If a faucet valve is stuck and wont turn, it may be due to mineral buildup. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. . Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Kohler has sent me entire retrofit valve set because many times, as was described in prior comments, it's difficult to break the seal of the top nut to get at and replace the cartridge. First, make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. This will flush out any debris trapped in the faucet or in the water line. Step 1 Turn off the water supply for the Kohler faucet in which you want to change the cartridge. Move them both to the right, then switch on the faucet to make sure the water is shut off. If there isnt a set screw, the process is the same as the widespread faucet handle removal: rotate the skirt counterclockwise, then lift away the handle to expose the valve. If you follow it step by step it wont take long. That's, Choosing the best bathroom or kitchen faucet for your home can be a difficult decision. Put a rubber pad (such as a cut up inner tube) around the flat area just above the top seam and put a pipe wrench on it in the direction to loosen it. . Post Reply One of the elements that sets Kohler's faucets apart from other manufacturers is the use of a faucet cartridge. Then I attached the spark plug wrench and tapped the top end a few times with a hammer. I am glad you liked learning how to remove Kohler kitchen faucets. When in position, reattach the handle and screws to the faucet. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. This post may contain affiliate links. If it still wont move, try inserting a wide-bladed screwdriver between the sink and the assembly. The water supply valves are typically located underneath the faucet. If you have a widespread two-handle Kohler faucet, the removal process should be reasonably straightforward. Scrape off as much of the corrosion in the faucet joints as you can. Pull off the valve assembly by hand and remove the valve's large O-ring seal. The hot water cartridge is stuck. To loosen a stuck faucet valve, start by shutting off the main water supply. If you find one, you can use a flathead screwdriver to remove it. but in reality it's not easy at all, probably need to call a plumber. Removing mini wideset handles without set screws or mounting nuts. Additionally, examine the parts of the valve to ensure that they are not worn or damaged and replace them as needed. Switch off the water while accessing the cartridge or removing the faucet entirely. Open the arms out and clip the legs onto the base, insert the shaft into the entire valve assembly and press the arms down. No, you need a complete guide. If it appears to be trapped, wrap a cloth all around the end before twisting it off with an adjustable wrench. I first attempted to loosen it with a crescent wrench, and then a hex socket and ratchet. Apply some of the lubricant to the stuck stem base before using the vice grips and an Allen wrench to twist the valve stem from its position. You need the long handle for leverage. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Do not be scared to give it a good shove forward. Its worth remembering that the water shutdown valves sometimes ice due to inactivity. Remove the faucet handles. Have you ever noticed red rust stains at the bottom of your sink or a chalky green substance on your water fixtures? To the o-rings, apply the silicone lubricant that came with the Kohler replacement parts. It can be used to loosen rusted screws and nuts, lubricate locks, clean and protect tools and metals, and much more. If that doesn't fit anymore you may want to try some seriously tight vise-grips. Sometimes some lubrication is required to remove the faucets stem successfully; this is especially true if the faucet handle is rusted on or has significant mineral deposits. Insects are known to be a nuisance especially in the summer months. Locate the set screw, which should be on the back of the lever handle. If it is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced. Rotate the handle to the right to cut the supply. After you remove it, the valve should be exposed, and you can proceed with your faucet body repair process. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the kitchen faucet nut that is keeping the cartridge in place. Follow the instructions in the Kohler video, then call Kohler for new parts if the handle won't come off. the handle was loose (turned too generously) and i spent another 15 min trying to figure out why to no avail). I've heard (twice) that sometimes they have a "reverse thread". The cartridge will be visible just beneath the handle, and can then be easily removed by gently prying at the edges. Follow my steps and you will be so happy that you did! What are screwdriver stops on a shower valve? Let the vinegar work overnight and, in the morning, you may be able to extract the cartridge even without a cartridge puller. Both supply lines disappear up into the center section of the faucet. Bravo, you have just completed the removal of your Kohler kitchen faucet. To shut off the water supply, open the cupboards and locate the handles, then turn them clockwise. Worn cartridges or rubber O rings often lead to leaks. Follow The Steps Below to Loosen a Stuck Faucet Stem, Remove a Stuck Faucet Nut with a Faucet Stem Removal Tool, Worse-Case Scenario Use a Screw Extractor, Pliers (channel locks, needle-nosed, vice grips). Kohlers two-handle bathroom faucets and Devonshire widespread faucets can be difficult to contend with. Most pop-off caps have such an indentation. Our handles were held on with small Allen screws located under the handle. The task is a little more complicated when the cartridge is causing the faucet to stick. You will need to make your own faucet stem removal tool to get a better grip. Thanks to modern ingenuity, we can easily fix a leak or replace something like a shower faucet cartridge without breaking a sweat. Then, grab a large flathead screwdriver and a pair of pliers, which you will use as a lever. However when I try to unscrew the hex nut that is holding the cartridge down, it looks like I need to use a wrench from below to keep the entire assembly from turning around. Someone told me to use a hair-dryer on it to heat it up a little. How to notate a grace note at the start of a bar with lilypond? First, clean the nut with a rag, then apply some lubricant to loosen the stuck faucet nut. With the additional force that I was able to apply, I was able to get that cartridge/stem part unscrewed. Who Makes Mainline Faucets, And Where Are They Made? What I ended up doing was inserting a thick allen wrench (any sturdy metal bar will do) into the hole on the side and using that as leverage against the wrench. If the faucet head is stuck on, you will have to use a pair of pliers to remove it. Additionally, ensuring that the water has been properly shut off before beginning work can also be helpful in ensuring that the new cartridge is properly installed. This creates an invisible barrier to prevent them from entering the house. