Help in removing a bathroom faucet

[Auggie]

I have a faucet handle that won't come off the valve stem. Yes, I removed the screw holding it in place. It must be caked on by calcium deposits. I tried soaking it in CLR for a few minutes (wrapped a plastic bag around the whole unit and filled it), but nothing. It's a bathroom wall facet, close to tile, and I can't get enough leverage to give it a decent whack with a hammer without damaging the tile. Any suggestions? Will I have to remove the whole valve stem?

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Hopefully these sites will help you out

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq_advice/common/howtos/changingtaps/main.pdf


http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Repair/RepFaucet.html

[Kingshakabobo]

2. These guys are real good.

There are several pro plumbers that post regularly.


http://www.plbg.com/forum/list.php?1

[Auggie]

3. Got it! Thanks! The solution was to

get a handle/sleeve puller. It popped off after three attempts.

Right after I dropped a wrench in the bathtub and chipped the enamel real bad. :banghead:

Shit -- it's always something.

[Kingshakabobo]

4. That's how I remodeled my bathroom....

I dropped a drill in the tub and chipped the enamel.......so I decided to replace the tub....and the sink....and the tile...etc. ..$13,000 dollars later........

[Auggie]

5. L.O.L. Our bathroom remodel is supposed to be a budget job.

[eleny]

8. Our plumber did that when installing our tub

It's an antique enamel tub we bought years before and had stashed in a shed all covered up.

Anyhow, the contractor had it repaired. You can't tell where it was chipped. And the woman who made the repair went over the whole tub a little while she was at it. It looks great. So if you do decide to get the chip fixed, you could have a good result. Just get some recommendations on who to hire.

[Kingshakabobo]

6. Yes.

I paid way too much for labor but that was 6 years ago when I was a relatively new DIYer and I was afraid of plumbing. Also, it was my only bath so I needed it done in a timely manner. We're in the process of adding a second bath right now and we are doing it ourselves......along with the neighbors main bath and her new/added bath below ours. it's common plumbing so we tapped in to hers while it was gutted......and talked her in to adding new with venting up through our walls - drains back to her stack.


That plumbing site is a good resource for specific questions. They get a little surly/snarky if they think you are trying to over-do it or in over your head. They tend to lean toward "hire a pro" and seem to be a little pissy about DIYers or non-licensed plumbers. If you can put up with a little attitude it can be a good resource as they are experienced pros.

[ebayfool]

7. Best DIY book ever (& I've tried a lot of 'em!) ...

Time Life Books Complete Fix-It-Yourself Manual

It covers most of the common home repair & DIY stuff in an easy to follow way, & over the years has saved me a small fortune! If you do a search on eBay, Abe's Books, or Amazon - it's usually available reasonably. When my kids left home for the first time (both girls) I made a "you're on your own now kiddo" gift package for each of them. This manual, a Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook (circa 1965 or earlier editions only - shows how to cook from scratch), & a pretty leather bound valise fully loaded w/every tool from wrenches to circuit tester that they will need to take care of their home! Now I'm building the kits for the grandkids (cripes, I'm getting old!).

It walked me through plumbing repairs to washer repairs to replacing electrical circuit panels. Safely & cheaply! :rofl:

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