faucet was running and it did so with no problem, good as new. The Oak Park customer was relieved the repair didn’t require a complete replacement and that it was at an affordable price.
As always, offering great customer service and to the rescue! Read on to learn more about what exactly faucet stems are and how they can be replaced when needed!
What is a Faucet Stem?
A faucet stem is a small screw-in device that links the faucet head (or faucet sprayer) to the faucet body. This part is designed to withstand high pressure to avoid leaks and drips around the base of the faucets.
The stem regulates pressure by increasing it or decreasing it and can be adjusted for hot water, cold water, or both to your personal preference.
Moreover, the setting also determines how much water is dispensed when using the spout. As you can see the stem plays a vital role in your faucet.
Since it is frequently used, you can expect this part to corrode over time.
Where is the faucet stem located?
The stem is located at the base of the faucet. It is not immediately visible, which means that in order to access it you need to remove the faucet.
This part can be found in a number of different places depending on how old your faucets are. We recommend contacting a plumber since they will know what to do with any type of faucets.
Before attempting to repair any problem with your faucet, it will be helpful to have a diagram pointing out the different parts you are working with.
How is a Stem Different from a Cartridge?
Stems and cartridges are very similar and often thought of as interchangeable. While they share the same purpose of regulating the water coming from the faucet, you can not replace a stem with a cartridge.
One of the main differences is a stem is used in most two and three-handled faucets for years. As a result, you can find stems being used in much older faucets.
There are a variety of stems, like any product, such as a compression stem or a diverter stem. For this reason, you may need to get your faucet’s stems matched up for replacement to ensure you have the right fit.
Cartridges later began to replace most stems during the ’90s. Like stems, you can find different types of cartridges. These include plastic-brass cartridges and ceramic disc cartridges.
When you change your stems or cartridges always ensure that you know what type you have in order to have the proper stems or cartridges for your faucet.
How Do You Replace a Stem?
In most cases, a stem is a faucet part that can be easily replaced. You will need a screwdriver for this repair job but sometimes special tools are necessary. Always be cautious when attempting to do it yourself.
Always make sure you are absolutely sure the problem is the stem before doing any work. Oftentimes, do-it-yourself projects can worsen the problem you have. It is safer to contact the experts, instead.
Below are some general steps for how you can go about replacing a stem:
First, shut off water to the faucet, remove the faucet handle and unscrew the stem from the entire faucet. You will need to use an adjustable wrench for this step. You may need to remove caulking if there is any.
Next, you will need to remove any faucet washers from the stem. You can use a flat-head screwdriver for this step. While removing these parts, be cautious and avoid breaking any pieces.
Finally, unscrew the faucet nut and other union brass fittings and replace it with your new stem assembly–remember to review all the supplies so that you have the necessary parts before beginning!
Once you have ensured that the union brass fittings and all other parts have been screwed on tightly, turn on the faucet. Start by running the faucet slowly and then by increasing the pressure.
Wait a couple of minutes while running the faucet. This will help you ensure that installation was done properly and you won’t expect any problems in the future.
If the previous problem continues it could be that some things were not secured tightly. Go back and double-check every part is accounted for and on tightly.
If the faucet is running with no issue with adjustable pressure and temperature, you have successfully replaced the stem!
Signs your stem needs replacement
Our customers are not always aware their faucet stems are in need of services simply because the stems are not in plain sight, but rather are found inside the faucet.
However, there are more ways you can overcome this problem by taking notice of signs that indicate the stem is the source of the problem. They are as follows:
Decreased water pressure
Faucet stems often have a screen that can get clogged with sediment. Sediment buildup on the screen will decrease pressure and cause your faucet to run slow.
This screen can also experience more damage over time with the usage of the hot water causing the faucet to run slowly or without enough pressure as desired.
Faucet leaks at the base or nearby
The stem can experience corrosion over time from usage. An indication this has happened is leaking coming from the faucet or in the surrounding area.
Oftentimes, leaks from the faucet or sink drain are a sign that your entire faucet needs replacement. Therefore, it is helpful to inspect the faucet parts to determine what needs replacement to avoid a complete faucet change.
More often than not, some customers have filters installed on their faucets incorrectly that cause a leak. Inspect filters and any other connection to the faucet before determining the problem is the stem.
Faucet leaks are also a sign that the water line is corroding. This is also quite normal since sediments can be found that rust or damage the pipes. It is key to contact a plumber to determine what the problem is.
Faucet pressure and temperature are not adjustable
The main goal of the stem in the faucet is to regulate the pressure and temperature to your desire. Therefore your faucet should always be able to perform this task without any conflicts.
If this is not happening, the problem can definitely be associated with the stem. This is especially true when the problem is only occurring with one faucet in your home.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, we recommend contacting us to change the stem. We’ll take care of it quickly and efficiently.
Oak Park Rescue, A Success!
As talked about in this blog, the faucet stem is a part of the faucet that links the handle to the body of the faucet. Its role is important to your daily tasks like showering. When it doesn’t work properly it can be disruptive.
If you notice any dripping, leaking, or water pressure problems with your shower system when using it, chances are this component needs replacement.
With a little time and effort, replacing the stem for your home’s hot and cold water will be no problem at all! Always reach out to the experts for all types of plumbing work so you can return to your shower quickly and easily.
We can help you complete this task and more plumbing problems without the hassle by providing expert installation services in Oak Park, Illinois, and Chicago at an affordable price.
Our team aims to provide top-notch customer service while offering affordable prices on our work to all our Illinois customers. You will not be disappointed by our services or our prices.
To learn more about how we can assist you with changing out your old stems for new ones or faucets with any product brands you prefer. Call us now at (773) 799-8848.
We work on all types of plumbing work, big and small. Schedule your Free Estimate today (you won’t be disappointed by the prices)! We service Chicago and its northern suburbs.
Our availability is made to fit your busy schedule. We are waiting for your call, contact us now!
