How would I remove this stem to replace it?

Heat always makes me sweat a bit, too—especially on old plumbing where you never know what’s lurking under that crust. I’ve had stems so stubborn I started talking to them like they could hear me. Sometimes the only thing that worked was a breaker bar and a prayer... Plant-based lubes smell nice, but I’ve never seen one eat through years of calcium like the gnarlier stuff can. Still, I get wanting to avoid the chemical funk. You’re not alone in the struggle—sometimes it just takes a combo of patience, leverage, and a little luck.