Bathroom sink faucet question. Loose handles

Factual Questions
21

That is very similar to my bathroom fixture. On mine the entire piece above the counter screws off, and the handle is connected to the escutcheons (or whatever that thing is called) with a phillips screw. After screwing it off, I can turn it over and see the screw that connects the handle.

Looking at your pictures though, it looks like your setup is a little different from mine.

22

Thanks. I bought a strap wrench yesterday to try to remove the cone/escutcheons yesterday. It’s too tight to do by hand.

23

The strap wrench would not grip it. So I got my big ass channel locks and a rag, and got the escutcheon (don’t know if that’s the right term for this) off, and sure enough the screw was sitting below inside of another splined cylinder that fits into the one in the escutcheon that in turn fits into the one in the handle.

Seems overly complicated, but, it is a very ‘clean’ design. Both in aesthetics and practically for cleanliness.

Most of my plumbing work has been supply and drain lines. Water heaters, pressure tanks and what not. I fiddle with faucets when I have to. This was new to me. But now I know how to do it. Next time (there is always a next time) it will only take ten minutes.

Thanks to everyone of you for your advice, I’m off to have a bit better day… I hope, we need to weed eat (mow) the yard. :sigh: Luckily, my Wife is kind of into it. We take turns.

24

IME, next time will be a different faucet that looks similar but is totally different. :slight_smile:

25

Ain’t that the truth.

26

It seems that you have the same (or similar enough) faucet that I do. For future reference for when the faucet starts dripping: if you try to change the cartridge inside the faucet handle, you will pretty much need to order a tool to unscrew something deep in the faucet handle. There is a nut-like thing that needs to be unscrewed before you can remove the cartridge. To unscrew it you need something to fit into some tabs on the edge of the nut. I ordered the tool from Moen for about $8, and I ordered the cartridges also. It is a pretty stupid design, in my opinion.

27

Thanks mcgato. Let’s see… In the last 6 weeks…

  • An element in the water heater died. So maybe 5 minutes of tepid water.
  • Our primary heat source, a propane freestanding stove needed a new thermo couple.
  • The drain line for our upstairs shower failed, flooding the main floor. Destroying a bunch of drywall and all of the wood floor.

Fixed the water heater stove and drain line. The drywall and floor will be taken care of by insurance. The stupid faucet handles where just another straw. :roll_eyes:

Luckily this all happened in the summer at least. I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop.