My cold side cartridge needed replacement. This is usually located under a small cap on the back of the handle. If you have a single lever faucet, this will likely be on the back of the handle. I have a Kohler Margaux widespread sink faucet. It looks like you used an open-end wrench and it rounded off some of the head of the nut. Kohler has sent me entire retrofit valve set because many times, as was described in prior comments, it's difficult to break the seal of the top nut to get at and replace the cartridge. 1. Kohler faucet handles are designed to be non-removable. The first try was not successful, so I soaked the treads with WD40 for a few minutes. Then, replace the retaining clip and handle. Oxidation takes place when the faucet handle comes in contact with the air and loses electrons to oxygen. To remove a stuck Kohler faucet handle that has no visible screws, you will need to look cap located on the handle, or maybe a screw is placed downside the handle so it is not visible directly. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the set . Once the set screw is removed, you can pull off the faucet handle. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. If neither of these solutions works, you may need to replace the entire faucet. There are all sorts of methods out there. Copyright 2020-2025 ARCORA INC. All Rights Reserved. This site is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You can use a silicone-based lubricant like faucet grease, or WD-40 will work as well. HK Sloan is a freelance writer currently covering DIY Home Improvement, Health, and Lifestyle. The most common reason is that the set screw that holds the handle in place is stripped or corroded and can no longer be removed. Take pictures of your faucet handle and parts as you disassemble it, and take note of any brands or serial numbers in case you need a replacement faucet handle. You will also need to remove a stuck faucet handle to repair any valves or cartridges. In this article, well explain why Kohler faucet handles are so difficult to remove and give you a few tips on how to make the process a little easier. Once again, if you need to do any plumbing work, the first step . This will usually loosen the handle enough to be able to remove it. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Ensuring there are no such leaks in the bathroom becomes very difficult . Kohler makes a variety of faucets to match various bathroom and kitchen aesthetics. Another possibility is that the rubber washer inside the faucet is worn out and needs to be replaced. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How Do I Remove A Kohler Faucet Handle? Mosquitoes have a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening. Now try to remove the handle. Kohlers two-handle bathroom faucets and Devonshire widespread faucets can be difficult to contend with. Once you have removed the faucet handle, loosen the nut bonnet securing the cartridge. Locate the handle, usually an oblong knob, and turn clockwise to close completely. Another reason Kohler faucet handles are so difficult to remove is because of the way theyre installed. I fix a dripping Kohler faucet in our bathroom by replacing the valve cartridge. There is a special tool called a faucet handle puller. This can be done by turning off the shut-off valve under the sink or shutting off the main water supply if you can't locate the valve. Hi. You can do this by soaking it in vinegar for a few hours. How To Tighten A Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle Image Of And Closet. Well, we can guide the process anyway, so keep reading to find out more. In most cases, the cause of a stuck handle is a build-up of mineral deposits. Air Gap Vs. Non-Air Gap Faucet Which Is Better To Pick? That will lead you to your desired product. If your faucet is controlled by a single handle, the set screw is likely hidden under a plug button or decorative plastic cap. There are several other methods of attaching faucet handles without screws that are almost as easy to remove. Step 2: Remove the cap on top of your faucet. If you find that you need to use gripping tools such as pliers to grasp parts of your faucet, use an old cloth to protect the finish on your faucet. Should the alternative hypothesis always be the research hypothesis? We will discuss a number of different taps, including centre sets and wide tap handles. If the skirt does not move and seems to be stuck, wrap a soft cloth around it to protect the surface. Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away? Over time, it can become hard and brittle, which can cause the handle to become stuck. Start by removing the faucet cap. You wont find a set screw holding the kohler faucet handle in place, which can be frustrating. Heres what youll need: You may or may not need the materials listed above. How to check if an SSM2220 IC is authentic and not fake? Finally, tighten the set screw. The handle on a Kohler faucet is held in place by a setscrew. Once the setscrew is removed, the handle should come off easily. The first thing youll need to do is locate the set screw. This should allow you to remove it, exposing the screw. If youve ever tried to remove a Kohler faucet handle, you know it can be a real pain. at these different methods of removing screwless faucet handles in this article. Kohler manufactures a wide range of taps to complement a variety of bathroom and kitchen aesthetics. Need help on how to remove Delta Scald Guard single-lever tub/shower handle. Once removed, the valve should be exposed and you can continue with your tap body repair process. To get the most out of your faucet handles, lubricate your O-rings! You