Flathead or Phillips screwdriver New faucet handle (optional) You may find yourself wanting to replace a faucet handle to go with a new design option or to just get rid of an old one. It is also a good idea to remove faucet handles every couple of months for a good cleaning, as these can become dirty inside or break and cause leaks, leading to costly damage. Regardless of your reasons, this article will show you how to easily remove them. These handles are connected to the sink or shower by screws. Regardless of the type of screw, they are usually hidden. If your handle is a knob, look along the sides. There will be small screws inset within mount. They may also be located near the base where the knob is sitting. If the faucet handle is long and lifts up or down (or twists in some instances), then the screws will be very well hidden. Look at the base of the handle for a logo of some sort. This is typically a sticker or emblem covering the screws, so use the utility knife to pry it off in order to reach what you need.

Some knob styles will also have the screws covered by an emblem at the center of the knob. It will be removed in the same fashion, using a utility knife to pry it off. Start by matching the head of the screw to either a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, making sure that it will fit in the hole as well. Then, place the driver into the head and turn it counterclockwise to loosen. Continue turning until it falls limp and lift it out of the hole. On older faucets, the screws may be rusty or covered in thick grime, making them difficult to remove. If this is the case, you will be tempted to use force, but this can cause a valve to break. Use a solvent to properly remove a stuck screw instead. For grime and oil buildup, a general degreaser on a rag will wipe it away. If the screw is rusted, apply penetrating oil, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then try again. You may need to leave the penetrating oil on the screw for up to a day depending on the severity of the rust. Removal of the actual faucet handle varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but there are some general methods to test out.

First, try to pull straight up. On older faucets, the screw should be the only thing holding the handle, so just pulling up on it will do the trick. Other faucets have small pins under the screws. Grip the pin with pliers and pull straight up; Air Duct Cleaning Training Videothen the faucet handle will be free to remove. Music Double Duvet CoverIf that doesn't work, try pulling the pin straight up and turning clockwise.Diy Platform Patio Furniture Once the handles are free, clean up any water that came out and continue with your work.Edit ArticleHow to Replace a Bathroom Faucet Handle Sometimes the handle of a bathroom faucet is put on incorrectly so it doesn't rest in the correct position when the faucet is off. Other times the faucet handle may crack, discolor or otherwise look old, while still functioning.

In either of these cases, the faucet handle can be replaced with a new one, without replacing the rest of the faucet. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to ensure no water comes out when the handle to be replaced is turned. Examine the cap or top of the handle. Use a flat head screwdriver to loosen the cap and pry it up. Look at the area hidden beneath the cap for a screw. Use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen and remove this screw. Lift off the handle of the faucet from its stem. Look at the back of the escutcheon or decorative cover at the bottom of the handle. Use an Allen key to loosen and remove this screw. Lift the escutcheon off of the counter. Place a new escutcheon over the valve. Line up the screw at the back and tighten it down so the escutcheon does not move. Place the handle over the top of the valve so it sits on the escutcheon. Twist it completely to the "on" position and back off to make sure it is positioned properly.

Insert a screw into the top of the handle and tighten it down. Place the cover or cap into the top of the handle. Snap the cap down into the cap of the faucet. Turn on the water supply and test the handle. Sometimes the handle does not appear to line up properly and sits a little skewed. If this happens, lift the handle straight up, turn it just slightly in the correct direction and press it straight down again. The portion of the valve the handle sits on is grooved to correspond to the handle. Sometimes the grooves can match up incorrectly and a slight turn is all that is needed to line them up right. Do not loosen the handle from below the sink or counter. This will cause the cartridge or valve to come loose, not the handle itself. Always remove the handle from above the sink or counter. When buying a faucet you need to make sure it will fit your sink. Your sink will have one, two, or three holes for the faucet. Plus, the holes will be either centerset or widespread.

Make sure you have this information when you’re shopping. When in doubt, take the old one to the store with you. Remove the Old Faucet Turn off the water supply. The valves are typically under the sink. If not, turn off the water at the main valve. Then turn on the faucet to relieve any water pressure left in the lines. Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Use a basin wrench if you can’t reach the connections with your hands. Disconnect the lift rod, and then remove the nuts from under the faucet. Unscrew the slip nut on the P-trap. Put a bucket underneath to catch water in the trap. Clean around the old drain and faucet holes. Mineral spirits can help remove old silicone sealant. Install the New Faucet Follow the manufacturer's directions for specific installation instructions. Most installations begin with installing the gasket on the bottom of the faucet. Some require sealant or plumber's putty. Then put the faucet through the mounting holes in the sink and tighten the mounting nuts.

Not all faucets come preassembled so you might have to attach the handles. Slip the guide ring onto the bottom of the handle, position it on the faucet base, and secure with the setscrew. A setscrew is the tiny screw on the underside of the handle. Your faucet probably came with a hex wrench to tighten it. Apply just a little bit of silicone (some manufacturers recommend plumber’s putty) under the flange. Position the drain body on the bottom of the sink — making sure the pivot hole is facing the back — and screw the flange on from the top side. Underneath, tighten the nut and gasket. On the top, use mineral spirits to clean up any excess silicone. Flush the faucet by removing the aerator. This gets rid of debris or sediment in the faucet. Some faucets include a handy little tool to unscrew the aerator. When you’re done, keep it inside your vanity or with the rest of your tools. Turn on the hot and cold water for about a minute. Check all the connections for leaks and retighten if necessary.