1 Technique #1: Remove Any Scale Or Lime Deposits Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: 2 Technique #2: Remove Any Corrosion Step 1: Step 2: 1 Technique #1: 0 1 Technique #1: 1 1 Technique #1: 2 1 Technique #1: 3 1 Technique #1: 4 1 Technique #1: 5 1 Technique #1: 6 1 Technique #1: 7 1 Technique #1: 8 1 Technique #1: 9 When using a faucet, a stiff or stuck handle can be annoying. It can also make it more difficult to fix the faucet valve. Before visiting the hardware store to purchase a faucet handle puller, you might try a few do-it-yourself methods at home.
The water supply to the sink should be turned off before using any approach. Here are three do-it-yourself methods for unsticking a faucet handle.
Remove any scale or lime deposits using technique #1
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Scale or lime deposits are typical on faucet handles that are older. Deposits accumulate over time; if your water is hard, this process will proceed more quickly.
The faucet handles start to stick as the mineral deposits grow.
Mineral salts often leave behind a gritty, crusty residue, while scale aggregation is typically light brown, lime is brilliant green.
All of these are typical deposits that can appear in any area of your home, including shower faucets, bathroom faucets, and kitchen sinks. Even metal alloys that are resistant to corrosion can develop mineral deposits.
Fortunately, it is simple to get rid of mineral deposits.
STEP 1: Leverage under the faucet handle cap with a flat-head screwdriver. To easily access the valve region, carefully peel off the cap.
STEP 2: Spray the handle with pure white vinegar. If vinegar drips over the handle onto your sink, don’t be alarmed because vinegar is harmless for most surfaces. If you are concerned about the finish of your sink, cover it with a dry cloth before attempting to catch any drips.
The open faucet cap and the base of the handle can also be specifically targeted with white vinegar in a spray bottle.
To access between the handle and valve stem if you can’t reach behind the handle, fasten a 1/4-inch rubber tubing to the sprayer.
Let the vinegar sit for roughly an hour in step three. The vinegar’s acid will dissolve the mineral buildup and release the handle. Apply vinegar once again if the faucet is still stuck after an hour.
You could choose to visit a home improvement store and get a commercial scale dissolver if you are aware that you have lime deposits. You can use this in addition to the vinegar without any issues.
Continue to the next method if you have applied vinegar to your faucet several times but it is still stuck.
Remove any corrosion using technique #2
Movement may be hampered by corrosion on a metal component. Rust may be an issue if your faucet is made of aluminum or low-grade stainless steel.
The likelihood of mineral buildup is decreased if your home has a water treatment system. The most frequent cause of a stuck faucet handle is corrosion.
Fortunately, you can get rid of rust at home in only 3 easy steps.
STEP 1: Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the faucet cap. To have a clear view of the valve, it is ideal to unscrew the screw located beneath the cap.
STEP 2: If the valve is brownish-red, rust is probably to blame. To remove the rust buildup, use a small wire brush. As you work, wipe the brush with a fresh rag to help you gather additional rust particles.
Try rotating the handle in step three. In order to release the last of the rust buildup if it becomes looser, turn the handle while holding it in place with a dry rag. Continue to the third method if the handle is still stuck.
TECHNIQUE #3: USE OF FORCE AND OIL
Your handle is still stuck after using both of the straightforward cleaning techniques. It’s time to take things seriously and start moving that handle!
You likely have a corroded faucet handle because the rust and corrosion may go deeper than you can see. This can still be accomplished with a do-it-yourself project, but it will require some work.
STEP 1: As with the earlier techniques, you must first remove the faucet cap. If you haven’t previously, remove the top screw after using the wire brush to remove the visible rust inside the valve.
Step two is to liberally rub penetrating oil all over the faucet handle and within the valve. To help you apply the oil correctly, purchase a sprayer from the hardware shop with a small nozzle. Give the oil some time to sit.
Step 3: Grip the handle with a dry towel to increase your leverage when turning it. If it still won’t turn, carefully tap the handle with your hammer in the desired direction (usually counterclockwise or to the left).
Use light pressure and take careful aim. Avoid making contact with the stem of the valve, the faucet, or any other sink component.
STEP 4: Get your wrench ready for your final attempt if you are still unable to turn the handle. Turn the wrench in the desired direction by tightening the wrench around the faucet handle and turning it with steady, gentle pressure.
The penetrating oil treatment and the force of the wrench should be able to compel the stuck handle to turn. As soon as you are able to move, take the wrench out and continue to loosen the handle with your hands.
The faucet handle might be harmed if the wrench is used too forcefully.
Make a trip to Home Depot and purchase a faucet puller tool if none of these methods work.
Open the puller, place the central shaft through the handle’s screw hole, and then hook the arms beneath the base. The puller will raise the handle off the faucet stem when you turn the handgrip in a clockwise direction.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR REMOVING A FAUCET HANDLE Be forceful but gentle when utilizing force to prevent injury. To turn on the water, always tap or turn the handle in the proper direction. Use liberal amounts of penetrating oil or vinegar. Turn off the water supply using the shutoff valve before beginning any repairs. STEPS TO REMOVE Avoid using too much force while using the hammer or the wrench. When feasible, manually unstick clogged faucet handles. CONCLUSION If the faucet handle is jammed, replacing sink valves can be frustrating. Rust or mineral accumulation, however, is typically the cause of the issue.
These problems can be resolved by DIYers without calling a plumber.
