Why Can’t I Remove Kohler Faucet Handle?

A good working faucet is important to complete all washing tasks in the kitchen within time. It doesn’t matter which kitchen faucet brands you have, over time, it may show issues and you need to fix them to get it back in working condition. To fix issues in the Kohler faucet, you need to remove its handle. But what to do when you can’t remove Kohler faucet handle?

If the Kohler faucet handle has a hidden screw or there are buildups on the faucet, you will struggle to remove its handle. It becomes frustrating when the handle refuses to budge. In this guide, we will see common causes of this problem and also step-by-step instructions to remove the handle of the Kohler faucet.

Why You Can’t Remove Kohler Faucet Handle?

One of the most common causes of why can’t you remove the Kohler faucet handle is mineral buildup or corrosion. The handle becomes stuck due to corrosion, mineral deposits, and general wear and tear.

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits on the faucet handle and other parts. Over time these deposits create a thick layer on the handle’s stem and make it difficult to turn.

Corrosion also makes a faucet handle stuck. Corrosion can occur due to humidity, and other environmental factors. Due to corrosion, handles don’t move properly. It makes the handle screw stick to its position. You need to use any penetration oil or WD-40 spray to remove corrosion.

Not every time corrosion or buildup is the reason for a stuck faucet handle. Sometimes faucet design is also responsible for it.

In modern Kohler faucets, manufacturers hide the screw on the handle under the cap. The screw is not visible directly so you can’t remove the Kohler faucet handle. For this, you need to remove the cap and then start the handle-removing process.

How To Remove Kohler Faucet Handle?

Tools You Needed

• Flathead screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Plumber’s tape
• White vinegar (if the mineral buildup is the issue)
• WD 40 (if corrosion is the issue)

Step By Step Process To Remove Kohler Faucet Handle

Step 1 – Clean Buildup or Corrosion

Start the Kohler faucet handle removal process by cleaning the buildup from the faucet handle.

White vinegar is a safe cleaning agent to remove the buildup. In the white vinegar, mix water. Mixing both in equal, quantity is good but you can increase the white vinegar part if you need a more acidic mixer.

Apply this mixture to the buildup and leave it for a few hours so it will do its work and the buildup will come out easily.

Step 2- Turn off Water Supply

For this, turn off the water supply to the faucet. It will prevent any water leak into the kitchen. Check if there is a valve under the sink, turn it off or turn off the main water valve of the house.

Step 3 – Loosen It

Some Kohler faucets are fixed with a skirt on the handle base. To remove that handle, you need to use your hand and an adjustable wrench.

First, try to loosen the skirt with your hand. But as you know the handle is stuck so it won’t move. In this situation, wrap the faucet handle with a cloth to avoid scratches. Now fix the adjustable wrench on one side of the handle and move another side with your hand. With little effort, you can remove the handle.

Step 4 – If Your Kohler Faucet Has a Screw

In this situation, you need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw. Because the screw is stuck due to buildup or corrosion, it won’t come out easily.

After removing the buildup or corrosion, use a hammer to tap on the screw. It will make the screw loosen. Now try to remove the handle. Once the handle is removed, you can repair the damaged parts of the handle or replace them.

How To Remove Kohler Faucet Handle No Visible Screws?

• To remove a stuck Kohler faucet handle that has no visible screws, you will need to find the cap on the handle, or maybe a screw is placed downside the handle so it is not visible directly.
• Remove the cap over the screw. For this use a flathead screwdriver. Gently pry the cap and remove it. Do it carefully, the screwdriver may slip and can damage the finish of the handle. Now the screw is visible clearly.
• This screw set holds the handle in its place. Use a hex wrench to loosen this set screw. Turn the hex wrench in the counterclockwise direction to remove the screw. If it is stuck, it may require a bit of force.
• When you remove the screw, hold the handle in hand so it won’t fall down when the screw is come out. Now gently pull the handle off and set it aside. Now you can change the cartridge or washer inside the handle.

How Do You Remove a Kohler Set Screw?

Set screws are small screws that are used to tighten various parts of the Kohler faucet. Mainly these screws are located on the underside of the handle or on the side of the spout.

With the help of a hex key or Allen wrench, you can remove these set screws. The size of the Allen wrench will depend on the size of the screw. If the set screw is on the handle, there are chances that it is hidden under the cap.

Remove the cap and use an Allen wrench to remove the screw. To loosen the set screw, turn the wrench in the counterclockwise direction. You may need to apply some pressure to break the seal of the screw. Once the set screw is loose, use your finger to take it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a stuck Kohler faucet handle can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and approach, it can be removed effectively. This step-by-step guide to help you safely remove the handle. If this solution won’t help you, it may be best to seek professional assistance to avoid any accidental damage. Check kitchen faucet removal problems to make the kitchen faucet removal process smooth.

James Lewis

James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.