How to Remove a Tub Faucet Handle: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Remove a Tub Faucet Handle

Your tub faucet handle is a common part of your bathroom, but it can also be a source of frustration. If the handle is stuck or won’t turn, you may need to remove it in order to fix the problem. Fortunately, removing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of removing a tub faucet handle, from start to finish. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid common mistakes and how to replace the handle if necessary.

So if you’re ready to learn how to remove a tub faucet handle, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1 Pliers Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Flathead screwdriver Locate the setscrews that hold the handle in place.
3 Phillips head screwdriver Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the decorative cap covering the setscrews.
4 Phillips head screwdriver Use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the setscrews.
5 Pliers Grip the handle with the pliers and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.

How To Remove A Tub Faucet Handle?

This guide will show you how to remove a tub faucet handle in a few simple steps.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag

Steps to Remove the Handle

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cap, if there is one.
3. Locate the setscrews that hold the handle in place. They are usually located on the back of the handle, near the base.
4. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the setscrews.
5. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the handle.
6. Use a pair of pliers to grip the handle and turn it counterclockwise.
7. The handle should come off easily.

Tips

  • If the setscrews are stuck, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to heat them up. This will make them easier to loosen.
  • Be careful not to damage the finish of the faucet when you are removing the handle.
  • If you are unable to remove the handle yourself, you can call a plumber for help.

Removing a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily replace a broken or damaged handle or simply give your faucet a fresh new look.

3. Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble removing your tub faucet handle, there are a few things you can check.

  • Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a screwdriver, a wrench, and possibly a pair of pliers.
  • Identify the type of faucet handle you have. There are two main types of tub faucet handles: single-handle and double-handle. Single-handle faucets have one handle that controls both the hot and cold water, while double-handle faucets have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water.
  • Locate the setscrews. The setscrews are small screws that hold the faucet handle in place. They’re usually located on the back of the handle or under the spout.
  • Remove the setscrews. Use your screwdriver to turn the setscrews counterclockwise until they’re loose.
  • Pull the handle off. Once the setscrews are removed, you should be able to pull the handle off of the faucet.
  • Inspect the faucet stem. The faucet stem is the metal rod that connects the handle to the faucet body. If the stem is corroded or damaged, you may need to replace it.

If you’re still having trouble removing your tub faucet handle, you may need to call a plumber.

4. Reinstallation

Once you’ve removed the old faucet handle, you can reinstall a new one.

  • Install the new faucet handle. Place the new faucet handle on the faucet body and tighten the setscrews with your screwdriver.
  • Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Make sure that the water is turned on to both the hot and cold water lines.
  • Test the faucet. Turn the faucet on and off to make sure that it’s working properly.

If you’re having trouble reinstalling your tub faucet handle, you may need to call a plumber.

Removing and reinstalling a tub faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, if you’re having trouble, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.

How do I remove a tub faucet handle?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the decorative cap, if there is one. This is often held in place by a small screw or clip.
3. Locate the setscrews that hold the handle in place. These are typically located on the back of the handle, near the base.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the setscrews. Be careful not to damage the handle.
5. Carefully pull the handle off of the faucet. The handle may be stuck, so you may need to use a little force.
6. Replace the old handle with a new one. Make sure that the new handle is the same size and style as the old one.
7. Tighten the setscrews to secure the handle in place.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What if the setscrews are stripped?

If the setscrews are stripped, you can try using a pair of pliers to loosen them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the faucet handle.

What if the handle is stuck?

If the handle is stuck, you can try using a lubricant, such as WD-40, to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a little force to remove it. Be careful not to damage the handle.

What if I can’t find the setscrews?

If you can’t find the setscrews, you may need to remove the faucet handle by prying it off. To do this, you will need a flathead screwdriver.

1. Insert the screwdriver under the handle and pry it up.
2. Continue prying up until the handle comes off.
3. Be careful not to damage the faucet.

What if I break the handle?

If you break the handle, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to remove the old handle and install a new one.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cap, if there is one.
3. Locate the setscrews that hold the handle in place.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the setscrews.
5. Carefully pull the handle off of the faucet.
6. Replace the old handle with a new one.
7. Tighten the setscrews to secure the handle in place.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

In this article, we have discussed how to remove a tub faucet handle. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as some tips and tricks to make it easier. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to remove your tub faucet handle with ease.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  • To remove a tub faucet handle, you will need a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers.
  • The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  • Next, you will need to remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
  • Once the screws are removed, you can use the wrench to loosen the nut that holds the handle to the faucet stem.
  • Finally, you can use the pliers to pry the handle off of the faucet stem.

We hope that this article has been helpful, and that you are now able to remove your tub faucet handle with ease. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.