Replacing A Faucet Handle – DIY

Should your kitchen faucet handle develop any problem, you can take care of that without seeking any help, as it’s not really difficult to repair the same. It doesn’t really matter what kind of lever the spout has, because the process of fitting this part of any sink fixture is almost the same.

Here’s a plumbing fixture that regulates the volume of water coming out from the spout. There are some designs wherein the same lever is used to control the temperature of water too. The fixture may be employing a cartridge or disk design, but the process of replacement is simple in either case.

So how do you get started?

For doing any such job, you have to have the required tools handy. You will be required to have a flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver and an Allen wrench. Once you are ready with these tools, just follow the following simple steps to replace a countertop fixture grip.

1. Switch off water supply unless you like to be suddenly drenched in water. Generally there are two water supply switch-off valves underneath the sink. You’ll need to turn these in clockwise direction to switch off supplies.

2. The lever or grip of the fixture has a retaining screw, which you need to remove. The location of this screw depends on the design of the fixture. Cartridge type fixtures come with a grip in a circular piece resting on its top. This is known as an index cap. You remove it by prying it off the grip with a flathead screwdriver. As the screw gets exposed, you remove it with a Phillips head screwdriver.

For fixture with disc style, you’ll find the retaining screw at the bottom of the lever or grip. Using an Allen wrench, remove it by rotating it in anti-clockwise direction.

3. Having unscrewed the retaining screw, pull the lever or grip straight up.

4. Next. keep the replacement lever or grip on the fixture assembly and go ahead with installing the replacement screw. When replacing a cartridge type of fixture, just keep the lever on the assembly. Then, tighten the screw and keep the index cap over it. push on the cap till you can hear a click signifying that it has properly latched in place.

In case of a disc type fixture, position the grip or lever on the assembly, fit the setscrew and using an Allen wrench, tighten it.

5. To know the positive results of your efforts, just turn the tap on and it shouldn’t leak. It’s as simple as that.