How to Change a Faucet Handle

Most modern faucet handles come as a complete faucet assembly. You can convert a dual handled faucet to a single handled faucet or vice versa. Another option is to replace the assembly for the same one if one of the handles has broken. Most faucets have universal measurements, but there are exceptions to the rule. To ensure that you are purchasing the correct size faucet assembly with handles, remove the old one and take it to the store with you and compare the measurements to the new replacement assembly.

Things You'll Need

• Drain basin Hand wrench set Pipe wrench Plumbers putty Replacement faucet assembly Pliers or channel locks Plumbers thread seal

Instructions

How to Change a Faucet Handle

1. Remove the contents in the cabinet beneath the sink to optimize your work space. If you're working on a pedestal sink, skip this step.

2. Locate the hot and cold water inlet sources below the sink and turn them off.

3. Place a basin beneath the faucet to catch the existing water in the lines. Use a thick towel for a pedestal sink.

4. Disconnect the hot and cold water lines from under the sink (or behind the pedestal sink). If copper pipe or steel pipe is present, you may need to a hand wrench or a pipe wrench to separate the junction. PVC pipe can most always be detached by hand or a set of pliers gently applied to the junction.

5. Locate the two faucet retaining nuts directly beneath the faucet assembly, loosen them with a hand wrench and remove them by hand from the shanks.

6. Disconnect the sink pop-up stopper if applicable. In many applications you can reuse the existing pivot rod for the pop-up stopper on the new faucet or you can change it if a different style is available. Use the pipe wrench or a set of pliers to turn the retaining nut located in the drain pipe counterclockwise to remove the pivot rod from the drain pipe. Detach the clip connected to the stopper handle.

7. Remove the faucet from the sink and then bring it to the store to compare for measurements. Measure the distance between the faucet holes in the sink, this can be a substitution for carrying the old faucet with you.

8. Clean the surface of the sink area now exposed from the removal of the old faucet. If old dried plumbers putty is present, use a scouring pad and warm water to clean the surface. Do not scrape the old putty off with a scraper or razor blade, because you can accidentally damage the surface of the sink.

9. Apply plumbers putty to the groove beneath the chrome frame of the new replacement faucet assembly.

10. Insert the faucet assembly into the sink and replace the retaining shank nuts. Tighten the nuts, but leave the faucet loose enough to reattach the pop-up drain stopper assembly if applicable.

11. Wrap plumbers thread seal (or spread plumbers thread seal compound) around the threads of all connections with them, including the drain pipe to pop-up stopper pivot rod if applicable. Tighten the retaining shank nuts securely.

12. Attach the cold and hot water lines to the appropriate sides of the faucet assembly.

13. Clean off any excess plumbers putty from the circumference of the faucet assembly base and allow ample time for it to dry (refer to the directions). Remove the basin or towel, turn on the water lines and check for leaks at the connections. Tighten the connections as needed and test the faucet handles once the plumbers putty has cured.