Jul 02, 2018 Simply soak Faucet Mitts in hot tap water for 30 seconds. Place Faucet Mitt over supply valve handle for a secure fit. Use caution with hot water. 10 minute, no tools required, repair of a stuck or hard to turn Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet. You may see black powder around the affected handle which is created a degrading gasket.
Written by Darryl Brooks; Updated December 10, 2018Related Articles
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- 4 Remove a Stuck Faucet Handle
Over time, both the inside of the faucet handle and the stem it is attached to will wear down. This will result in a loose faucet handle, leading to accelerated wear and tear. If not repaired early on, the entire faucet may have to be replaced. Fortunately, any homeowner can handle this simple and inexpensive repair.
- Remove the handle. Most faucets have a metal or plastic “button” that sits in the center of the faucet. On sinks or tubs with two faucets, this will be where it shows “H” for hot and “C” for cold. Slip a thin screwdriver or knife blade behind this button and pop it out. There is a screw behind this that you will also need to remove. The handle will then slip off the stem.
- Some faucets have a tiny set screw that holds the faucet in place. If so, loosen that with an Allen wrench, then remove the faucet handle.
- Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the stem. You may need to trim it with a knife so that it fits over the stem with no overlap. Try one wrap at a time, then slip the handle back on and test the fit. Continue wrapping and testing until the handle fits tightly again. In most cases, one wrap will solve the problem.
- Replace the handle. With the handle back in place after testing the fit, replace the screw or set screw and tighten firmly. Replace the button, making sure the 'H' or 'C' is facing in the proper direction.
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Utility knife
Things You Will Need
Tip
Before attempting the repair, try removing the metal or plastic button off the front and tighten the screw that holds the handle on. Sometimes this will solve the problem.
Warning
Do not overtighten the screw or set screw. The fitting behind this is frequently plastic. If you strip the fitting, the entire fixture will need replacing.
References (1)
About the Author
Darryl Brooks is a writer living in Atlanta, Georgia. His experiences include 16 years installing tile, 30 years working in information technology, eight years as a writer, six years as a photographer, 15 years as a competitive runner and 15 years in a travel agency.
Cite this Article Choose Citation Style
Brooks, Darryl. 'How to Repair a Loose Faucet Handle.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-loose-faucet-handle-27578.html. 10 December 2018.
Brooks, Darryl. (2018, December 10). How to Repair a Loose Faucet Handle. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-loose-faucet-handle-27578.html
Brooks, Darryl. 'How to Repair a Loose Faucet Handle' last modified December 10, 2018. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-loose-faucet-handle-27578.html
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