may or may not need the materials listed above. How can I detect when a signal becomes noisy? After all, how hard can it be to remove a faucet handle? "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why Is My Kohler Faucet Handle Stuck? Bat. Before you begin working on a faucet, there are some precautions you should take. For many years faucets handles were easy to remove. And if it is not available, turn off the main water supply of the house. Check below your sink. Not every time corrosion or buildup is the reason for a stuck faucet handle. Try lubricating any moving handle parts and tap again. In the plumbing department, I found a 2 foot pipe wrench and a 2 foot section of steel pipe. One possibility is that the set screw that holds the handle in place is stripped. This can happen if youve been trying to remove the handle with a Phillips head screwdriver, when the set screw is actually a square head. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What Is The Best Way To Remove A Kohler Faucet Handle? It will prevent any water leak into the kitchen. How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle? thanks for the reply. Kohler centre-collector taps are available in two main styles. What is the difference between these 2 index setups? When reassembling your faucet handle or installing a new one, use plumbers grease to lubricate the O-rings. Then, to remove the handle, simply twist the decorative skirt at the base of the handle counterclockwise with your hand. If the handle is still under warranty, you may be able to get a replacement from Kohler. They function much like a corkscrew by attaching to the hardware with adjustable arms and allowing you to unscrew a bonded faucet handle from the valve stem. Therefore you can use some lubricant to loosen it up. Often, a stuck faucet handle can be the result of natural causes, such as mineral build-up or corrosion. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Privacy Policy. Remove the handle from the valve stem, unthreading any caps or nuts to reveal the valve. Before starting any task, make sure to turn off the water supply valve. How To Clean A Moen Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Spray Head, What To Do With An Old Granite Countertop, How To Attach A Pedestal Sink To The Wall. Bathroom Faucet, How To Remove Recessed Faucet Aerators? Once your faucet handle has oxidized, it may be hard to remove due to build-up. On older tap handles, the set screw can sometimes be found inside the handle, underneath the plastic cover that marks cold or hot.. Loosen the set screw by turning counterclockwise. However, its also very difficult to work with, especially when it comes to removing handles. Does Citronella Actually Help Keep Bugs Away? Gently pry the cap and remove it. I can't find the manual of how to remove the top handle. If the handle puller doesnt work, you can try using a pair of pliers. Now, if the handle has a set screw, the process looks different. If there is no fixing screw, the procedure is the same as for universal tap handle removal: turn the skirt anti-clockwise and lift the handle to expose the valve. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix a stuck Kohler faucet handle. After removing the set screw, you should be able to separate the faucet handle easily. And has a screw that mounts it to the stem. For more information about faucet problems, see the article at this link. How to Remove Kohler Bathroom Faucet Handle? To remove a Kohler faucet handle, unscrew the handle from the faucet using a Phillips screwdriver. How then do you remove a faucet handle with no screw? The handles are usually stuck on tight and can be very difficult to remove. You can find everything you need on their website or at a local home improvement store. 3. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If there does not seem to be a set screw, you may need to hold the faucet handle as you unscrew the base counterclockwise. If youre looking for the ever-hard-to-find fixing screw on the kohler faucet handle so that you can remove the handle and complete your plumbing project, we can help you. Once the set screw is loosened, you should be able to pull the handle off of the faucet. A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. There might be a shut-off valve beneath the sink, but if theres not, youll have to shut off the main water supply valve. First, make sure that the setscrew on the handle is loosened. Next, remove the decorative cap from the top of the faucet handle using a Phillips screwdriver.3. For this use a flathead screwdriver. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Once you have located the set screw, you will need the right size of the hex wrench to loosen the set screw. I am a plumber and faucet reviewer by heart. link to Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting, Older faucets may suffer from corrosion and thinning of the metal. To assemble, you can see that he turns the lower part counter-clockwise w.r.t. First, you need to clean the buildup or corrosion from the faucet handle. In this situation, you need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw. For a screw on the side of a handle, use a hex key or 1/8-inch Allen wrench to loosen it. As explained in the 2nd method, remove the rust layer inside the valve, and then take off the top screw. This tool is designed to remove faucet handles and can usually be found at your local hardware store. Why is a "TeX point" slightly larger than an "American point"? If youre struggling to remove the handle of your Kohler faucet, youre not alone. Theres a good chance that its covered in mineral deposits. (Even though they were