Faucet Handle Repair

Faucets are valves which control the release of liquids and are found in every household. They are commonly installed in kitchen sinks, bathtubs and showers to help you control the water flow. The faucet handle is a part which helps you operate it without having to turn the actual valve. Bathroom faucet handles are subject to frequent use and high level of humidity, thereby rendering them vulnerable to cracking or discoloration. This calls for a bathroom repair job, which mostly involves replacing the faulty faucet with a new one. Follow instructions given below to help you with the same.

Bathroom Faucet Repair Instructions

Step 1
Take out the handle's center cover, also known as its screw cover. This cover is more like a decorative part which hides the handles retaining the screw beneath. You will have to use a flathead screwdriver and pry the cover gently, so that it pops out.

Step 2
Once you have access to the faucet handle's retaining screw, you will have to remove it as well. The main purpose of the retaining screw is that it holds the handle onto the faucet. Use a head screwdriver and twist it in an anticlockwise direction so that it comes off.

Step 3
Gently pull the handle towards you to remove it from the faucet valve. The new handle which will be replacing the faulty one needs to the glided over the faucet's stem.

Step 4
After the replacement handle is in place, attach the retaining screw back to its position to fix the handle on the faucet. With help of a screwdriver, tighten the retaining screw.

Step 5
Lastly, you need to fix the handle cap back onto the handle in its position. Keep the cap on the handle's center and press it down slowly till you hear a clicking sound, which will confirm its position.

Shower Faucet Repair Instructions

Shower handle problems are similar to all other common faucet handle issues. They require replacement either when they become old or start leaking. You can either replace the entire handle or simply replace the rubber gasket in the assembly, depending upon your problem. Instructions on the same are given below.

Step 1
To start with, turn off all water supply coming to the bathtub or shower by turning off the water supply valve. Also, turn the faucet on so that any water present in the pipes drains away.

Step 2
Use a screwdriver and slowly pry out the handle cover on the shower faucet handle. You will find the retaining screw beneath the shower handle cover. Remove this screw as well. Now pull out the faucet off its stem, so that you can see the shower head assembly.

Step 3
Carefully check the inside areas of the shower head. In case you notice any black color residue, it is an indicator that the gasket needs replacement. Use a screwdriver to take out the rubber gasket from its position.

Step 4
Take a damp piece of cloth and clean the interiors of the shower head of any remaining residue. If there is any lime accumulation on the head assembly, use a strong lime removal product to clean the area.

Step 5
The new gasket ring needs to be placed at its position inside the shower head. Take the existing handle or a new one and fix it back in position by inserting the retaining screw on the handle. Tighten the screw and put back the handle cover to complete the repair job.

Going through the instructions will make you understand that the repair job is easier than you may have assumed. The best part about it is that it is not at all time-consuming either and you can save some money which otherwise would have gone to a plumber. In case of replacement, remember to buy genuine and matching parts for your faucet.