Are you tired of dealing with a loose kitchen faucet handle? Not only can it be frustrating to adjust the water flow and temperature, but it can also cause damage to your plumbing. So, why does your kitchen faucet handle keep coming loose?
When a faucet is supposed to act perfectly when you turn its handle, but it doesn’t, it becomes an irritating condition. Even the high-end faucet can wear and tear with time and lead to issues like loose faucet handles. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out parts or incorrect installation. But with the right tools and guidance, you can fix it quickly.
Why Kitchen Faucet Handle Keep Coming Loose?
A handle is an important part of the faucet. it allows you to control the flow of water and temperature. Whether you are using a single-handle faucet or a double-handle faucet, with time its handle starts to come loose. A loose handle is not a good experience. Here are some common reasons why your kitchen faucet handle keeps coming loose.
Loose Screw
Every faucet handle has a screw that keeps it tight and in its place. When you use the faucet frequently, its screw will loosen with time. The vibrations and movement from regular use can cause these screws to gradually work themselves loose, which can result in a wobbly handle that feels insecure.
With time, wear and tear will break down the screw and it won’t hold the handle in place. Exposure to moisture and other environmental factors also may cause corrosion and rust on the screw and make it loosen. With a loose handle, it becomes difficult to the water on or off.
Worn-out Washer or O-ring
The washer and O-ring are smaller parts of the kitchen faucet. These parts are located inside the faucet handle and create a watertight seal between the handle and the faucet body. The washer is made of rubber and the O-ring is made of a slightly harder material.
Both the washer and O-ring are prone to wear and tear with time. When these parts are worn, the movement of the handle is not in control.
Improper Installation
Improper installation of the faucet handle is another reason of kitchen faucet handle keeps coming loose. If a faucet handle is not installed properly, along with a loose handle it will cause other issues such as damage to the faucet body, and leakage.
Sometimes we don’t tighten the handle enough at the time of installation. If the bolt or screw is not tightened, the handle will remain loose and can’t work properly. A loose handle will wobble and making it difficult to turn on or off the handle.
How to Fix a Kitchen Faucet Handle That Keeps Coming Loose?
To fix a loose kitchen faucet handle, you will need the following tools:
- Screwdriver or wrench
- Allen wrench (if required)
- Replacement washer (if required)
Find the valve under the sink that manages the water supply to the faucet to cut off the water supply. To stop the flow of water, turn the valve in a clockwise direction. If you are unable to locate the valve, you can shut off your home’s main water supply valve.
The decorative cap or cover that covers the screw holding the handle in place may need to be removed depending on the style of faucet you have. Once the screw has been discovered, you can remove it with a screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Use penetrating oil to aid in releasing the jammed screw if necessary.
Once the handle has been removed, check the screw and washer for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Keep an eye out for indications of rust, cracks, or deformation. It could be necessary to replace the screw or washer if they are broken.
Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the screw if it is loose. Avoid overtightening the screw as this could harm the faucet or handle. Just enough pressure should be applied to the screw to secure the handle.
It could be necessary to replace the washer if it is worn out or damaged. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pry out the washer to remove it. To make sure you buy the proper size and kind of replacement washer, bring the old washer with you to the hardware shop. By positioning the new washer over the screw and pulling it down into position, you can install it.
Reassemble the faucet handle in the opposite direction from how you disassembled it after tightening the screw or changing the washer. Verify that the handle spins smoothly and is properly positioned in relation to the faucet’s base. If you removed any decorative caps or covers to get to the screw, tighten them now. Turn on the water supply to check for any leaks or other issues.
Why Is My Faucet Handle Spinning?
With a loose handle, people also face a spinning handle issue. You turn on or off the handle but it continues spinning without any resistance. A loose or stripped screw is the main reason for the spinning handle.
Regular use of the faucet handle damage the screw. A damaged screw won’t be able to make a grip on the faucet handle and the handle spin without controlling the flow of water.
To fix a spinning handle, you need to remove its screw and inspect its condition. According to the type of screw, either you need an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Once you remove the screw, inspect all damaged parts of the faucet and replace them to stop the spinning of the handle.
Related Articles
Get Instant Solutions For Your Home Issues For Free - Chat With Experts
Get Paid For Your Opinion With Online Surveys - Start Earning
- Why Does Your Faucet Handle Turn in a Full Circle?
- Expert Tips to Tighten Your Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle
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.