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Remove handle — 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

Use an Allen wrench to remove the screw holding the handle in place. Carefully pry off the decorative cap covering the screw with a small screwdriver or a sharp pick. Gently lift the handle off the faucet.

Goal: Access internal faucet components.

  • Be careful not to scratch the faucet finish when removing the handle. Use metric Allen wrenches if standard sizes don't fit.

Used in this video

  • Allen wrench (Allen Wrench/Hex Key: Various sizes) — Removing the handle screw
  • Screwdriver (Screwdriver_Type: Flathead) — Removing the cap
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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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just to be safe um i need two allen wrenches i actually had to go and buy some metric ones um so i needed uh three and a two and a half so hopefully those will work for you as well um the way that this is gonna work is we're gonna come over here and right underneath here you can kind of see this uh this little like sticker thing um plug maybe and we're gonna just kind of use a small um i got a little jeweler set screwdriver to help me get that out i'm just going to very gently so i don't scratch the black um kind of pop that out all right so i got that that little piece out it's a little black thing um and if you look back in there you'll see that there's a little tiny screw and this is where your two and a half allen wrench is going to work so i'm just going to get that back in there and pull that screw out screws out so i'm just going to lift gently on the handle here it'll pop right off you can see that the screw kind of fell right in there so i'll get that out i can there we go and here's the top of your

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