Hi I have a 8 inch widespread faucet (two) and both of them have porcelain handles with no button, they left one of each faucet is loose and out... I am trying to replace handles, but stems also seem worn and if used they leak, these faucets are at least 10 years old. How do I know if the stem needs also to be replaced and not only the handle?
I am trying to remove the escutcheon, porcelain as well, but I am not sure how much force does it really need to be used... it seems it will break, but it seems there is no other way to remove the stem is this correct?

Can you tell us some more, the brand and the model number, Thanks.

John