Is there a difference between hot and cold faucet stems?

The only difference between the two are how they operate. The cold side stem turns on by rotating clockwise. Where as the hot side would turn on by rotating counter clockwise. So you could use a hot side stem on the cold side and vice versa.

How do you know if your sink is hot or cold?

Identify the cold-water line under the sink. If you aren’t sure which line supplies the cold water, try turning on the hot water. Allow the water to heat up, and then feel the pipes under the sink. The pipe that isn’t hot is the cold-water supply.

Can a valve seat and stem be replaced?

I replaced the stem and found that the leak persisted. I then took it apart again and replaced the valve seat ( after finding a big gash in the old one).

How to remove hot and cold valve stems?

Pry the “Hot” and “Cold” caps or screw covers off of the valve handles using your fingernail. Remove the two screws securing the handles to the stems. Wiggle the handles in a rocking motion to remove them if they seem stuck on the stems. Peel away any caulk between the wall and the decorative escutcheons covering the valve stems.

Can a seat be replaced on a faucet?

Click to expand… HJ was not suggesting that you not replace the seat. He was saying that he would not use pipe dope on the new seat. Actually, if what I am describing is what happened, the seat may just be lying loose inside the faucet, along with the membrane it is screwed into.

I replaced the stem and found that the leak persisted. I then took it apart again and replaced the valve seat ( after finding a big gash in the old one).

What’s the difference between hot and cold water faucet stems?

You see as a kid my dad would just tell me to get a couple of hot and cold water replacement stems without telling me how to tell the difference. Well if you look closely you’ll notice that their threads are wound in opposite directions, but guess what?

Click to expand… HJ was not suggesting that you not replace the seat. He was saying that he would not use pipe dope on the new seat. Actually, if what I am describing is what happened, the seat may just be lying loose inside the faucet, along with the membrane it is screwed into.

How do you install a new washer stem?

What you’re trying to do is install the new stem without the new washer contacting the seat as the stem is screwed in place. I usually back the washer off a few turns, then, screw the stem in place, snugly, but, don’t overdo it.