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Disassemble Faucet Handle and Trim — Remove the Old Faucet Trim

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Delta Shower Faucet Installation & Upgrade Guide · Step 2 of 5

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In this video

Begin disassembling the faucet by prying off the decorative cap on the handle. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw inside. Pull the handle straight off. Next, unscrew the large metal collar by turning it counter-clockwise. To remove the escutcheon plate, use a utility knife or razor scraper to carefully cut the old silicone caulk sealing it to the wall, then pull the plate away.

Goal: Access faucet cartridge

Used in this video

  • Phillips Screwdriver — Removing the screw that holds the faucet handle in place.
  • Utility Knife (Utility_Knife_Blade_Type: Standard) — Cutting the old silicone caulk around the escutcheon plate.
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FAQs

How do I ensure the water is completely off before I start the installation?

Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home or the specific shut-off valves for the bathroom. After turning them off, open the existing shower faucet handles to release any remaining pressure and confirm water flow has stopped. This prevents unexpected gushes and makes the job cleaner and safer.

Besides a screwdriver and pliers, what other tools might I need for removing my old faucet or installing the new Delta one?

You might need an Allen wrench (often included with new faucets or for old handle removal), a utility knife for cutting caulk/sealant, and plumber's tape (Teflon tape) for threaded connections. A basin wrench can sometimes be helpful for tight nuts, though less common for shower valves.

What are the most common reasons for leaks after installing a new Delta shower faucet, and how can I prevent them?

Leaks often occur due to improperly tightened connections, missing O-rings, or incorrect cartridge seating. Ensure all threaded connections are hand-tightened, then given a quarter to half turn with a wrench, using Teflon tape on male threads. Double-check that the cartridge is fully inserted and secured according to Delta's specific instructions.

Is the 3-hour estimated time realistic for a beginner, or should I budget more time, especially if removing an old faucet?

While 3 hours is achievable for a straightforward replacement, beginners should budget 4-6 hours. Removing an old, corroded faucet can take extra time and effort if screws are seized or old caulk needs extensive cleaning. Always allow buffer time for unexpected issues.

Transcript
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pliers you can turn this off and now the water is shut off. First we'll move this cover right here. Inside here there's a Phillips screw go ahead and do this and that. All right pull this off. There's a plastic all around right here. Next I'll remove this collar right here. Turn this kind of clockwise to remove it. Now this cover plate can come off but often you might find some silicone around the edge, get a knife, score the edge and then you remove this plate. Now looking on the back you see there's a foam surround right here.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.