Bathroom faucets serve as functional fixtures, but they can also be a real pain if they start to leak. Removing the handles from your bathroom faucet is one approach to address this issue. That said, hiring a professional plumber can be expensive.
So, how do you take the handle off a bathroom faucet?
The first step is to determine what type of faucet you have. Some faucets include concealed set screws that need to be lifted to remove the handles. Others have stems that are threaded and may only require to be twisted.
Is it a daunting task? Sure, but with the right guidance and tools, you should be able to remove your bathroom faucet handle in no time, whether you need to access the cartridge or need an aesthetic upgrade.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of removing a bathroom faucet handle for different types of faucets. Knowing the right removal technique will help you expedite the process while saving time and stress.
How To Remove Button Bathroom Faucet Handle
These are faucet handles or knobs that don’t come with a set screw. This means that you can remove the handles by simply twisting or unscrewing them. Here’s how to remove them:
Find the button. Button bathroom faucet handles have screws hidden behind the caps or buttons. To detach the faucet handle, you need to loosen up the screw that secures it in place. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the cap, work around it, and lift it.
At this point, you probably can’t wait to get a sight of the hidden screw, right? But you need to make sure that the button or cap doesn’t get damaged in the process.
Cut off the water supply. This step is important if you need to replace the cartridge. It avoids any leaks and helps to detach the holders easier. Make sure to cover the drain in your sink so the tiny screws don’t fall down there.
Detach the handle. Remove the screws from the handle. Check whether it is a hex screw or an Allen screw and use the right wrench.
Then, remove the screw by twisting the screwdriver counterclockwise. You can also lift the faucet as you go. Sometimes, the handle can be hard to unscrew, which is likely due to rust and corrosion. In this case, get a handle puller or pliers. Just make sure to also use a rag to protect the finish of your faucet.
Once that’s done, the handle should come off. However, you’ll definitely see mineral deposits and corrosion underneath and this is the perfect time to clean it up. You can use vinegar or specialized cleaning products, whichever is accessible.
How Do You Remove a Single-Handle Faucet Handle?
Single-handle faucets usually have buttons or decorative caps that cover the set screws. Follow the simple steps below to remove it:
Remove the buttons. Look at the entire faucet and find the button. Behind the button lies the screw set that puts the handle in place. Observing caution, you can lift the cap with a small flathead screwdriver or simply unscrew it if it is threaded.
Take off the screw. To loosen and remove the set screw, use the right-sized screwdriver, usually a Phillips or Allen wrench. Now, turn the screw counterclockwise and set them aside for reinstallation.
Then, pull it straight up or wriggle it back and forth as you go. Again, as we’ve mentioned earlier, you need to be careful in the process so you don’t damage the parts.
Replace the cartridge. You should now be able to access the cartridge or the faucet valve. You can start removing the cartridge with pliers and a rag. In some cases, you may only need to remove the cap of the handle to access the cartridge.
You may have to replace or fix these parts depending on why you’re taking off the handle. If you need a new cartridge, you can look for a replacement online or at your local hardware store.
How About Double-Handle Faucets?
Certain double-handle faucets without buttons or caps are easier to remove. The step eliminates the need to lift the caps or buttons. Here’s how to do it:
Turn off the water supply. You must first cut the water supply from the main source. This step prevents water from getting in the way while you remove the handles.
Take off the screw. Look for the set screws holding the handles together. On buttoned faucet handles, you can find them under the caps. But in some double-handle faucets, the screws are either exposed or at the back of the handles.
The same process and tools as the other types of bathroom faucets, unscrew the handle from the base. There may also be a main screw underneath after you remove the handle from the base. You can remove it using a specific screwdriver. If the handles get stuck, consider using a handle puller tool.
Replace the cartridge. Removing the handles should expose the cartridge underneath. Check whether they need to be repaired or replaced. If you need to replace them, you can remove the cartridges with pliers.
FAQs
How Do You Remove a Screwless Faucet?
Taking off a screwless faucet handle typically involves a simple twisting. If it’s too tight, you can use an adjustable wrench to twist it off. Make sure to use an old towel so you don’t damage the faucet’s finish. Once you loosen it up, undo the top of the handle and the hood.
Some taps also have a small grub screw around the back, which you can loosen up using a special tool like an Allen wrench or a basin wrench. It grips the mounting nut holding the faucet in place from beneath the sink or countertop.
So, if your faucet has a grub screw, use the wrench by loosening the nut counterclockwise. Then, lift the faucet from the sink or countertop.
How Do You Remove an Old Faucet Knob?
How you remove it will depend on the type of faucet knob you have. But faucet knobs usually have a screw that secures them to the faucet. The screws are either on the side or under the decorative cap of the knob, which you can remove using screwdrivers.
To remove an old faucet knob, you must first pop off the faucet handle caps with a flat screwdriver. Then, loosen up the screw with a screwdriver to remove the handles from the cartridge.
Again, the removal process may not be the same for all faucet knobs. Some faucets are not secured with a set screw so you can just remove them by twisting them counterclockwise.
Which Way Do You Loosen a Faucet Nut?
You can turn it counterclockwise (or to the left), which is what you do for most standard faucets. Doing this loosens up the nut and makes it easy to remove the parts.
It’s Your Turn!
We hope you’ve found our guide helpful in learning how to remove the bathroom faucet handle. Always be cautious, take your time, and consult the manufacturer’s instructions. And once you’ve successfully removed the handle, check the inside elements to see if any repairs are necessary.
While we encourage you to DIY to save money on hiring a professional, we don’t still recommend that you consult with one. This will help you diagnose the problem better.
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you. Good luck!
