Faucet handles come in various designs, crafted from different materials. These sleek styles not only enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom but also support the faucets. Some faucet handles feature screws for easy removal, while others, such as Delta faucet replacement parts, might not have any visible screws. As a homeowner, you may find yourself in a situation where you want to replace a faucet handle but realize it lacks screws. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to remove a faucet handle without screws.
Some come with screws, while others don’t. You could have wanted to remove your faucet’s handle but realized that it has got no screw.
And like most homeowners, you could have no idea how to remove a faucet handle with no screw. In this article, you’ll learn a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
8 Steps to Remove a Bathroom Faucet Handle with No Screw:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items
You can’t remove your bathroom’s sink faucet handle with your bare handles. It would be best if you had some tools to make work easier and faster.
Assemble any tool or material that will assist you. It is the first thing to do. You will require the following;
- A flat-head screwdriver
- A pair of pliers
- Allen wrenches
- A clean, soft towel
- A faucet handle puller
- Distilled white vinegar or lemon juice.
Suppose you can’t find some or all of these items in your toolbox; no need to worry. You can access them easily in hardware next door or online.
Step 2: Cover the Drain
You wouldn’t want the faucet’s parts to fall down the sink’s drain. Some like the screws are tiny to slip through the hole easily.
You may lose them forever or get subjected to the tiresome work of disassembling the drain to trace them. First, close the drain using its cover. Then spread a soft towel to cover the entire surface of the sink’s bottom.
The towel will protect the surface from any damage caused by falling parts or items. Also, any hard pressure subjected to the sink during the handle removal may damage the sink.
Step 3: Look Out for a Cap or Button
If your faucet handle doesn’t come with a screw, it will most probably have a cap or button.
Look out for either of them. They are located either at the side or top of the faucet handle. If you get the cap, proceed to step 4.
Step 4: Pop up the Cap
Remove cap. The screwdriver used should be flat and small. Press the screwdriver into the edges and try to lift the cap until it pops up.
You may need to be careful about how you use the screwdriver around the cap. Some caps are delicate, and the screwdriver may damage them.
In case you damage or break the cap while removing it, do not let it bother you. Just buy a new one. The caps are very affordable and easy to find.
Step 5: Turn off the Water Supply
You need to close your faucet’s water supply only if you remove the handle to replace its cartridge. If not, it may not affect the process.
But to be on the safe side, it’s advisable to turn off the water supply when disassembling a faucet. Look for the valves.
Most of them are located under the sink. If you can’t find them, switch off the water supply from the main meter.
Step 6: Remove the Screw
After popping out the cap, you will see a screw. Hold the faucet’s handle and take out the screw. An Allen wrench will work out great, but you will need its correct size, especially if dealing with a set screw.
Step 7: Pull Out the Handle
After removing the screw, pull out the handle. Some are removable by hand without any strain. But others get stuck, and you may need a handle puller or pliers to pull them out.
Faucet handle pullers are plenty on the market. You can order one online or buy from the nearest hardware.
If you are to use the pliers, first wrap the handle’s base with a soft, clean towel to prevent scratching it.
Step 8: Clean with White Vinegar or Mineral Deposits
This step is only viable when you get mineral deposits on the faucet’s handle or around its base after removing it.
Wash them with ease using distilled white vinegar or lemon juice. Mineral deposits are attributed to a malfunctioning faucet.
Voila! You have successfully removed your bathroom’s sink faucet without a screw.
But what happens when your faucet handle contains neither a screw nor a cap? Don’t be surprised. There’s a way out. First, turn off the water from under the sink.
Then hold the handle’s arm and twist its base anticlockwise until it comes off.
You will then see a screw. A Phillips head screwdriver will work out great in removing the screw. Then pull out the faucet’s handle.
If changing the cartridge, pull it out using needle-nosed pliers. If you can’t get the cartridge out, contact the manufacturer.
Most homeowners complain of having problems in removing the cartridge. Some manufacturers like Delta offer support on the issue. They even send replacement parts if required.
Some faucet handles come with no screw or cap but have a lever style. Removing such a handle is also easy. The front of the faucet handle contains the button for turning on the water, either hot or cold.
Use a small flathead screwdriver to apply pressure on the button’s edges. Be careful with the screwdriver as the button is delicate and can damage easily.
Accidents are inevitable. When the button gets damaged, buy a new one. After you remove the button, you will see an Allen key. Remove it using an Allen wrench.
After removing the Allen key, lift the faucet handle. If your reason for removing the handle is to install a new cartridge, you will need to unscrew the gold-colored part found after removing the handle. Though others are removable by hand, others come screwed.
You will require a wrench to unscrew them loose. Remember to place a soft towel on the gold-colored piece before using the wrench to protect the surface from any scratches or damage.
It’s recommended to replace the entire cartridge instead of its parts. The process is tricky and tedious. After removing the faucet handle:
- Replace it after finishing what you were doing.
- Please return it as you removed it without jumping a step.
- Ensure every part is installed correctly.
Otherwise, your faucet may not function well.
If installing a new faucet handle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the latter. Do not guess or assume. Instead, please consult a professional to fix it for you.
Most homeowners wonder why faucet handles come without a screw. The sight of screws on fixtures does not look good. Manufacturers hide them for aesthetic reasons.
Reasons behind Removing a Bathroom’s Sink Faucet Handle
Replacing the Handle
You may decide to replace the faucet handle with a new one. The existing one may be aged, or damaged, or you need to change the handle’s design.
Cartridge Changing
If your faucet’s cartridge has a problem, you have no option but to change it. To remove it, you will have to remove the faucet handle first.
A Dirty Handle
If the inside of your faucet handle is dirty, you must clean it. Otherwise, the faucet may not work well. You need to remove the handle for cleaning.
Leak Checking
Your faucet may start leaking, and you have no idea of its origin. The best way to identify the leaking location could be by removing the faucet handle. It depends on where you find the dripping water.
Filter Replacement
When your faucet’s filter is worn out, the only solution is to change it. You cannot do so without taking out your faucet’s handle.
The reason for changing your bathroom’s sink faucet handle could be one or multiple of the above reasons. Whatever the reason, follow the following guide to remove your faucet handle without screws.
Conclusion
You may not find a screw on your faucet handle, but it’s usually hidden on the inside. By prying off the cap or button, you get to find it.
As described above, removing a tap handle without a screw is not rocket science. The process is quick and straightforward. Anyone can do it, qualifying it as an excellent DIY home project.
As illustrated above, there exist numerous reasons for removing a bathroom sink faucet handle with no screw. Whatever the reason, use the guidelines described above.
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