Struggling to remove a faulty cartridge under cold water handle, despite following Home Depot video – any tips for success?
Asked by Alberto Robert 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 2, 2024
I’m attempting to swap out a broken cartridge under the cold water handle, but it’s proving to be more challenging than I expected. I watched a Home Depot video that made it seem super simple. I managed to unscrew the hex head screw on the handle, but I can’t seem to get the handle off. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
In cases of hard water buildup, I usually rock the item gently as I lift it up – just ensure that the water is shut off below in case the cartridge breaks, which you’re replacing anyway
Thanks a lot, .
In the past, I’ve used a wooden mallet to gently tap on handles and loosen the calcium buildup.
Check for a tiny Allen screw located close to the bottom
Post mentions that the screw has been removed already. Just wiggle, tap, pull, and pry gently. It should gradually come off.
Hey , thanks a bunch for assisting me.
Hey , try putting the small allen screw back in and then taking it out again. Thanks a lot! 😏
Try wiggling it back and forth in the space using a flathead screwdriver. Just be patient, it should do the trick.
Use some colorful language towards it
Give it a stronger tug
Consider getting yourself a set of these. With some gentle coaxing and skill…
If the faucet handle won’t come off even after removing the hex screw, it could be due to mineral buildup or corrosion causing it to stick. Here are some things you can do:
1. Use Penetrating Oil: Apply a penetrating oil such as WD-40 around the base of the handle where it connects to the faucet. Let it sit for a few minutes.
2. Lightly Tap: Lightly tap the handle with a hammer and a piece of wood or rubber mallet to dislodge any buildup causing the stickiness.
3. Try a Handle Puller: If it’s still stuck, a handle puller tool designed for faucets can be very useful. It grips the handle and applies even pressure to remove it without causing damage.
4. Apply Heat: Using a hairdryer to heat the handle can sometimes expand the metal enough to break the seal caused by mineral deposits.
5. Corrosion Concerns: If there’s visible corrosion, the handle may have essentially fused to the stem. Proceed cautiously, as excessive force could break the handle or harm the faucet mechanism.
6. Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure about these methods or they don’t succeed, it might be wise to contact a plumber to prevent any damage to your faucet.
Remember to always turn off the water supply before starting repairs, and avoid using excessive force that could lead to damage.
Take a rag and a couple of screwdrivers, then gently pry up on both sides alternatively to see which works better
My advice would be to simply remove it
I came across these fixtures before. The cartridge adapters were extremely rusted, causing them to become stuck to the handles. I attempted various methods like prybars, penetrating oil, and torches but in the end, I had to cut them off and swap out both the cartridges and handles.
You guys are awesome! I took all of your suggestions into account. Well, maybe I didn’t include 3 or 4 of them, but I did my best. Thanks a lot!
Hey , did you try swearing at it like David suggested? That might be the trick that did the job.