How to Fix a Faucet Handle: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Faucet Handle

Your faucet handle is one of the most important parts of your sink, and it’s also one of the most likely to break. If your faucet handle is leaking, dripping, or not turning on or off properly, you’ll need to fix it as soon as possible. Luckily, fixing a faucet handle is usually a simple and straightforward task that you can do yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a faucet handle, from identifying the problem to replacing the handle altogether. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future problems.

So whether your faucet handle is just a little sticky or it’s completely broken, read on for all the information you need to get it fixed up and working like new again!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the old handle by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
3 Inspect the faucet stem for damage. If the stem is damaged, you will need to replace it.
4 Apply plumber’s grease to the threads of the new stem.
5 Screw the new handle onto the faucet stem.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle.

How to Fix a Faucet Handle?

Faucet handles are one of the most common parts of a faucet to break. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a handle that won’t turn, a broken faucet handle can be a real pain. But don’t worry, fixing a faucet handle is usually a pretty simple DIY project.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix a faucet handle, whether it’s a single-handle or a double-handle faucet. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future problems.

Identify the Problem

The first step to fixing a faucet handle is to identify the problem. Here are some of the most common problems with faucet handles:

  • The handle is loose. If the handle is loose, you may be able to tighten it by turning the setscrew underneath the handle. If the setscrew is stripped, you may need to replace the handle.
  • The handle is stuck. If the handle is stuck, you may need to apply some penetrating oil to the stem and work the handle back and forth until it loosens up. If the handle is still stuck, you may need to replace it.
  • The handle is leaking. If the handle is leaking, you may need to replace the O-ring or washer.
  • The handle doesn’t turn. If the handle doesn’t turn, you may need to replace the cartridge.

Once you’ve identified the problem, you can gather the tools you need to fix it.

Gather Your Tools

The tools you need to fix a faucet handle will vary depending on the type of problem you’re having. However, you’ll typically need the following tools:

  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • A new O-ring or washer
  • A new cartridge

If you’re not sure what tools you need, it’s always a good idea to consult a plumber or your faucet manufacturer.

Fix a Loose Faucet Handle

If your faucet handle is loose, you can usually tighten it by turning the setscrew underneath the handle. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the setscrew underneath the handle.
3. Use a screwdriver to turn the setscrew clockwise until the handle is tight.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure it’s working properly.

If the setscrew is stripped, you may need to replace the handle.

Fix a Stuck Faucet Handle

If your faucet handle is stuck, you can try to free it by applying some penetrating oil to the stem and working the handle back and forth until it loosens up. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Apply a few drops of penetrating oil to the stem of the faucet handle.
3. Work the handle back and forth until it loosens up.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure it’s working properly.

If the handle is still stuck, you may need to replace it.

Fix a Leaky Faucet Handle

If your faucet handle is leaking, you may need to replace the O-ring or washer. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle by turning the setscrew underneath the handle.
3. Remove the old O-ring or washer.
4. Install the new O-ring or washer.
5. Reattach the handle and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

If the leak persists, you may need to replace the cartridge.

Fix a Faucet Handle That Doesn’t Turn

If your faucet handle doesn’t turn, you may need to replace the cartridge. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle by turning the setscrew underneath the handle.
3. Remove the old cartridge.
4. Install the new cartridge.
5. Reattach the handle and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a plumber to help you.

Prevent Future Problems

To prevent future problems with your faucet handles, here are a few tips:

  • Keep the faucet handles clean and free of debris.
  • Don’t over

3. Disassemble the Faucet Handle

Before you can repair or replace a faucet handle, you need to remove it from the faucet. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning a shut-off valve located under the sink.
2. Remove the escutcheon plate, if there is one. This is a decorative cover that conceals the mounting screws for the faucet handle. It is typically held in place by two screws, which can be found on the front of the faucet.
3. Remove the mounting screws. There will be two or more screws located on the back of the faucet handle. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove these screws.
4. Pull the faucet handle off of the faucet. Once the screws are removed, the faucet handle should be able to be pulled straight off of the faucet.

4. Repair or Replace the Faucet Handle

Now that you have the faucet handle removed, you can assess the damage and determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

If the faucet handle is simply loose, you can usually tighten it back into place by using a screwdriver to tighten the mounting screws. If the faucet handle is damaged, you can try to repair it by using a replacement part. However, if the damage is extensive, it is best to simply replace the faucet handle altogether.

To replace a faucet handle, simply follow the steps above in reverse order. First, install the new faucet handle onto the faucet. Then, replace the escutcheon plate, if there is one. Finally, turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the faucet handle to make sure it is working properly.

Fixing or replacing a faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following these steps, you can have your faucet handle back in working order in no time.

How do I fix a leaky faucet handle?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the faucet handle. There may be a screw or clip holding it in place.
3. Inspect the faucet stem. This is the part that moves up and down to turn the water on and off. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
4. Apply plumber’s grease to the new faucet stem. This will help to prevent leaks.
5. Reassemble the faucet handle.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How do I fix a faucet handle that is stuck?

1. Try turning the handle back and forth. This may loosen it enough to remove it.
2. Apply penetrating oil to the handle. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try turning the handle again.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the handle. Be careful not to damage the faucet.
4. Reassemble the faucet handle.

How do I fix a faucet handle that is loose?

1. Tighten the screws that hold the handle in place.
2. Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the handle. This will help to keep it in place.
3. Replace the faucet handle if the screws are stripped or the handle is damaged.

How do I fix a faucet handle that is dripping?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Inspect the faucet stem. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
4. Apply plumber’s grease to the new faucet stem.
5. Reassemble the faucet handle.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How do I prevent faucet handles from leaking?

1. Apply plumber’s grease to the faucet stem regularly. This will help to prevent the stem from sticking and leaking.
2. Tighten the screws that hold the faucet handle in place regularly. This will help to keep the handle from coming loose and leaking.
3. Replace the faucet handle if it is damaged. A damaged faucet handle can leak even if it is tightened properly.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a faucet handle. We have covered the different types of faucet handles, the common causes of faucet handle problems, and the steps involved in repairing a faucet handle. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your own faucet handle.

Here are a few key takeaways:

  • There are two main types of faucet handles: single-lever and two-handle.
  • The most common cause of faucet handle problems is a worn-out washer.
  • To repair a faucet handle, you will need to remove the old handle, replace the washer, and reinstall the handle.
  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can always call a professional to fix your faucet handle.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.