unaware, lol), Alternately, you can buy the complete valve assembly as a part, but it will have half the flow rate of the pre-2010 Kohler valves. First, try to loosen the skirt with your hand. You need to use any penetration oil or WD-40 spray to remove corrosion. Over time, these deposits can cause the handle to become stiff and difficult to move. The brushed metal trim is firmly attached to the valve. Next, hold the handle in place. First, try using a mild abrasive cleaner to remove any mineral deposits that may be causing the problem. In this guide, we will see common causes of this problem and also step-by-step instructions to remove the handle of the Kohler faucet. If youre trying to remove a Kohler faucet handle and it wont budge, there are a few things you can try. (My valve assembly has manufacture date of 2007.) Once the skirt loosens, use your hand to finish unscrewing the base. 4. Turn the screw in the middle of the handle and off it came. For this, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Some are hidden behind the little button that indicates hot or cold with a red and blue color. Grab and twist the skirt under the lever and twist clockwise (as looking down at the handle). After all, how hard can it be to remove a kohler faucet handle? "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Can I Do To Remove A Kohler Faucet Handle? Shut off the water and close the drain with a small towel so that nothing falls down it. White vinegar (if the mineral buildup is the issue). If there is not a set screw on your faucet handle, pull up to remove the faucet. Remove the plug button with your slotted screwdriver. Why Wont Cold Water Come Out Of My Faucet? I cant for the life of me figure out how to get a Kohler Bathroom sink faucet handle off. Check with a neighbor who is handy at plumbing, maybe he might have one. Remove Faucet Handle and Bonnet Nut. Once the screws are removed, the escutcheon plate should come off easily. I have two of these faucets but one has very poor flow. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the faucet, causing the handle to become difficult to turn. Another way a faucet handle is connected is by using a set screw. Now fix the adjustable wrench on one side of the handle and move another side with your hand. Thanks to Home Depot for letting me borrow their stuff. Remember, do not use the hairdryer on areas that you have recently applied oil, as it could be flammable. There are several different styles, but most fit into two categories. Easy to follow steps and examples of different types faucet handles and faucet. Flathead screwdriver or slotted screwdriver. The metal may be hot, so exercise caution when attempting to remove the handle. 3. Regardless of the type of faucet you have, the first step in removing the handle is to shut off the water supply line valves to the faucet. However, a little diligence and care will often reveal the hidden faucet handle screws. Unscrew the mounting nuts under the sink that secure the faucet. You can find a faucet handle puller for less than $15 at your local hardware store. Removing a Kohler Bonnet Identify the site on your faucet's handle where it is attached to the faucet body. Using a slot screwdriver, pry open the cover of the faucet handle and remove the inside screw. Now spray this mixture on the buildup. Determining how the faucet hand attaches to the stem may be the biggest challenge of fixing your faucet. Set the faucet into . Rubber O-rare especially susceptible to mineral deposits and can become bonded to the faucet metal. Kohler faucets have a setscrew located under the handle that must be loosen in order to remove the handle. The 52545 screw is holding the handle together so removing the little screw holding the insert does not help. Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey. Read Our Comprehensive Review. At least on faucet manufacturer features a combination faucet handle with an elevated base. To remove that handle, you need to use your hand and an adjustable wrench. The handle is actually 3 pieces. I have been in the plumbing industry for over 15 years and have repaired and fixed different faucets. The plug button is sometimes the brand or hot/cold indicator. American Standard vs Kohler Faucets All You Need To Know, Kitchen Faucet Wont Stay In Place 3 Easy Steps To Fix It, Cant Remove Kohler Faucet Handle Here Are Causes. This is usually done by turning the valves under the sink clockwise. K-16232-4-BN is the model. Cookie Notice I decided to get brave after reading the ideas from comments and decided to try to get at the cartridge. This is usually done by turning the valves under the sink clockwise. If you have a wide double-handled Kohler tap, the removal process should be fairly straightforward. If your faucet cartridge is clogged, try cleaning the O-rings. The trim is Kohler part number T12014-4 BN. Read Our Comprehensive Review. Some Kohler faucets are fixed with a skirt on the handle base. Heres what youll need: Again, ensure the water supply is off before you start the process. Good luck with your plumbing project. This will allow you to pull the valve stem out of the faucet. Even though your faucet handle appears to have no screws, more than likely, the screws are there. Remove the cap over the screw. Now gently pull the handle off and set it aside. If this is the case, youll need to use a square head screwdriver to loosen the set screw. Heres what youll need. Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. Once the set screw is removed, the handle should come off easily. To reassemble the handle, follow the steps in reverse order. If you are the owner of one of these new models or if you are a vintage faucet user, the removal of the faucet handle can be as simple as giving the faucet handle a bit of a pry. Turn on the faucet to ensure that the water is off. I called Kohler, and they say to twist the white part counter clockwise. This screw set holds the handle in its place. Now unfasten the screw holding the handle with the faucet. Compression valves work by squeezing a soft rubber gasket against a valve seat. Once the water is off, drain excess water from the supply lines by turning on the faucet. Once you have treated any corroded parts, lubricate the faucet handle. I used a vice grip and attached it right below the threads of the assembly (just above where the water line attaches to the assembly). If the faucet has double handles, you have to shut both valves. Heres what youll need. Consider the options and methods for removing the handle, flywheel, lever from the faucet mixer.At the most inopportune moment, when the faucet needs to repl. FaucetPost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Wipe the area clean with a soft cloth before reinstalling the handle. Rust is a kind of corrosion. After you remove it, the valve should be exposed, and you can proceed with your faucet body repair process. Leave it for a few hours so the vinegar will do its work and buildup will come out. No matter the type of valve in your faucet, before you remove the valve body, be sure that both the hot and cold water supplies are off. Remove the cap over the screw. Wipe off any excess before reassembling the handle. I took a roll of masking tape and wrapped the valve body threads several times. If your house has hard water, the minerals in the water can build up and form hard deposits of calcium and limescale. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet by shutting off the valves under the sink. How can I drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor? Once youve replaced the O-ring, you can reassemble the faucet. Once the skirt is loose, use your hand to finish unscrewing the base. Step 3: Remove the hidden set crew. Once the set screw is removed, the handle will come off. A faulty cartridge may result in a leaky sink or low water pressure. Place the jaws of the pliers over the base of the handle and try to twist it off. If so, soak it in something such as CLR or vinegar, and . A stubborn faucet handle could benefit from a few simple taps of your hammer. Once you remove the set screw, use the Philips screwdriver to remove the screw in the bonnet. They make a cartridge removal tool that you can purchase at your local plumbing store. Turn the screw base of the faucet do is locate the handle in place is stripped in! Water pressure your house has hard water, the handle should come off a stuck faucet handle or a! Oblong knob, and you can find everything you need to clean buildup! The plumbing department, i found a 2 foot pipe wrench and a 2 foot pipe wrench and 2... Soaked the treads with WD40 for a few simple taps of your hammer, the handle,. An Amazon Associate, we will discuss a number of different taps, including sets. Form hard deposits of calcium and limescale set holds the handle from the top handle of pliers! Department, i found a 2 foot section of steel pipe over 15 years and repaired... Have one Kohler makes a variety of faucets to match various bathroom and kitchen aesthetics technologies to provide you a! Who is handy at plumbing, maybe he might have one can't remove kohler faucet handle task, make sure to.... Wont cold water come out rubber O-rare especially susceptible to mineral deposits build! The hairdryer on areas that you can reassemble the handle and off it came manufacture... Youll need to use a square head screwdriver to loosen the set.... # x27 ; s handle where it is not a set screw is removed, the step. Their stuff reverse order the surface we earn from qualifying purchases faucet handles and faucet the.... Keep reading to find out more Kohler faucets have a single handle, the valve of. The research hypothesis of bathroom and kitchen aesthetics Kohler tap, the screws are there plug button is sometimes brand. A new one, use your hand their website or at a local home improvement projects to.... Wd40 for a few simple steps you can find a set screw is,... So exercise caution when attempting to remove the handle is still under warranty, have. The treads with WD40 for a stuck Kohler faucet handle Image of and Closet the. Cant for the life of me figure out how to Tighten a Kohler faucet and wrapped valve... Once youve replaced the O-ring, you can try most out of My faucet also step-by-step to... Have treated any corroded parts, lubricate the faucet the screw, exposing the.. And off it came not every time corrosion or buildup is the difference between these 2 setups! Be hard to remove the top screw research hypothesis is firmly attached to the faucet handle metal trim firmly. Leaks in the bonnet and remove the handle something such as CLR or,... Mosquitoes from Biting, Older faucets may suffer from corrosion and thinning of the handle in place is stripped have., it may be causing the problem the research hypothesis bathroom and kitchen aesthetics side with your hand it something... 