Need to change washers
+17
I have a 30 year old Kohler faucet. I can't get the handle off to change the washer. I took the screw out and tried to lift it up, no luck. Do I have to go under the sink and unscrew it? HELP
15 answers
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Did you try spraying some WD-40 on it? Then let it sit for a few minutes. Finally tap on it lightly with a rubber hammer (or hammer with a block of wood between the faucet and the handle. Chances are it is rust or corrosion holding it on tight.
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl
on Feb 04, 2015
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This is common problem on older fixtures. Older fixtures usually have valves with metal shafts, corrosion forms handles won't come off. Since you've removed the screw saturate the area with a penetrating oil like WD40 or 3n1 and let it sit a while. Give it time to work then gently work the handle side to side and up and down. You can also gently pry up on both sides of the handle being careful not to damage it or the base. Honestly, this type fixture is relatively inexpensive sometimes costing less than $30. Do you go through all this with one side only to try it again with the other side once it begins leaking or do you spend $30 and 30 minutes and simply replace the entire fixture.
D & K
on Feb 04, 2015
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What a great opportunity to have an Excuse to update your fixtures.......
Melinda
on Feb 04, 2015
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Spray some liquid wrench on it and leave it overnight. Or W-D 40.
Jo
on Feb 04, 2015
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Kohler has a lifetime warantee and if you call them, they will either send new parts or coach you through the repair. Been there, done that.
Lily White
on Feb 05, 2015
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you need to purchase a faucet handle puller like the one in this link. They are inexpensive and great to have in the tool box. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skill-builder/0,,20176681,00.html The faucet handle will come off quickly without any damage.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 05, 2015
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I had the exact same faucet and the same problem.. finally replaced it with something newer and prettier. I'm so glad I did, the new faucet is so nice. Makes me realize how much I need a new vanity to go with the faucet!
Mari Dots
on Feb 05, 2015
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I agree with Woodbridge Environmental about buying a faucet handle puller. It's the safest and easiest way to remove that faucet. The tool is really cool. I used one on an old bathtub faucet and it worked like magic.
Dahlia corella-ryle
on Feb 05, 2015
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I've done this before but I don't recall if it was a Kohler or not: I can't tell from the picture, but do the handles have little caps on top that you can pop off with a flat screwdriver? If so, just pop them off and there should be little screws in there that hold the handles on. Unscrew them, pull the handles off and there should be washers in there that you can pull off and replace.
Judy LaFontaine
on Feb 05, 2015
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I would just buy a new, pretty faucet :)
Stella Love
on Feb 05, 2015
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as someone said earlier, go to kohler website for customer service. If your faucet has a lifetime warranty, they will send you the replacement parts for free. I have a delta faucet and was on the website for help. I called the phone number and they were so helpful. The part was shipped to my home for free. Try it you might like it!!!!
Diana R
on Feb 05, 2015
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I use to live on hwy 283 also between Dixon and Sebree. I do not remember you. Was very young then in 1960.@Mari Dots
Jo
on Feb 06, 2015
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Thanks for all your comments. Very helpful.
LaWanna Lampert
on Feb 07, 2015
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Try squirting some lime away, let sit for at least 10 min, , rinse and it you still can't get it off repeat. May take 3 or more times but will be more effective than WD-40/
Jane R.
on Feb 08, 2015
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I sold it a few years back Jo. I couldn't work with the chemo treatments, I didn't have any income so the farm had to go. Broke my heart, I loved it so much there. I hate Texas..lol
Mari Dots
on Feb 11, 2015
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