On Feb 23, 1:07*pm, chaniarts wrote:
On 2/22/2012 8:35 PM, DD_BobK wrote:
On Feb 22, 10:58 am, *wrote:
I have a pair of bathroom sinks with the same faucets installed.
http://www.designtool.kohler.com/us/...sp?item=227602
and a matching tub faucet.
one valve stem appears to be leaking, as water comes out the top just
under the T-bar across the top. the tapered piece is screwed onto a
threaded insert, but about 1/2" up from the base where it abuts the sink.
of course, we have extremely hard water and it's probably full of
mineral deposits, because i've been working for a couple days trying to
get it off.
there's nothing to grab onto because of the taper. i've been smacking it
with a hammer trying to vibrate it a bit to break it loose. there's no
way to get vinegar into the inside threads. i've tried putting vinegar
soaked towels around the bottom, to try to hold some acid in, but
there's a pretty good seal on the bottom (there's no water leakage out
the bottom from the leak).
i've managed to get a single non-leaking one off (out of the 6) so that
i could see how it's constructed. these are original to the house, about
10 years, installed by the contractor. there is no other mechanism (such
as setscrews) holding the valve cover on besides the (very fine) threads
on the inside of the cover.
i've tried rubber coated gloves to get a grip on the tapered section.
the T handle can't be used as a lever arm, because it's slipped onto a
ridged part of the top of the valve, and the valve is of course not
moveable.
is there some special tool that can be used to grab something like this
part (tapered, polished chrome) or do i have to destroy the village to
save it? that would be a major expense, having to then destroy all the
others that aren't coming off to replace all 3 sets, along with ripping
a hole in the tiled wall to get to the tub deck (since the d*mn
contractor didn't leave an access hole to get to the bottom of the tub
faucets).
thanks,
charlie
Stop using a hammer.
check out
http://www.kohlerserviceparts.kohler...ge.aspx?Docume...
the diagram is a bit generic but it does help some
Remove attachments from below the sink. Remove nut that holds valve
assembly in place.
If you cannot turn it...cut the nut with multi-tool or dremel mini
rotary rasp.
Once you've removed the nut you'll be able to lift out the valve
assembly and work onto on a bench.
cheers
Bob
the way the basin is mounted to the counter, there is no access to the
bottom nut. i would have to destroy the counter to get to it.
it isn't exactly how i would have built this, but i'm stuck with it.
this was a 10 minute 'honey can you pop a new o-ring into the faucet'
job that has morphed into rehabbing 2 counters and the tub deck. i might
as well rip it all down to the studs and start over, at this point,
which is a new raised bar for short jobs turning into major house
projects. usually i can get them done with only 3 trips to home depot.
If there is no access to the bottom nut then you should consider
Joe's suggestions
"Remove the whole sink assembly(s) and take it to your workshop.
Upside down on the bench supported by 2 x 4's your can attack the
frozen bottom retaining nuts with Kroil or your favorite penetrant
and
the proper size wenches."
You need the valve assembly free some the since so you can soak it in
something to get rid of the hard water deposits.
When everything is new & clean those cute tapered covers just spin on
& off by hand.
After 10 years of hard water......not so easy.
If there is no access (maybe it;s possible just not easy?) then how
will you replace the valve when they need replacing?
The original installer must have mounted the faucet & then glued the
counter top in place?
cheers
Bob