How to Remove a Bath Faucet Handle (The Right Way)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Remove a Bath Faucet Handle

Your bath faucet handle is a vital part of your bathroom, but it can also be a source of frustration if it becomes stuck or broken. If you’re looking to replace your faucet handle, or simply give it a deep clean, it’s important to know how to remove it properly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing a bath faucet handle, step-by-step. We’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if you run into trouble.

So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about removing a bath faucet handle.

Step Action Instructions
1 Turn off the water supply Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop the flow of water.
2 Loosen the setscrew Use a screwdriver to loosen the setscrew that holds the handle in place.
3 Remove the handle Pry the handle off of the faucet with a flathead screwdriver.
4 Replace the handle Install the new handle by reversing the steps above.

Tools and Materials

The following tools and materials are required to remove a bath faucet handle:

  • Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the type of screws)
  • Pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is required to remove the screws that hold the faucet handle in place. The type of screwdriver you need will depend on the type of screws. Most faucet handles are held in place with Phillips head screws, but some may be held in place with flathead screws.

Pliers

Pliers may be necessary to grip the faucet handle and turn it. This is especially helpful if the handle is stuck or rusted.

Penetrating oil

Penetrating oil can help to loosen stuck screws. Apply a few drops of penetrating oil to the screws and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove the screws.

Rag

A rag can be used to protect your hands and to clean up any spills.

Identifying the Faucet Handle Type

There are three main types of bath faucet handles:

  • Single-handle faucet
  • Two-handle faucet
  • Cross-handle faucet

Single-handle faucet

A single-handle faucet has a single lever that controls both the hot and cold water. To remove the handle, locate the screw or nut that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw or nut and then pull the handle off.

Two-handle faucet

A two-handle faucet has two separate levers, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. To remove the handle, locate the screw or nut that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw or nut and then pull the handle off.

Cross-handle faucet

A cross-handle faucet has a cross-shaped handle that controls both the hot and cold water. To remove the handle, locate the screw or nut that holds it in place. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw or nut and then pull the handle off.

Removing the Faucet Handle

Once you have identified the type of faucet handle, you can begin to remove it. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the screw or nut that holds the handle in place.
3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw or nut.
4. Pull the handle off.
5. Apply a little penetrating oil to the threads of the screw or nut and let it sit for a few minutes.
6. Reapply the penetrating oil and try to loosen the screw or nut again.
7. If the screw or nut is still stuck, you may need to use pliers to grip it and turn it.
8. Once the screw or nut is loosened, you can remove the handle.

Tips for Removing a Stuck Faucet Handle

If the faucet handle is stuck, there are a few things you can do to try to loosen it:

  • Apply a little penetrating oil to the threads of the screw or nut and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Use pliers to grip the handle and turn it.
  • Tap the handle with a hammer to loosen it.
  • Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the handle and loosen it.

Cautions

Be careful not to damage the faucet when removing the handle. If you are not comfortable removing the faucet handle, you may want to call a plumber for help.

Removing the Faucet Handle

To remove a faucet handle, you will need the following tools:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the screws that hold the faucet handle in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the handle or under the cap.
3. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screws.
4. Use the pliers to grip the handle and turn it counterclockwise.
5. The handle should come off easily.

Single-handle faucet

Single-handle faucets are the most common type of faucet. To remove the handle, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the screw that holds the handle in place. This screw is typically located on the back of the handle.
3. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screw.
4. Pull the handle straight up to remove it.

Two-handle faucet

Two-handle faucets have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. To remove the handles, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the screws that hold the handles in place. These screws are typically located on the back of the handles.
3. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screws.
4. Pull the handles straight up to remove them.

Cross-handle faucet

Cross-handle faucets have a single handle that crosses over the faucet body. To remove the handle, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the screw that holds the handle in place. This screw is typically located on the back of the handle.
3. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screw.
4. Pull the handle straight up to remove it.

Installing the New Faucet Handle

To install a new faucet handle, you will need the following tools:

  • New faucet handle
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the old faucet handle.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new faucet handle.
4. Insert the new faucet handle into the faucet body.
5. Use the wrench to tighten the screws that hold the handle in place.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure it is working properly.

Single-handle faucet

To install a new single-handle faucet handle, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the old faucet handle.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new faucet handle.
4. Insert the new faucet handle into the faucet body.
5. Use the wrench to tighten the screw that holds the handle in place.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure it is working properly.

Two-handle faucet

To install a new two-handle faucet handle, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the old faucet handles.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new faucet handles.
4. Insert the new faucet handles into the faucet body.
5. Use the wrench to tighten the screws that hold the handles in place.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handles to make sure they are working properly.

Cross-handle faucet

To install a new cross-handle faucet handle, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the old faucet handle.
3. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new faucet handle.
4. Insert the new faucet handle into the faucet body.
5. Use the wrench to tighten the screw that holds the handle in place.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle to make sure it is working properly.

How do I remove a bath faucet handle?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. There may be one or two screws, depending on the type of faucet.
3. Gently pull the handle straight up and off of the faucet.
4. If the handle is stuck, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the handle. This will make the plastic more pliable and easier to remove.
5. Once the handle is removed, you can clean the faucet and install a new handle.

What tools do I need to remove a bath faucet handle?

You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the handle in place. If the handle is stuck, you may also need a heat gun or a hair dryer.

How do I remove a Moen bath faucet handle?

To remove a Moen bath faucet handle, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3. Gently pull the handle straight up and off of the faucet.
4. If the handle is stuck, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the handle. This will make the plastic more pliable and easier to remove.
5. Once the handle is removed, you can clean the faucet and install a new handle.

How do I remove a Delta bath faucet handle?

To remove a Delta bath faucet handle, you will need a flathead screwdriver.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the handle off of the faucet.
4. If the handle is stuck, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the handle. This will make the plastic more pliable and easier to remove.
5. Once the handle is removed, you can clean the faucet and install a new handle.

How do I remove a Kohler bath faucet handle?

To remove a Kohler bath faucet handle, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the screws that hold the handle in place.
3. Gently pull the handle straight up and off of the faucet.
4. If the handle is stuck, you can try using a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the handle. This will make the plastic more pliable and easier to remove.
5. Once the handle is removed, you can clean the faucet and install a new handle.

In this article, we have discussed how to remove a bath faucet handle. We have covered the different types of handles, the tools you will need, and the steps involved in the removal process. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to remove your bath faucet handle with ease.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • There are three main types of bath faucet handles: screw-on, compression, and cartridge.
  • To remove a screw-on handle, you will need a screwdriver.
  • To remove a compression handle, you will need a wrench.
  • To remove a cartridge handle, you will need a basin wrench.
  • The steps involved in removing a bath faucet handle vary depending on the type of handle.
  • It is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

If you are not comfortable removing your bath faucet handle yourself, you can always call a professional plumber.

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.