Over time, homeowners may notice where the finish has rubbed off on the handles, or they might notice that a porcelain or plastic faucet handle is beginning to crack.

Replace bathtub faucet handle. If the handle will still not come off just by hand, you might need to use a faucet handle puller. Open the faucet and let all the. Be careful not to damage the casing.

Remove the screw and pull out the. A handle puller won't work for faucet handles with a set screw on the side. Remove the external housing of the valve using a screwdriver.

Now remove the lid present on top of the handle. Place the screw in the hole provided and. To change a bathtub cartridge, begin by removing the handle as described in step 1.

If the pipes are soldered you will have to heat them until the. Put a socket wrench over the bathtub faucet stem. The female surface inside the handle must match the teeth on the plumbing.

This can be on top or on the side. Use an allen wrench or small screwdriver to remove the. If you cannot find a dedicated shutoff valve, turn off the water for the entire house.

Visually assess the faucet handles to see if you see a button or cap with an edge. Set the new handle in place, ensuring it properly seats. To replace a shower faucet handle, start by turning off water to the shower.