TRY again

Hi,

I hope someone can help me. I have a leaky faucet, the hot water key is the one that is turned all the way and I think the washer has gone bad. I've tried talking the valve by first turning off the water, then removing the screw but the valve won't come off.

Have you thought about a "handle puller" (KEY)

I have the 3 key valve (one for the hot water, the other for the cold water and the one for the shower head).

The "Key" in the middle is called a diverter as it diverts the water to either the tub or shower

Oh, and before I forget, somehow this is affecting my chimney. The hot water heater is connected to the chimney, with the hot water dripping as much as it is, why would my chimney be leaking? Help!

There is a phenomena called CONDENSATION where water (condensate) collects on the outside of a pipe, vessel or anything colder then the ambient temperature.

Ever place a glass of ice water out on a hot humid day? SAME THING with cold water entering a tank that can not make up (HEAT) the incoming water faster then it leaves (recovery rate)

There is something also called thermo shock where something very hot is exposed to cold and the hot object cracks or shatters depending on material.

You have a water heater (hot) exposed to cold running water hopefully it is only condensation and not that the tank was destroyed.

I think you better hire a professional before the valve leaks beyond repair as the seat may become so pitted /scored it may not be able to be replaced

GOOD LUCK

I had a plumber come over after I posted this bulletin. Before he came over I got a quote of $350.00 to open my wall and replace the entire thing from another plumbing company without even looking at the situation. I called another plumber and he came over to analyze the problem, he removed the hot water nob and found the problem.....it was the washer as I thought. He used some sort of spray to losen the nob like a dw40...it worked. As far as the chimney goes, I believe you are right....it formed some condensation and it caused the chimney to (what I call) sweat and therefore it leaked. Now I have to cancel the chimney guy who is charging me over a thousand dollars to put in a liner.....probably something that I don't need.

Thanks for all your wonderful advice!

Take care and until next time.

Your very,very welcome you would be surprised how many people take the advice and never have common courtesy to says thanks it worked out