Asked on Dec 02, 2018

How do you fix a stiff faucet handle?

Blue Hornet
by Blue Hornet

When trying to turn on the hot water faucet handle, it is difficult to turn. How do you make it easier to turn?

  5 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 02, 2018

    Usually,there is a stem seal just under the cap nut for the valve.

    The cap nut may be too tight or the seal worn out.

    If it is on a tub,you will need to turn off the main water valve.

    If it is on a sink,you can usually turn the water off under the sink.

    Remove the handle and the cap nut.

    Pull the valve out and check the condition of the seal.

    If it is bad,take the whole vavle part with you to a hardware

    store and get some replacements.

    Might as well change the stem and valve seals,they are cheap.

    If the seal is ok,might try a drop of oil at the steam seal and make

    sure not to over tighten the cap nut when you put it back together.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Dec 02, 2018

    Blue Hornet. Try WD 40. Aloha!

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Dec 02, 2018

    I would try two things first -first try little squirt of WD-40 to see if that loosens the handle enough. If not, loosen the screw just a smidge that holds the handle on.

    If neither work, then do what Mogie says.

  • Robert Kinsman Robert Kinsman on Dec 02, 2018

    If this has a cartridge, it may need replacement. If it's just an old style with washers, the stem can be replaced as well. Parts should be available at your local building center for this.

  • Blue Hornet Blue Hornet on Dec 03, 2018

    Thanks everyone! I’ll try WD40 first and hopefully the issue is resolved.