How to Remove a Faucet Handle (with Pictures)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Unscrew a Faucet Head

Your faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. When the faucet head starts to leak, it can be a real pain to fix. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to unscrew a faucet head in just a few simple steps.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks, so you can enjoy your faucet for years to come. So if you’re ready to learn how to unscrew a faucet head, read on!

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Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Locate the setscrew or hex nut that holds the faucet head in place.
3 Use a wrench to loosen the setscrew or hex nut.
4 Turn the faucet head counterclockwise until it is loose.
5 Remove the faucet head from the faucet.

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A faucet head is the part of a faucet that controls the flow of water. It is usually located at the end of the faucet spout and is turned to adjust the water temperature and pressure. Faucet heads can become stuck or difficult to turn for a variety of reasons, including mineral buildup, corrosion, or a loose connection. If you are having trouble unscrewing a faucet head, there are a few things you can try.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rag

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from spraying out when you try to unscrew the faucet head.
2. Locate the setscrews on the faucet head. These are usually located on the underside of the faucet head, near the base.
3. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the setscrews. Be careful not to overtighten the setscrews, as this could damage the faucet head.
4. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the faucet head. This will help to loosen any rust or corrosion that may be preventing the faucet head from turning.
5. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the faucet head counterclockwise. Apply firm, consistent pressure and turn the wrench slowly. Do not force the wrench, as this could damage the faucet head.
6. Once the faucet head is loose, turn it all the way counterclockwise until it comes off. Be careful not to drop the faucet head, as it could damage the sink.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble unscrewing a faucet head, there are a few things you can try.

  • Make sure that the water supply to the faucet is turned off. If the water is turned on, it will be difficult to unscrew the faucet head.
  • Locate the setscrews on the faucet head. These are usually located on the underside of the faucet head, near the base.
  • Use a pair of pliers to loosen the setscrews. Be careful not to overtighten the setscrews, as this could damage the faucet head.
  • Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the faucet head. This will help to loosen any rust or corrosion that may be preventing the faucet head from turning.
  • Use an adjustable wrench to turn the faucet head counterclockwise. Apply firm, consistent pressure and turn the wrench slowly. Do not force the wrench, as this could damage the faucet head.
  • Once the faucet head is loose, turn it all the way counterclockwise until it comes off. Be careful not to drop the faucet head, as it could damage the sink.

If you are still having trouble unscrewing a faucet head, you may need to call a plumber.

Unscrewing a faucet head can be a difficult task, but it is usually possible to do it yourself with the right tools and materials. By following these steps, you can safely and successfully remove a faucet head without damaging the faucet.

How To Unscrew A Faucet Head?

Step 1: Gather your tools and materials

To unscrew a faucet head, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver
  • A bucket or pan to catch the water that will spill out of the faucet when you turn off the water supply
  • Penetrating oil or a lubricant

Step 2: Turn off the water supply to the faucet

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent water from spilling out of the faucet when you unscrew the faucet head.

To turn off the water supply, you will need to find the shut-off valve for the faucet. The shut-off valve is usually located near the faucet, but it may be located in a different location depending on the type of faucet you have.

Once you have found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply to the faucet.

Step 3: Loosen the set screws on the faucet head using a screwdriver

The next step is to loosen the set screws on the faucet head using a screwdriver. The set screws are located on the underside of the faucet head.

To loosen the set screws, insert the screwdriver into the slot in the set screw and turn the screwdriver counterclockwise.

You may need to apply penetrating oil or a lubricant to the set screws to loosen them.

Step 4: Unscrew the faucet head

Once the set screws are loosened, you can unscrew the faucet head. To do this, grasp the faucet head with one hand and turn it counterclockwise with the other hand.

The faucet head may be difficult to turn at first. If this is the case, you can apply penetrating oil or a lubricant to the threads of the faucet head to make it easier to turn.

Once the faucet head is unscrewed, you can remove it from the faucet.

Step 5: Clean the faucet seat

Once the faucet head is removed, you can clean the faucet seat. The faucet seat is the flat surface on the inside of the faucet that the faucet head screws onto.

To clean the faucet seat, use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. You can also use a descaling solution to clean the faucet seat.

Step 6: Reinstall the faucet head

Once the faucet seat is clean, you can reinstall the faucet head. To do this, align the faucet head with the faucet seat and turn it clockwise until it is snugly in place.

You may need to apply a small amount of plumber’s putty around the base of the faucet head to create a watertight seal.

Step 7: Turn on the water supply to the faucet

The final step is to turn on the water supply to the faucet. This will allow water to flow through the faucet again.

To turn on the water supply, turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise.

You should now have a fully functioning faucet again.

Unscrewing a faucet head is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps in the correct order to avoid damaging the faucet. By following these steps, you can easily unscrew a faucet head and replace it with a new one.

How do I unscrew a faucet head?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Locate the set screw on the faucet head. This is typically a small, Phillips head screw located on the underside of the faucet head.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the set screw. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise until the set screw is loose enough to turn by hand.
4. Turn the faucet head counterclockwise until it is unscrewed. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you could damage the faucet.
5. Replace the faucet head with a new one. Make sure to tighten the set screw securely before turning on the water supply.

What if the set screw is stuck?

If the set screw is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the set screw and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to loosen the set screw again with a Phillips head screwdriver.

If the set screw is still stuck, you may need to use a different tool to loosen it. You can try using a flathead screwdriver, a wrench, or a pair of pliers. Be careful not to damage the faucet head when using these tools.

What if the faucet head is stuck?

If the faucet head is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the threads of the faucet head and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to turn the faucet head counterclockwise.

If the faucet head is still stuck, you may need to use a different tool to loosen it. You can try using a flathead screwdriver, a wrench, or a pair of pliers. Be careful not to damage the faucet head when using these tools.

What if I can’t unscrew the faucet head?

If you can’t unscrew the faucet head, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to remove the faucet head without damaging the faucet.

Unscrewing a faucet head is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily remove the faucet head and access the inner workings of your faucet. This will allow you to clean and repair the faucet, or replace the faucet head if necessary.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • To unscrew a faucet head, you will need a wrench or pliers.
  • The type of wrench or pliers you need will depend on the type of faucet you have.
  • To remove the faucet head, turn the wrench or pliers counterclockwise.
  • Once the faucet head is loose, you can remove it by hand.
  • Be careful not to damage the faucet body or the faucet head when you are unscrewing it.
  • If you are unable to unscrew the faucet head, you may need to call a plumber for help.

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.