| The valves and spouts for tubs and showers are | | | | turning technique will be necessary because of the |
| serviced like those on lavatories--with two important | | | | length of the faucet's stem. |
| exceptions. The diverter valve, which directs water | | | | Unlike faucets and wall-mounted diverter valves, the |
| to tubs and showers, is special. And you may | | | | working parts of a tub-spout diverter--a knob at the |
| encounter and access problem repairing leaks from a | | | | top of the tub spout that controls a diverter gate |
| wall-mounted stem valve. | | | | within--are not replaceable. Failures can be remedied |
| To remove a wall-mounted faucet or diverter valve, | | | | only by installing a new spout. |
| you will have to unscrew a bonnet nut that is | | | | Most problems with shower heads, however, are |
| recessed. In some fixtures the out-of-the-way nut | | | | easily cured. Replacement of washers or O-rings will |
| offers enough purchase to permit the use of | | | | generally take care of leaks. And erratic or weak |
| locking-grip pliers or a basin wrench. If not, you will | | | | pressure from the shower head can usually be traced |
| need a socket wrench to slip over the protruding | | | | to a build-up of minerals from the water supply. |
| faucet stem and the nut. | | | | Proper flow can be restored by disassembling the |
| Inexpensive sets of long sockets designed explicitly | | | | parts and giving them a good cleaning; soaking in |
| for this sort of job are available at plumbing supply | | | | vinegar loosens mineral deposits and makes the part |
| stores. Alternately, your own tool kit may hold a | | | | operate like new again. |
| socket that will suffice, although an unorthodox | | | | |