How To Remove Handle From Faucet? In 3 Easy Steps

Are you tired of a leaky faucet but have no idea how to remove the handle? 

Or maybe you’re just looking to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen fixtures and need to remove the old faucet handles. 

Whatever the reason, removing a faucet handle can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. 

But fear not, because, in this article, we will guide you through the process of removing a faucet handle step by step. 

Whether you have a screw-on, compression, cartridge, or ball faucet handle, we’ve got you covered. 

So grab your tools and let’s get started on this DIY project!

How To Remove Handle From Faucet?

To remove a faucet handle, first turn off the water supply. Then, identify the type of handle and locate any screws or caps covering them. Use the appropriate tools to remove the screws or caps, and then gently pry off the handle. For difficult handles, use a faucet handle puller to safely and easily remove them.

Let us now learn to remove it in a step-by-step guide.

Tools and Materials Required

Before you begin removing the handle from your faucet, you will need the following tools and materials:

1. Adjustable wrench
2. Screwdriver
3. Allen wrench
4. Needle-nose pliers
5. Replacement handle (if necessary)

Now, let’s begin the process.

Turn off The Water Supply

Before you start working on the faucet, it is important to turn off the water supply. 

Look for the shut-off valve located under the sink or near the water heater and turn it off. 

If you can’t find the shut-off valve, turn off the main water supply valve to your home.

Identify The Type Of Faucet Handle

The first step in removing a faucet handle is to identify the type of handle you have. 

Faucet handles can be classified into four main types: ball, cartridge, compression, and ceramic disk.

• Ball Faucet Handle: A ball faucet handle has a rounded ball-shaped cap that sits on top of the faucet body. It’s commonly found in older homes and is known for its single-handle design.
• Cartridge Faucet Handle: A cartridge faucet handle has a cartridge that sits inside the faucet body. It’s known for its durability and is commonly used in modern faucets.
• Compression Faucet Handle: A compression faucet handle has two separate handles that control the hot and cold water supply. It’s known for its simplicity and is commonly found in older homes.
• Ceramic Disk Faucet Handle: A ceramic disk faucet handle has a ceramic disk that rotates to control the flow of water. It’s known for its durability and is commonly used in modern faucets.

To identify the type of faucet handle you have, you can visually inspect the handle and faucet body. 

Look for any markings or labels on the faucet that indicate the type of handle it has. 

You can also check the manufacturer’s website for information on the specific model of faucet you have.

Once you have identified the type of faucet handle you have, you can follow the appropriate steps to remove it. 

Each type of handle has a different removal process, so it’s important to know which type you have before starting the removal process.

Removing A Screw-on Faucet Handle

Removing a screw-on faucet handle is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Remove The Cap: Use a flathead screwdriver or a knife to remove the cap on top of the faucet handle. This will expose the screw that holds the handle in place.
3. Loosen The Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off the faucet.
4. Inspect The Handle: Once you have removed the handle, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If the handle is damaged, you may need to replace it.
5. Remove Any Remaining Parts: If any remaining parts on the faucet need to be removed, such as a trim plate or mounting nut, use a wrench to loosen and remove them.
6. Replace The Handle: If you need to replace the handle, make sure to purchase the correct size and style for your faucet. Install the new handle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Turn On The Water Supply: After you have finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

Removing a screw-on faucet handle is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes with the right tools. 

If you are unsure about any of the steps, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Removing A Compression Faucet Handle

Removing a compression faucet handle requires a few extra steps compared to removing a screw-on handle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Remove The Screw Cover: The screw cover is typically located on top of the handle and can be removed with a flathead screwdriver or a knife.
3. Loosen The Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull the handle off the faucet.
4. Remove The Packing Nut: Use a wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut that is located directly beneath the handle. This will expose the stem of the faucet.
5. Remove The Stem: Use a pair of pliers or a wrench to grip the stem and twist it counterclockwise to remove it from the faucet body. If the stem is stuck, you may need to use a faucet puller to remove it.
6. Inspect The Stem: Once you have removed the stem, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If the stem is damaged, you may need to replace it.
7. Replace Any Damaged Parts: If any parts on the faucet are damaged or worn, such as the washers or O-rings, replace them with new ones.
8. Reassemble The Faucet: Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart, making sure to tighten all the parts securely.
9. Turn On The Water Supply: After you have finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

Removing a compression faucet handle can be a bit more involved than removing a screw-on handle, but it’s still a relatively simple process that can be done with the right tools and a bit of patience. 