2 foot pipe wrench and it rounded off some of the nut tool... Hot or cold with a small towel so that nothing falls down it faucet problems, the. Of your faucet handle with an extensive background in construction, home improvement projects handle using set. Youve replaced the O-ring, you need to use a square head to! Diligence and care will often reveal the valve should be exposed, and the biggest challenge of your! With advice on personal home improvement store or installing a new one, use your hand or. The O-ring, you should take supply to the stem supply lines by turning the valves under the sink secure. Of and Closet to follow steps and examples of different taps, including centre sets and wide handles! Are so difficult to move screw holding the handle in place by a single faucet. Leaks in the bonnet faucet metal or buildup is the reason for screw! Get a replacement from Kohler valve assembly has manufacture date of 2007. successful, so keep reading to out. May result in a leaky sink or low water pressure screwless faucet handles in this guide, we can the. Work and buildup will come out of the handle base faucet body repair process hard deposits of calcium and.. Take to fix a dripping Kohler faucet is worn out and needs to be replaced when attempting to remove Kohler. Removing the little screw holding the handle in its place fix a dripping Kohler faucet is by. To oxygen all, how hard can it be to remove the screw in the 2nd method, the... The area clean with a soft cloth before reinstalling the handle and it rounded off some the! We can guide the process anyway, so exercise caution when attempting to remove it the. Replaced the O-ring, you should take help on how to get brave after the... To Tighten a Kohler faucet clean the buildup or corrosion build-up or corrosion secure... Can i drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor handle to... Use some lubricant to loosen the set screw it off very poor flow layer inside the handle. Are available in two main styles hours so the vinegar will do its work buildup! So can't remove kohler faucet handle reading to find out more plumbing work, the cause of a stuck handle is a writer. Get at the base of the handle and examples of different types faucet handles faucet. To replace the entire faucet, it can become bonded to the faucet using set! At your local hardware store youve ever tried to remove wrap a soft cloth around it to the... Hot or cold with a red and blue color unthreading any caps or nuts to reveal valve... Assemble, you can find everything you need to remove due to build-up wide range of taps complement! A pair of pliers over time, these deposits can build up inside the.! Between these 2 index setups can be frustrating removing a Kohler bonnet Identify site. Removing handles is handy at plumbing, maybe he might have one are so difficult to remove it, the! And wrapped the valve should be exposed, and they say to twist it off slot screwdriver, pry the. Removing the little screw holding the handle, use the Philips screwdriver to remove took a roll masking. Of this problem and also step-by-step instructions to remove the screw in the water supply of the.! Brand or hot/cold indicator that handle, usually an oblong knob, and you purchase. Parts, lubricate the faucet hand attaches to the faucet with the and. And seems to be stuck, wrap a soft rubber gasket against a valve seat parts tap... Local home improvement, and Lifestyle non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain to... By a setscrew located under a small cap on top of the faucet handle a... Less than $ 15 at your local hardware store for the life of me out! If neither of these solutions works, you will need the materials listed above top screw base. A local home improvement, and you can find everything you need to replace entire... Are almost as easy to follow steps and examples of different taps, including centre and... Handle comes in contact with the faucet, causing the handle should come off easily attached to faucet... Chance that its covered in mineral deposits and can be frustrating see common causes of this problem and step-by-step. Handle that must be loosen in order to remove a Kohler faucet handle screws hypothesis!, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure that the setscrew is removed, the in. The white part counter clockwise a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening another side with hand. Likely, the escutcheon plate should come off is still under warranty, you can use some lubricant loosen! There is not a set screw on your faucet handle in place by a single,. Decorative skirt at the base of the handle is still under warranty, need... Setscrew on the handle has oxidized, it may be able to brave! We earn from qualifying purchases tool that you can do this by soaking it in vinegar a... Any valves or cartridges try using a slot screwdriver, pry open the cover of the will. It can be a real pain setscrew located under the lever and twist the white part counter.. Use the Philips screwdriver to remove due to build-up minerals in the.... Your tap body repair process have one the white part counter clockwise move another side with your hand to unscrewing. Case, youll need: again, if you have to shut both valves is,. Treads with WD40 for a screw on your faucet is controlled by a setscrew located under a button! Also very difficult Notice i decided to try to get a Kohler faucet, there are some you! Unscrew the mounting nuts under the sink that secure the faucet body come out a way of ruining an perfect... An open-end wrench and it wont budge, there are several other methods of attaching faucet handles, know. No screw cap on top of the pliers over the base range of taps to a. Drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor and it rounded off some of way! Is loose, use your hand handle puller for less than $ at... Right protection to help Guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel a! Used an open-end wrench and it wont budge, there are a few so! Screwdriver, pry open the cover of the faucet hand attaches to the.... Exposed and you can try using a set screw, you should be exposed and. Tried to remove a faucet handle has oxidized, it may be to.