Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by David Balkan. David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.
This article has been viewed 99,807 times.
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.
Steps
Download Article
Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Look beneath the sink for a valve close to the wall on the same side as the handle you are replacing. If this is a single handle faucet, turn off both supplies. When you locate them, twist the water supply valve or valves tightly to the right.[1]
Test the faucet to ensure no water comes out when the handle to be replaced is turned.Advertisement
Examine the cap or top of the handle. Typically faucet handles have a false top or cap. This may be a porcelain cap that reads "hot" or "cold," or it may be a metal cap in the same finish as the rest of the handle.
Use a flat head screwdriver to loosen the cap and pry it up.[2]
Look at the area hidden beneath the cap for a screw.
Use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen and remove this screw.[3]
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. There should be a very small hole with an Allen key screw in the back.
Use an Allen key to loosen and remove this screw.
Lift the escutcheon off of the counter. The interior valve of the faucet should now be visible.
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.[4]
Place the cover or cap into the top of the handle. If the cap reads "hot", "color" or another word, line this up to face you.
Snap the cap down into the cap of the faucet.
Turn on the water supply and test the handle.
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhat if the handle turns the wrong direction (clockwise)?
Community AnswerIt sounds like you have the wrong stem installed. Hot stems generally turn counterclockwise as the threads are made in an inverted manner. As long as there are no leaks this should be OK, but if you want to correct the problem, you will most likely need to replace the stem. - QuestionI put the new handle on and turned the water supply back on, but no water comes out of faucet. What is wrong?
Community AnswerIt is not clear what your problem is. If no water comes out of only one faucet, see if you can remove the aerator from the end of the spout. If there is still nothing, there could be another blockage or a bad valve that will not open back up. - QuestionWhat do I do if it is a single faucet?
Community AnswerLook in your local hardware store for a representative and ask for the single faucet handles and plumbing.
Tips
- 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.Thanks
Warnings
- 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.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Screwdrivers
- Allen key
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plumbing, check out our in-depth interview with David Balkan.
References
- ↑ https://www.wsscwater.com/customer-service/residential-tips/locating-and-operating-your-main.html
- ↑ https://youtu.be/y98rhyS_7bw?t=39
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQCmfsBnOw
- ↑ https://youtu.be/y98rhyS_7bw?t=105
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-repair-dripping-two-handled-stem-faucet
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a3968/4303977/
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
"I'm a 71 year old widow and have to do some things by myself. Your pictures and advice were very easy to understand. I'm heading to the store to buy faucet parts. Thanks so much."..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