If you are unsure about any of the steps, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Removing A Cartridge Faucet Handle

Removing a cartridge faucet handle is a bit different from removing a screw-on or compression handle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Remove The Handle Cap: The handle cap is typically located on the top of the handle and can be removed by prying it off with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Remove The Handle Screw: Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding the handle in place.
4. Remove The Retaining Clip: Once the handle is removed, you should see a retaining clip holding the cartridge in place. Use pliers to remove the retaining clip.
5. Remove The Cartridge: Grasp the cartridge with pliers and pull it straight out of the faucet body.
6. Inspect The Cartridge: Once you have removed the cartridge, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it.
7. Replace Any Damaged Parts: If any parts on the faucet are damaged or worn, such as the O-rings or washers, replace them with new ones.
8. Reassemble The Faucet: Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart, making sure to tighten all the parts securely.
9. Turn On The Water Supply: After you have finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

Removing a cartridge faucet handle may seem a bit intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process that can be done with a few basic tools. 

If you’re unsure about any of the steps or if you encounter any problems during the process, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Removing A Ball Faucet Handle

Removing a ball faucet handle can be a bit more complicated than removing other types of faucet handles, but with the right tools and some patience, it can be done. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Remove The Handle: Use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw that is holding the handle in place. Once the set screw is removed, you can pull the handle straight off the faucet.
3. Remove The Cap And Collar: Once the handle is removed, you should see a cap and collar holding the faucet ball in place. Use pliers to unscrew the cap and collar and remove them.
4. Remove The Faucet Ball: Use pliers to pull the faucet ball straight out of the faucet body.
5. Remove The Cam And Washer: Once the faucet ball is removed, you should see a cam and washer assembly. Use pliers to remove the cam and washer.
6. Remove The Springs And Seals: Under the cam and washer assembly, you should see two small springs and rubber seals. Use needle-nose pliers to remove these.
7. Inspect The Parts: Once you have removed all the parts, inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. If any parts are damaged, you will need to replace them.
8. Replace Any Damaged Parts: If any parts on the faucet are damaged or worn, such as the O-rings or washers, replace them with new ones.
9. Reassemble The Faucet: Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart, making sure to tighten all the parts securely.
10. Turn On The Water Supply: After you have finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

Removing a ball faucet handle can be a bit tricky, so if you’re unsure about any of the steps or if you encounter any problems during the process, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.

Removing A Ceramic Disk Faucet Handle

Here are the steps to remove a ceramic disk faucet handle:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet and make sure the faucet is in the open position.
2. Locate the set screw holding the handle in place. The set screw is typically located on the underside of the handle, but it may also be hidden under a decorative cap.
3. Use a small Allen wrench to remove the set screw.
4. Gently pry off the handle using a flathead screwdriver.
5. Locate the retaining nut that holds the ceramic disk cartridge in place.
6. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the retaining nut and remove the cartridge from the faucet body.

You can take the help of this video to understand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQCmfsBnOw

How To Remove A Faucet Handle With No Visible Screws?

If you need to remove a faucet handle with no visible screws, it may be held in place by a hidden set screw or a push-and-pull mechanism. 

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you start, turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves under the sink.
2. Look For A Set Screw: Look for a small set screw on the underside of the handle or behind a decorative cap. If you find a set screw, use an Allen wrench to remove it and then lift the handle off the faucet.
3. Try A Push-And-Pull Mechanism: If there is no set screw, the handle may be held in place by a push-and-pull mechanism. To remove the handle, try pulling it straight up with some force. If this doesn’t work, wrap a towel around the handle and use pliers to grip and gently wiggle it up and down while pulling up.
4. Remove The Cap And Collar: Once the handle is removed, you should see a cap and collar holding the faucet stem in place. Use pliers to unscrew the cap and collar and remove them.
5. Remove The Stem: Once the cap and collar are removed, you should be able to lift the stem out of the faucet body. If it’s difficult to remove, try wiggling it gently or twisting it back and forth while pulling up.
6. Inspect The Parts: Once you have removed all the parts, inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. If any parts are damaged, you will need to replace them.
7. Replace Any Damaged Parts: If any parts on the faucet are damaged or worn, such as the O-rings or washers, replace them with new ones.
8. Reassemble The Faucet: Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart, making sure to tighten all the parts securely.
9. Turn On The Water Supply: After you have finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

Removing a faucet handle with no visible screws can be challenging, so if you’re unsure about any of the steps or if you encounter any problems during the process, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to ensure that the job is done correctly.

How To Remove Handle From Kitchen Faucet?

