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STEM APP FAQs

Q: Who should use the StemFinder?
A: The StemFinder is useful for anyone who needs to repair leaking faucets: plumbers, facilities maintenance personnel, even the do-it-yourselfer can save time using the StemFinder.

Q: Why should I use the StemFinder?
A: Plumbing has changed over the years, and with each design change, manufacturers may change the design of their faucet stems. There are hundreds, if not thousands of available stems, and many look the same. The StemFinder, with its gallery of images and list of useful information, can help you find the right stem by photograph, stem type, size, manufacturer or OEM number. We will be updating the information in the StemFinder as we receive information about new stems, and even old stems that are no longer available.

Q: I don’t know anything about repairing a faucet, where do I start?
A: If you’re not sure where to start in repairing your leaky faucet, you can visit www.mainstreetplumbingparts.com or www.tmssouth.com for videos and printable materials that explain how to do the job. The videos and pdfs show you how to disassemble your faucet, make the repair and how to reassemble.

Q: I’ve got the faucet disassembled, and I see the faucet stem. I can’t tell anything about it. How can I figure out what it is?
A: Check out the Help section of the StemFinder. (If you’re reading this, you’ve found it!) Tap the Information Icon. There are a number of ways to find out information about your faucet stem. The first is to identify what kind of stem you have. There is a video that can be accessed from within the app or by clicking this link. There is also a pdf available at this link.f you know the manufacturer, you can look for your stem by tapping the Manufacturer’s Icon. Select the manufacturer and you will be able to see all of their available stems.
If you think your stem is Brass Compression, you can search for it by size. The StemFinder is broken down into 6 different size categories. Measure the length of it from spline to washer, and then find the corresponding category in the app.
If you have only one handle on your faucet, then look in the Single Lever Category. Because may single lever cartridges look similar, be sure to check the bottom picture to be sure it matches yours.

Q: I know what type of stem I have, now what do I do?
A: If you know what type of stem, you can search for its information by type. In the StemFinder App there are 6 categories: Brass Compression, Washerless, Ceramic, Single Lever, Metering and Diverters. If you select Brass Compression, you’ll just need to know the length from spline to washer. Then you can select the appropriate icon and continue to drill down to All Manufacturers or find by individual manufacturer. For the other categories, you can select the category and then find the stem by searching through All Manufacturers or individual manufacturer.

Q: I know the OEM number, but I want to be sure it’s the correct one. How do I do this?
A: From the Home Screen, tap the Part Numbers Icon. At the bottom of the screen it says TMS Part # and OEM #. Select OEM # and put the number in the search. It will pull up any matching items. You can then compare your stem with the photo.

Q: What if I don’t know the manufacturer?
A: If you’ve figured out the type, simply search under “All Manufacturers”. If it’s Brass Compression and you can measure it, you can search the Brass Compression Stems by size and then by All Manufacturers.

Q: How can I purchase the stem?
A: To check the stem’s availability, you can check the information listing by double tapping on the photograph and scrolling to the bottom. Most items, aside from those that say “Not Available” can be purchased at http://www.mainstreetplumbingparts.com.
If you are a TMS South account customer, please request a quote using the button at the top of the stem’s screen.

Q: What if I need new handles or seats to go with the stems?
A: Additional items, including handles, seats, escutcheons, tools and chemicals for faucet repair are available at http://www.mainstreetplumbingparts.com. If you don’t see what you need, please feel free to call us at 800-476-2212.

Q: What if I can’t find my stem on the StemFinder?
A: Please let us know! On the Help Screen there is an icon for emailing photos. By tapping on this icon you can take a picture and email it to us. We’ll be sure to include your stem in future releases. If you need to purchase the stem, please call our customer service at 800-476-2212 for help in identifying it.

Q: I don’t have an iPhone. Is there an app for my device?
A: This website will work across all platforms, mobile and desktop. We have created this website to be as complete as possible but we will continue to update it when find new or improved products.