Hi, I have the Kohler "Purist=AE Rite-Temp=AE pressure-balancing bath and shower faucet trim with push-button diverter and cross handle". I need help removing the handle and faceplate. There is no center screw in the handle, but set screw on the handle stem which I assume holds the handle in place. My set screw is missing but I still cannot remove the handle. Can anyone help? Sue
How to remove Kohler shower faucet handle
Jun 18, 2007
12 Replies
Corrosion of the stem can make it difficult to remove the handle. Hard water?
-- Oren
..through the use of electrical or duct tape, achieve the configuration in the photo..
Yes, hard water. The faucet has only been in for 6 months though. Can I try to bang it off?
Sue
Try a solution to dissolve to build up. Try vinegar/water spray or what you might already have.
As much as I like to bang on things; in this case I would try to wiggle it off.
-- Oren
..through the use of electrical or duct tape, achieve the configuration in the photo..
Stupid question, I know, but does the water have to be turned off ? (At my house the only water shut-off is in the well...)
Sue
Soak/spray with CLT or Lime Away. Get a water softener.
Not at all. leave the water on (chuckle, chuckle)
If you are only taking the handle off, I don't think so.
BTW, any chance the set screw is there but it's covered by soap and soap scum etc.?
I am only taking off the handle and the back plate in order to re- tile. There is no set screw, but I do see where it should go. I should mention that this faucet has been in a few months but has rarely been turned on (guest bath). There is no soap scum of hard water residue. Am I right that the handle should just pull off?
Please don't be insulted, but I have to ask if you are certain what the term "set screw" denotes.
A set screw does not have a head larger than the threaded hole it's screwed into, and most often in faucet handles it has an "Allen head" recess in it's accessable end.
So, just in case you see some threads in the "empty" screw hole and assume there's no thing in there, don't be positive about that until you try to engage a possible set screw with an appropriate sized Allen wrench.
HTH,
Jeff
YES! Thank you. The set screw was tiny - and way inside. You saved me a plumber visit.
Sue
As a fan of "Will and Grace" reruns, all I can say is:
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HTH,
Jeff
Well, I don't know- I have no experience with one-handeld faucets
--but another thing you can do is go look at a Kohler facuet at a hardware store adn see how it is made, or better yet, read the instructinos that come with it. Probably all models are simlar, or find close to your model.
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