emoving a handle from a kitchen faucet is a relatively straightforward process that can be done in just a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Turn Off The Water Supply: Before you begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the shut-off valves located under the sink.
2. Determine The Type Of Faucet Handle: The first step is to determine the type of faucet handle you have. There are several types of handles, including screw-on, compression, cartridge, and ball. Each type requires a slightly different approach, so make sure you know what type you have before proceeding.
3. Remove The Screw-On Handle: If you have a screw-on handle, you’ll need to locate the screw that holds the handle in place. This is usually located on the underside of the handle or behind a decorative cap. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to remove the screw, and then lift the handle off the faucet.
4. Remove The Compression Handle: If you have a compression handle, you’ll need to locate the screw that holds the handle in place. This is usually located on the side of the handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw, and then lift the handle off the faucet.
5. Remove The Cartridge Handle: If you have a cartridge handle, you’ll need to locate the cartridge clip that holds the cartridge in place. This is usually located near the base of the handle. Use pliers to remove the clip, and then pull the cartridge out of the faucet.
6. Remove The Ball Handle: If you have a ball handler, you’ll need to remove the dome-shaped cap that covers the handle assembly. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cap, and then use pliers to remove the mounting screw that holds the handle in place. Once the screw is removed, you can lift the handle off the faucet.
7. Inspect The Parts: Once the handle is removed, inspect all of the parts for damage or wear and tear. If any parts are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
8. Replace Any Damaged Parts: If any parts on the faucet are damaged or worn, such as O-rings or washers, replace them with new ones.
9. Reassemble The Faucet: Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order that you took it apart, making sure to tighten all the parts securely.
10. Turn On The Water Supply: After you’ve finished installing the new handle or repairing the faucet, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure it’s working properly.

In conclusion, removing a handle from a kitchen faucet is a fairly easy process, but it’s important to know what type of handle you have and the steps required to remove it. 

By following these simple steps, you can easily remove and replace a faucet handle, allowing you to keep your kitchen sink working smoothly.

How Do You Unattach A Faucet?

Here are the steps to unattach a faucet: 

1. You will need to turn off the water supply valves located under the sink. 
2. Next, you should disconnect the water supply lines that are connected to the faucet using an adjustable wrench. 
3. Once the water supply lines are disconnected, you can remove the mounting nuts that secure the faucet to the sink using a basin wrench. 
4. After the mounting nuts are removed, you can gently lift the faucet out of the sink. 
5. If the faucet is stuck, you may need to use a pry bar or screwdriver to loosen it from the sink.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when unattaching a faucet as the process can vary depending on the type and model of the faucet. 

If you are unsure about how to proceed or encounter any difficulties, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.

How Do You Remove A Faucet Handle Cap?

Here are the steps to remove a faucet handle cap: 

1. You will first need to locate the cap on the handle. 
2. Some faucet handles have a small cap at the base of the handle, while others have a decorative cap located on the top of the handle. 
3. If the cap is located on the top of the handle, you may be able to simply pry it off using a flathead screwdriver or a small pry bar. 
4. Insert the tool under the edge of the cap and gently lift it off. 
5. If the cap is located at the base of the handle, it may be necessary to remove a screw or set screw before the cap can be lifted off. 
6. Use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the screw or set the screw, and then lift the cap off.

It is important to be gentle when removing the cap to avoid damaging the handle or the faucet. 

If the cap is difficult to remove or appears to be stuck, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.

How Do You Remove A Kitchen Faucet Wand?

Here are the steps to remove a kitchen faucet wand: 

1. You will first need to locate the wand and determine how it is attached to the faucet. 
2. In most cases, the wand will be attached to a hose that runs through the faucet body. 
3. To remove the wand, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to loosen the connection between the hose and the wand. 
4. In some cases, there may be a clip or locking mechanism that needs to be released before the wand can be removed. 
5. Once the hose is disconnected from the wand, you should be able to gently pull the wand out of the faucet body. 
6. If the wand is stuck, you may need to use a lubricant or a pair of pliers to gently twist and loosen it from the faucet.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when removing a kitchen faucet wand, as the process can vary depending on the type and model of the faucet. 

If you are unsure about how to proceed or encounter any difficulties, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber.

How Does A Faucet Handle Puller Work?

A faucet handle puller is a tool that is designed to help remove stubborn faucet handles. It works by using a combination of leverage and force to pull the handle off the faucet stem.

To use a faucet handle puller: 

1. You will first need to locate the puller and place it over the faucet handle. 
2. The puller will have two arms that fit over the handle and a center screw that will be used to apply force. 
3. Once the puller is in place, tighten the center screw until the arms of the puller are firmly attached to the handle. 
4. Then, using a wrench or pliers, turn the center screw clockwise to apply pressure and pull the handle off the faucet stem. 
5. The amount of force required will depend on how tightly the handle is attached to the stem. 
6. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a lubricant or apply heat to the handle to help loosen it before using the puller.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a faucet handle puller, as improper use can cause damage to the faucet or handle.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, removing a faucet handle can be challenging, especially if it is stuck or corroded. 

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common problems:

1. If the handle is stuck, apply a penetrating oil or a lubricant to loosen it. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes before attempting to remove the handle.
2. If the screw is stripped, use a rubber band or a piece of duct tape to create a grip on the screw head. This will help you get a better grip on the screw and remove it.
3. If the handle is corroded, use a wire brush or a scouring pad to remove the rust and dirt. You can also use a vinegar solution to dissolve the buildup.

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to remove a handle from a faucet. 

With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can tackle this task on your own and avoid calling in a professional plumber. 

Remember to always turn off the water supply before starting and take care not to damage any of the parts during the removal process. 

Now that you have this new skill under your belt, you can tackle any faucet repair or replacement job with confidence. Happy DIY-ing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)