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nah-meh-stay t1_iu4nwlu wrote

Reply to comment by foootrest in How can I remove a headless screw from a shower valve? by foootrest

Can you get the whole valve stem out? If so, take it to the hardware store and replace the whole thing, handles and all.

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foootrest OP t1_iu4q92t wrote

Not without getting into the valve from behind the shower, I don't think. Would have to open up the wall in the hallway on the other side.

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tired_and_fed_up t1_iu4t9tu wrote

In order to remove the stem, you shouldn't have to come from behind. There should be a bonnet that holds the stem onto the valve body so that it can be replaced.

So either the valve stem screws in or there is a bonnet that screws over the stem to hold it in.

Take a picture of the top of the valve.

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foootrest OP t1_iu4tvyx wrote

This is all I can see https://i.imgur.com/dAbSTIQ.jpg

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roadfood t1_iu4zkdf wrote

That threaded plastic sleeve will unscrew to reveal the stem body. Remove and replace for easiest fix.

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tired_and_fed_up t1_iu5vqok wrote

That looks a lot like this one:

https://i.stack.imgur.com/lZxAA.jpg

In your first picture I think I see your packing nut as the gray thing behind the stem.

Either way, there should be something to unscrew from the front and remove in order to replace that stem body.

In order to do that, turn OFF the water and then OPEN the shower/tub water flow. What you are doing there is removing the pressure. That body is under 60psi (water pressure) so you wouldn't be able to unscrew anything without first relieving the pressure.

Then you can goto your local home improvement store and hopefully find a replacement.

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SteveSanders90210 t1_iu6f5zr wrote

Faucet handle screws breaking off inside a stem or cartridge is a common issue. You do not have to get the screw out or replace the whole freaking shower valve when this happens. The stem is removable with a set of valve stem wrenches. Then just replace the stem with that broken screw in it.

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