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Sep 2, 2014 at 19:16 Matthew 9,022 17 50 89 Use it to slowly pry the cartridge out of the valve seat. The thing just won't budge. Check the cartridges. Unlike other faucets which have nuts on the two shanks to hold it down, this faucet has no shanks. 2. The job of a faucet cartridge is to control the water flow from the mains into the faucet; some of them have a plastic valve assembly that wears out, while others have one made from porcelain. The other I done it is I put the 7/8 socket handle between the wall and sink handle stopper and with a special claw sink vise grip loosen it up from underneath. Sometimes cartridges are a real PIA to remove. Apply the silicon lubricant that was provided with the Kohler replacement parts to the O-rings. Now lets get back to the main point. If it sticks, soak it with penetrating lubricant. But it will be safer to remove nut screws and other utilities if they are stuck. How to seal straight-thread faucet shank / nipple to the faucet? However, the amount of time it takes varies depending on the size, material, and amount of corrosion on the item. Return the bonnet to its original position. Spray lubricant such as WD-40 on obvious points of friction. It looks like you used an open-end wrench and it rounded off some of the head of the nut. Replace the trim ring and the handle. The most common reasons are due to dirt or debris blocking the mechanism of the valve or weakened, corroded parts. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In search of non-metallic screwdrivers? This can require significant force, so taking care not to damage the handle or cartridge is essential. 7. Answer: Behind the sink basin from the cupboard and clutch the mounting nut that secures the faucet button tailpieces. Additionally, you may want to bring your existing faucet cartridge with you to a local home improvement or hardware store to find the correct replacement. So, do you need a professional? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For this task turning the handles under the sink should be sufficient, but feel free to shut off the mains water as well. A core puller is a special tool made just for this job. This one seems to be rusted in or stuck or something like that. You might not have to remove your Kohler kitchen faucet depending on the situation. How to Remove a Kohler Faucet Cartridge. You can find the valve under the sink. Additionally, water coming into contact with the ceramic disc cartridge, or other components of the faucet valve during installation, can cause the parts to malfunction and may lead to leakage from the faucet. What is the make and model? It only takes a minute to sign up. how to unscrew faucet valve stem when it's stuck? Under your sink, you should find hot and cold water shutdown valves. - Steven Jun 9, 2012 at 23:01 I'd worry about damaging the threads. Its a simple DIY job and for that, you have to switch off the water and take out the aerator. Remove cartridge and check seals at bottom for damage or debris 6. Use a Penetrating Oil A penetrating oil like WD-40 works magic in loosen tight connections as well as preventing rust and that's why you will never miss it in any garage. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? This can help to loosen the cartridge and make it easier to remove. If there are any mineral deposits, use a mixture of warm water and vinegar in a 50/50 solution. Screwdriver stops come in a variety of sizes and finishes to match the faucet model and style. A new cartridge can be bought online. The spout end of your Kohler kitchen faucet could easily twist off by turning it counterclockwise. I didn't have a deep socket so I tried a spark plug wrench. rev2023.3.3.43278. A Google search yielded nothing useful about replacement parts or service info, nor did Grohe's website. I updated my question with more info and a new picture. 16 vs 18 vs 20, Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Heater and Light, Best Undermount Kitchen Sinks for Granite Countertops, How to Fix Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink, Tools Youll Need to Remove a Stuck Faucet Stem, Instructions for Removing a Stuck Faucet Stem. Next, you will need to remove the retaining clip located below the handle. I took my ball pain hammer and tapped the nut area all around to hopefully break the seal. The old one is stuck and wont turn. A dedicated faucet stem removal tool is specially designed to remove a stuck faucet stem with minimal effort, eliminating the need for screwdrivers and lubricant. All you need for it is an extra deep socket which I have. A Moen rep told me to spray hairspray on their cartridges if they are stuck. 6. It depends on whether the faucet cooperates or not. So, lets get started on learning how to accomplish this! They make a cartridge removal tool that you can purchase at your local plumbing store. Thanks to Home Depot for letting me borrow their stuff. Then put another piece of rubber pad around the base, and put another pipe wrench on it in the direction to tighten it. WD-40 typically takes a few minutes to loosen a jammed, rusted, or stuck item. rev2023.3.3.43278. Let the water run for 3 or 4 seconds. If the stem and Bonnet are weakened or corroded, it can cause them to become stuck and unable to move. Why Did My Garbage Disposal Suddenly Stop Working? If you still can't get it, you may find it easier to replace the entire thing. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates, Press Release: PlumberSpot.com Spins Off New Project, MyPlumbingDIY.com. I have a number of same Kohler Lavatory sets and have had to replace a few valve assemblies a few times. Most faucet handle cartridges can be found inside the handle of the faucet after you have removed the decorative cap. Try some wd40 and heat from hair dryer to remove the faucet handle. Pull out the cartridge Last but not least, it's time to remove the cartridge to be cleaned or replaced. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Does there exist a square root of Euler-Lagrange equations of a field? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Do you have to shut off water to change Moen cartridge? Using a strap wrench, attempt to turn the base counterclockwise. Now, if the handle has a set screw, the process looks different. This will help break apart the sticky substance and make it easier to remove. I don't think you should keep trying that approach. Use a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, or a combination of both to loosen the handle. However, the job is not too difficult and can be carried out successfully by an amateur, meaning you save money on a plumber. In both cases, the valve body started to twist / turn, putting the plumbing lines into a stresses condition. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy.