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Stesso
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Remove the Faucet Handle — Disassemble the Faucet Handle and Nut

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet Packing Nut · Step 3 of 6

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In this video

Begin by removing the decorative cap from the center of the main faucet handle. Use a small pick tool or flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it off. Once the cap is off, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the retaining screw. If the handle is stuck due to corrosion, use a faucet handle puller. Position the puller's arms behind the handle and tighten the center screw to safely pull the handle off the valve stem without causing damage.

Goal: Bathtub Faucet Repair (Handle Replacement)

  • A handle puller is the recommended tool for stubborn handles to prevent cracking the handle or damaging the valve stem.

Used in this video

  • Flathead Screwdriver (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Screwdriver_Type: Flathead) — Prying the decorative cap off the handle and potentially prying the handle itself.
  • Pick Tool (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Pick Set Tip Shape: Straight) · optional — Removing the decorative cap from the handle.
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Screwdriver_Type: Phillips) — Removing the screw that holds the handle onto the valve stem.
  • Faucet Handle Puller (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Handle Puller Type: Two-prong) — Safely removing a faucet handle that is stuck or corroded onto the valve stem.
42.9K views33815-45 minutes
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FAQs

What's the absolute first and most important step to take before attempting this repair?

You must turn off the main water supply to your house or the specific line feeding the outdoor faucet. Failing to do so can result in significant water damage and a much larger plumbing emergency. After turning off the supply, open the faucet to drain any remaining water from the line.

Do I really need the specific branded tools and materials listed, or can I use alternatives?

While the listed items are recommended for convenience, you generally only need an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver (a flathead is common for older spigots). For packing, standard faucet packing washers of the correct size or specialized graphite/Teflon packing cord can often substitute jute twine if the Danco washers aren't available. Always ensure your tools are the correct size to avoid stripping nuts.

I tried tightening the packing nut, but the leak is still there. What should I do next?

If tightening doesn't resolve the leak, it indicates that the internal packing material (whether it's a washer or twine) is worn out and needs replacement. Proceed to disassemble the faucet handle and packing nut, then carefully remove the old packing and install new material as detailed in the project steps. This usually provides a lasting fix.

How can I be certain the leak is coming specifically from the packing nut and not another part of the faucet?

Thoroughly dry the entire faucet body and surrounding area with a shop towel. Then, turn the water on to the faucet and carefully observe where the water first appears. If it's dripping or seeping directly from behind the handle, around the stem where the packing nut is located, then the packing nut is indeed the source of the leak.

Transcript
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Alright, I think there's the burn on the bottom sped. Now most of this is complaining about it dripping so I gotta get this off. There's still water stolen to this thing so we gotta get this off. Might not be so blurry. Sometimes it's here but it won't come off. Oh great, it ain't coming off. There it goes.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.