antiquefaucetplumbing
I’m having serious issues replacing an antique faucet stem on old old claw foot tub.
The hot water nozzle slowly leaks and I can’t find a replacement stem or even a washer that would fit. I emailed Faucet Parts Plus and they replied we have nothing that matches. Does anyone have any suggestions?
The picture is the cold water cartridge which is the one that works. I need a hot water cartridge/stem. (It looks as though it was cobbled together with a different washer to slow the leak) 12 spline.
There are really only two things that can damage the seals: stuff in the water, or the valve body itself. Considering the number of times you've replaced it, whatever crud might have been in the water should have flushed out by now. So that just leaves the valve body.
Time for some drywall work!
I can't verify but I can tell you that you are on the right track. The flattish washer in the middle is called a bibb washer and (as @Tyson's comment relates) pushes up against a hole in the faucet through which water flows.
The "hole" is not just a simple hole, it is actually a (normally) removable faucet seat which is also replaceable/repairable, but likely requires a special tool to remove.
The rubber bibb washers get a rough groove worn into them, break apart, or become soft over time, compromising their ability to hold back the water flowing through the hole in the seat.
The pic below is probably nothing like your faucet, but it does illustrate how a "bibb" style valve functions (in the pic they call the bibb washer a stem washer- lame):
Best Answer
Most hardware stores will be able to find a match. Bring the stem with you. There are usually many replacements in stock. If not the usually have a plumbing parts book or software they can look up the specifications and then special order it for you. It may be helpful to take a picture of the faucet if they want more information.