2007-06-23 02:05:57 · 7 answers · asked by Pat A 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
probably a bit of corrosion in there holding it on. Try squirting in a bit of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes and then give it a try. If you don't have penetrating oil try any light oil or even WD-40. If you pulled the center screw, it should come off.
if it comes to last resort measures, you can break off the old handle and replace it with a new one from Home Depot, Lowes, or your local (good) hardware store. Just try not to mess up the shaft or you'll be replacing that as well...which may, after all, be your goal anyway.
2007-06-23 02:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by Winger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably stripped. depending what type of shower you have. is it fiberglass lined or tiled?
If it is tiled, remove the tiles around the pipe where it goes into the wall and remove it there. If it is galvanized pipe, squirt some wd-40 on it to loosen it up, you can remove it with a couple of pipe wrenches and install a new hot water valve head, also check the cold water valve to see if it is ok and not worn out.
If you have fiberglass it will be much harder to replace the fiberglass, once you finsihed the work replacing the valves. note: It's best to change both hot and cold water valves at the same time, to save headaches later on. This should solve your problem. If you have copper sweat fittings, you will need a torch to remove the pipe. I doubt you have plastic fittings. I have a soft water system installed in my house, I never in 20 years replaced any valves, pipes or hot water tanks in my house. the soft water system is great, you may want to look into this, Sears has some great units
2007-06-23 09:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by joedward6788 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to Lowe's, home depot and buy a puller, you will find it in the plumbing parts section, it will have to long arms and a on the lead screw will have a long pin to allow it to go inside your screw hole without damaging the threads. Now you said you where going to replace your valve? if your not going to repair it then just use an electric drill with a 3/8" drill bit and just drill the center and it will come off, but it will destroy your stem, and you will have to replace the stem or even possible the valve if you can't find a stem.
2007-06-23 09:38:45 · answer #3 · answered by Bill O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calcium deposits build up between the handle and the stem. You may need to get a handle puller. They are similar to bearing pullers. Most Home Centers sell them. You could first try wrapping a rag soaked in vinegar around the handle for a couple hours.
2007-06-23 09:36:45 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local plumbing store and pick up a handle puller. Sometimes calcium builds up between the handle and the stem and acts as a glue binding the handle to the stem. The handle puller is designed to place horizontal force on the handle which help to prevent the stem from breaking.
2007-06-23 11:47:36 · answer #5 · answered by MyPlumbingAndHeating 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you try both ways to unscrew? do you have a manual scrip to show you directoins? if you don't you should get some help or ask a neighbor or family members..
2007-06-23 09:12:09 · answer #6 · answered by heather 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is the make?do you have a long deep well socket??,don't make a bad thing worst!!
2007-06-23 11:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by tom the plumber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