Bathroom faucet handles

[rkymntsno]

The bathroom sink faucet handles are really squeaky. Anyone know how to remove the handles so I can try to stop the squeaking with wd-40 or oil? On the side of each, there's like a tiny cap. Don't know if that pops off and exposes an allen screw or it doesn't come off at all? Help????

[norty1]

Usually a cap on the side or top with a Allen or Philips head hidden inside.

I use a knife to pry it off and be sure to close the drain.

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by norty1

Usually a cap on the side or top with a Allen or Philips head hidden inside.

I use a knife to pry it off and be sure to close the drain.

That's what I thought. But I can't pop out the tiny plug!

[craigav]

A picture may help. I have seen a lot of different faucets but there are differences. Most I have seen have a screw at the top of the stem which is the top of the faucet handle.

Another thought is that you may be able to spray some silicone lube up into the stems from under the handles with a silicon spray can that has the little red spray tube straw, just squirt it all up in there while working the faucet and that may take care of the squeak.
~CA

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by craigav

A picture may help. I have seen a lot of different faucets but there are differences. Most I have seen have a screw at the top of the stem which is the top of the faucet handle.

Another thought is that you may be able to spray some silicone lube up into the stems from under the handles with a silicon spray can that has the little red spray tube straw, just squirt it all up in there while working the faucet and that may take care of the squeak.
~CA

I tried a paper clip up there so the wd 40 straw won't make it up there. Here's a pic....

[craigav]

Originally Posted by rkymntsno

I tried a paper clip up there so the wd 40 straw won't make it up there. Here's a pic....

The picture helped, yes you have to remove that cap which may be a challenge but a very small screwdriver or knife may help a lot. Under the cap is likely a hex screw which will need a hex bit or hex wrench to remove the screw, then the handle would simply raise straight up off of the stem (if it isn't also stuck). It may help to warm up the handle where the screw plug is, not hot, just a little warm then I would use the tip of a pocket knife, it shouldn't be too hard to remove except that it is hard to get behind it and you have to get enough grip to remove the plug, which is why a sharp tipped knife can be of value (if you don't cut yourself). ~CA

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by craigav

The picture helped, yes you have to remove that cap which may be a challenge but a very small screwdriver or knife may help a lot. Under the cap is likely a hex screw which will need a hex bit or hex wrench to remove the screw, then the handle would simply raise straight up off of the stem (if it isn't also stuck). It may help to warm up the handle where the screw plug is, not hot, just a little warm then I would use the tip of a pocket knife, it shouldn't be too hard to remove except that it is hard to get behind it and you have to get enough grip to remove the plug, which is why a sharp tipped knife can be of value (if you don't cut yourself). ~CA

Ok, thanks. I'll try that again. Just didn't want to break anything.

[RoadrunnerII]

Ours squeaked after about 4 uses after I lubed it about 3 times a year. Only metal in it was the springs that held the rubber seats and the screws.

Ended up buying a Moen tap
set.
That fixed the squeak permanently

YMMV
RoadrunnerII

[Nature Ist]

I went that route over a period of time within the first year of warranty. It isn't worth the effort - you can try any number of methods, but the squeak is coming from the cheap plastic parts. Any lube you get in there won't last long and the squeak will return. I tried it on both hot and cold before giving up and replacing the entire faucet. I actually found one at Camping World that was reasonably priced and has worked out very well. It is a far better quality faucet in several ways. I should have done that right off the bat!
You can find replacement faucets that are comparable size and far better quality almost anywhere.

[RoadrunnerII]

Oh and beware The counter was thinner than residential counter.
faucet didn't have enough threads.
I was able just drilled out the plastic lock nuts from the original to make thick washers. Worked great!

RoadrunnerII

[RipinSC]

Originally Posted by rkymntsno

The bathroom sink faucet handles are really squeaky. Anyone know how to remove the handles so I can try to stop the squeaking with wd-40 or oil? On the side of each, there's like a tiny cap. Don't know if that pops off and exposes an allen screw or it doesn't come off at all? Help????

Take a small screw driver or Phillips screw driver and push the plastic cap in and pull the handle off.

[Happy wife / happy life]

Originally Posted by RipinSC

Take a small screw driver or Phillips screw driver and push the plastic cap in and pull the handle off.

Just went out and looked at mine. Now I know how to get them off. Thanks!!

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by RipinSC

Take a small screw driver or Phillips screw driver and push the plastic cap in and pull the handle off.

Amazing George! Thanks so much!!!! What a plastic piece of crap!!!

[RipinSC]

Originally Posted by rkymntsno

Amazing George! Thanks so much!!!! What a plastic piece of crap!!!

Get a small tube of plumbers grease and lube the stems. That is causing the squeak. When you put the handle back on, line the hole up with the plastic lock tab and push it down. You may have to wiggle the handles off the first time. This will need to be done at least once a year.

[Murff]

Bathroom faucets can be a pain, in more ways than one. Our White Hawk had a separate cold and hot faucets and the hot water tank is directly under the bathroom sink. The hot water arrived quickly when it was turned on. Simple remedy was a new faucet with a single lever!

Murff

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by Murff

Bathroom faucets can be a pain, in more ways than one. Our White Hawk had a separate cold and hot faucets and the hot water tank is directly under the bathroom sink. The hot water arrived quickly when it was turned on. Simple remedy was a new faucet with a single lever!

Murff

Yep, that's what I'm looking at but at least thanks to RipinSC I got the handles off, lol.

[kirkelli]

Would be just as easy to replace that plastic junk with a nice fixture from Homedepot. Took me a little north of 15 mins. Kitchen faucet took little longer.

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by kirkelli

Would be just as easy to replace that plastic junk with a nice fixture from Homedepot. Took me a little north of 15 mins. Kitchen faucet took little longer.

Yep. That's what I'm lookin to do. Feels like it's gonna break off in my hands.

[norty1]

Seems like everything is getting cheaper!

[kirkelli]

They make them ‘look good’ and that’s pretty much where it stops. I defiantly think quality in older units is much better.