Nice site for help in fixing almost anything - FREE

[MilDoc]

http://www.fixya.com/

[phi1l]

how do you get it free? they tried to charge me $12.95

[Uncle Cracker]

As I recall from when I visited that site looking for answers to my recent automotive troubles, you can look at answers to previously-asked questions for free, but if you want to put your own question out there for discussion, you have to sign up for a premium membership ($). ...or something like that...

[germdoc]

Yep, the site provided good info on fixing a leaky tub faucet--replacing the washer on the stem. Unfortunately, it turned out to be harder than I thought.

I found the handle was stuck on the stem and can't be removed without a handle puller, and a previous homeowner had caulked around the stem, resulting in a concrete-like mess that will have to be chiselled out before the stem can be removed.

And God only knows what will happen once the stem is out. (I have a bad history of creating more problems than I started with when I try to do my own plumbing.)

So, I will either have to live with the leak or call a plumber...

[phi1l]

The handle is probably stuck on with lime deposits, wrap it in a wash cloth soaked in vinegar for a few hrs & it will probably loosen up.

I'm assuming this is one of the old style valves that uses a washer & not the newer style that has a cartridge. It was probably leaking due to warn packing under the nut that holds the valve together.

HEre's what you need to do:
Turn of the water.
Remove the caulk
Reemove the packing nut
Remove the stem by turning it in counterclockwise direction
Take the stem to the nearest BORG & get a new washer that fits the stem.
Get some more packing.
Install the new washer
Re-install the stem
Put the new packing in.
Replace the packing nut
Turn on the water
Then tighten the packing nut until the water stops leaking.
Go to HF & find something you can't live without to spend the $100+ you saved by not calling the plumber