[fenixtx423]

I am trying to fix a leaky faucet in my new house and cannot figure out how to remove the faucet handle to get at the o-ring and cartridge. Does anyone know how to remove this type? I have linked to photos of the faucet below:

imgur: the simple image sharer
imgur: the simple image sharer

Thanks
Scott

[Milo Dolezal]

Hello Scott,

If I am not mistaken, entire trim (the cone-shaped escutcheon) unscrews. It is hand tightened. Grab it by its base ( as close to the bottom as you can ) and start turning it CCW. Entire trim will come off, including handle. It may require some effort so be patient with it. See if that will do it.

Back to you

Milo

[afaroo]

I agree with Milo turn the cone-shaped escutcheon to the direction of the arrow (CCW) and you get to the cartridge, see the image below, Thanks.

John

[hkstroud]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[fenixtx423]

I tried as hard has I could with my hands but could not unscrew the escutcheon. I looked at that spot on the handle and could not find any screws. Below is a picture of the faucet from underneath, should I remove that nut? Sorry it is a bit blurry.

http://imgur.com/QkEHitW

[Milo Dolezal]

It has to unscrew from top. Unscrewing it from the bottom will not give you access to the cartridge. Even if you unscrew it from the bottom, you still have to remove the cylindrical piece of trim and handle to get to the cartridge. I think it is all one piece. Try again. It is always hard to take off as the trim sits there untouched for long period of times.

[hkstroud]

Aaaaaaaa

[fenixtx423]

I placed a leather strap around the lowest part of the escutcheon that I could and used a long pair of pump pliers to grip and try to unscrew it. Still no luck. I loaded a picture below of what I have been trying. I also tried to remove the handle with the strap and pliers with no luck.

imgur: the simple image sharer

[hkstroud]

Do you have any idea of the brand of the faucet. Kind da looks like a Kohler to me but I don't know.
Obviously I disagree with Milo and John (afroo) about the handle and escutcheon turning to remove.

The handle is attach to the stem. For the handle to turn and unscrew the stem would have to also turn. Since there are stops on how far the stem can turn, the handle can turn and unscrew.

Try pulling straight up on the handle, maybe it is just a compression fit on the stem. Never seen one like that but who knows.

Don't break something before we figure this out.

[fenixtx423]

Yes I think you are correct I believe it is a Kohler.

[Milo Dolezal]

I stand behind my original advice. Did little research to support my claim. It appears the faucet is Kohler K-13492. Escutcheon and handle is one piece and comes off as one pieces. See enclosed video clip. ( FYI: the clip doesn't show the K-13491 model faucet, but similar model with exactly the same installation instructions as the faucet in question. Please, notice as the Installer removes handle and escutcheon.)


http://youtu.be/5hT1fm9lCSk

[hkstroud]

Well I can always be wrong Milo. I frequently am, but I still don't understand how the handle can turn without the stem turning.

After watching the video again, the escutcheon must turn with out the handle turning.

[Milo Dolezal]

@ Harold: 4:17 of the clip, they deal with handle trim installation ( As you screw in escutcheon, it lower itself engaging stem with handle inside the escutcheon ). The handle actually spins on top of the escutcheon until it engages with the stem. Then it turns only 1/4 turn, as per position of the stem. Besides Kohler, there are several other major manufacturers who use exactly the same design, including PP, Moen, American Standard and Delta. Kinda neat design. Installs very easly as all depths are pre-set and no height adjustments are necessary. Hope that explains.

http://youtu.be/CP6I5nqvNsU

[hkstroud]

Should also see this video. Note that the mounting nut was changed. The impression I get for that change is that if the nut underneath is tighten with wrench, pressure can be exerted on the escutcheon. If that is correct, you will never turn the escutcheon to loosen without first loosening the nut underneath.

Also if valve was originally install with escutcheon already in place, tightening the nut would bind the escutcheon.



Instructional Video -Replace Two Handle Ultra Glide Valves on a Widespread

[afaroo]

Harold I am not saying any thing Milo explained every thing and he proved it with his clip, you should have done your home work before disagreeing with me and Milo, keep up the good job, Thanks.

Regards,
John

[hkstroud]

John,

Remember my primary purpose in life is to be a disagreeable old f***.
At this point I suspect Scott is going to have to remove the valve from the sink to get the escutcheon to turn.

[afaroo]

Herald,

Assuming is the worst thing in life.

John

[massplumber2008]

I know the faucet and the handle/escutcheon does in fact spin off. In some cases, as Harold pointed out, the nut from underneath has been tightened AFTER the handle was put on, so it can be almost impossible to remove. In this case, the nut from the underside must be loosened before the handle/escutcheon can be loosened by hand... ;)

Good luck!

Mark

[hkstroud]

Watch out Mark, it can be dangerous agreeing with me.

[massplumber2008]

I'll try not to make a habit of it...