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Disassemble Faucet Handle — Remove the Faucet Handles

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

How to Repair a Leaky Shower Faucet: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 2 of 4

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In this video

Using a small flathead screwdriver, carefully pry off the decorative cap from the end of the faucet handle. With the cap removed, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the retaining screw located inside. If the handle is seized on, you can use two spanners as levers behind the handle to gently pry it off. Once the handle is off, unscrew the chrome decorative shroud by hand to expose the valve cartridge.

Goal: Faucet Repair (Handle Replacement)

Used in this video

  • Screwdriver (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Screwdriver, Power Source: Manual, Screwdriver_Type: Flathead) — Prying off the decorative cap and removing the handle's retaining screw.
  • Screwdriver (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Screwdriver, Power Source: Manual, Screwdriver_Type: Phillips) — Removing the handle's retaining screw.
  • Spanner (brand: Draper, Tool Type: Wrench) · optional — Providing leverage to remove a stuck faucet handle.
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FAQs

How difficult is it for a beginner to repair a leaky shower faucet, and what's the trickiest part?

This project is rated 'beginner' because the steps are straightforward, but it requires patience and attention to detail. The trickiest part is often removing old, corroded screws or a stuck cartridge, which might require a bit more force or specific tools like a cartridge puller.

The project lists a flat-head screwdriver and pliers. Are these the only tools I'll need, or should I have others on hand?

While a flat-head screwdriver and pliers are essential, you might also need a Phillips head screwdriver, an Allen wrench (for some set screws), or an adjustable wrench for securing nuts. Having a utility knife for scoring caulk and a flashlight can also be very helpful to see into tight spaces.

What are some common mistakes beginners make when repairing a leaky shower faucet, and how can I avoid them?

Common mistakes include not fully turning off the water supply, stripping screws due to using the wrong size, or purchasing the wrong replacement cartridge. To avoid these, double-check the water is completely off, use the correct size screwdriver for all fasteners, and take the old cartridge to the store for an exact match.

Beyond the estimated 2 hours, how much should I expect to spend on parts for this repair?

The primary cost for this repair will be the replacement cartridge or a set of O-rings/washers. Cartridges typically range from $10 to $50, depending on the faucet brand and model. While the repair is estimated at 2 hours, seized or hard-to-remove components can extend this, so allocate extra time just in case.

Transcript
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Well whichever one you have the problem with. So using a flathead screwdriver just not pop the end off, put it to the side and using a screwdriver just remove the end cap screw. Now the screws off, you may have a problem if your taps have been there for kind of a while to get the tap end off. Well this is just a tip how to get the tap off if you find it hard to pull off like that. So it should be as easy as that, but if it's not just for the simple tip, get two spanners, just point behind the tap end and fit them both on either side. So you're going to do, you've got both ends of the spanners and slightly push the end off the tap and that's what's happening. So that's just a simple way of getting the tap off the end and yeah it doesn't do that much damage, it can cover the end if you want to, but the easy way of getting the tap off the end if you haven't had time. So we have the taps off and do the cover and you left with the valve itself.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.