While thinking about installing or fixing your kitchen hardware, you cannot compromise the quality of the product. Delta faucet is one of the best kitchenware manufacturers in the market. It provides you with high-tech, premium quality products for your kitchen setup. But, if your delta faucet handle becomes loose, it can be troublesome. What to do if that happens? How to tighten a loose Delta faucet handle?
Delta faucets can come in different sizes and provide you with lifelong service. But when you are having a problem with the faucet handle, it can make the whole faucet unusable and create further damage.
So, if you can fix the minor issues with the handle, you might make them last even longer. Some simple tricks and techniques can extend the life of your precious kitchenware. Let’s get to know about the functionalities of the delta faucet handle and how to fix it.
How To Tighten A Loose Delta Faucet Handle?
After you find out the loose delta faucet handle, it is necessary to tighten it as soon as possible. To tighten a loose delta faucet handle, you can take help from the following steps:
Shut Off The Water Supply
Before anything, you need to turn off the tap and shut off the water supply. You can turn off the water valves underneath the basin and wait a few moments for all the water to go away.
Dry The Sink
Dry the sink and soak all the water to ensure you do not get drenched while dealing with the faucet handle. You can use a towel and keep it around the handle to absorb all the residue water.
Remove The Leaky Handle
If your faucet handle has a cover, remove it using if flat screwdriver or a knife. Try to put the screwdriver in the void space of the cover and lift it with a little force. Then you will see the screws. Unscrew your handle and remove the handle from the pipe.
Loose The Threaded Collar
After removing the handle, you will see the threaded collar. Loosen the threaded collar.
Pull The Cartridge Stem
If the issue is with the threading, you would have noticed it already. If not, pull out the cartridge stem and look for the reason for the loose faucet handle. Identify the damaged part and get its replacement.
Clean The Handle And Internal Setup
Before you re-install your new parts, clean the interior of the faucet handle. Pick up the debris from the opening and wash the interior with rubbing alcohol and a soft towel.
Re-Install The New Handle
After you are done with the cleaning, re-install the handle. Replace the damaged parts and complete the setup following the user manual instructions. If you face any problem, counsel a professional or seek help from customer service.
Why Should You Use A Delta Faucet Handle?
If you are pondering whether you should buy delta faucets for your home, I am here to let you know what benefits you can get from them.
Delta faucet is a self-proclaimed ‘leading innovator’ of your kitchen and bathroom hardware. But their self-proclamation has some values. They manufacture technologically advanced faucets which are durable and easy to use. You will find various elegant and top-notch designs that can match your home interior.
Even if you want to use Delta faucets in an office setup, you will find numerous options from where you can choose the one you prefer. Some delta faucets have voice recognition and sensory system, making them even cooler.
Delta faucets are easy to install, and if you follow the manual guide properly, you can do it yourself. They are very durable and high-quality products. They last for a lifetime and still give you good service. You will find some of the replacement parts free as well. So, if you are worried about spending a little more, then know that it is totally worth it.
Delta faucets are also famous for their customer service. They are very friendly and solve problems with your sink without question. If you want to learn to take care of your sink better or fix the issues immediately, customer care will help you with any of those.
How Does A Delta Faucet Handle Become Loose?
Before you repair your Delta faucet handle, you need to understand where the problem lies and if you can fix it or not.
There can be various issues with your faucet handle. It might have a faulty rubber O-ring. In that case, you will not need to replace the entire handle or other parts. Only changing the O-ring can make your faucet work fine again. But if your faucet handle has a damaged internal cartridge, that can be a serious issue.
For beginners, pulling out the cartridge and fixing the problem can be troublesome. So, you need to understand where exactly the problem is. Maybe you need to tighten some screws, or you might also need to change or remove your entire setup for a better result.
Also, if your faucet is installed incorrectly, it can become loose. You might not understand it while installing but using the proper screws, and correct setup is crucial. If you use smaller screws, they will not fit properly to the holes, making the faucet unstable. Also, the screws and parts will become damaged faster because of the friction. After some time, the screws will come loose, and the faucet will start to leak.
The Problems A Loose Delta Faucet Handle Can Create
A loose delta faucet handle can cause multiple problems for you. It makes you uncomfortable and causes a lot of extra trouble. Here are some of the common problems that a loose delta faucet handle might create:
Leaking
It is the most common problem with a loose handle. Sometimes you will not understand that your delta faucet handle has become loose from the outside. But the small leaking or even a minor unusual water supply can give it off.
You might think that a little leaking will not harm you. But continuous leaking can make your water bill skyrocket and damage your sink hardware.
Wobbly Handle
When your delta faucet handle becomes loose, it is common to look unstable. It might stay tilted on one side because of the loose setup. When you try to turn it, you might feel it stumble. The wobbly handle is uncomfortable to deal with and can be difficult to shut the water supply.
Tight Handle
As we are talking about an unstable and loose faucet handle, it might be a bit tough to accept that the loose faucet handle can become tighter than the usual one. It usually happens because the setup is disturbed and moves from the original form. It usually clashes with different parts inside the faucet cover. As a result, some screws and coil might get stuck in the way, making the handle extremely difficult to move.
Things You Need To Know Before Fixing Your Delta Faucet Handle
Sometimes going head-on to solve the problem might not be the best choice of action. Before fixing your sophisticated kitchen or bathroom hardware, you need to understand and set some ground rules. You need to know these things before starting the fixing procedure.
Go Through The User Manual
Nothing can be better than understanding the problem and functionality of your kitchen and bathroom hardware step-by-step. In your user manual, you will find everything you need to know about the hardware parts and how to install and fix them. If you have questions, go through the manual first and see if the answer is there.
Learn About The Model Of Your Faucet
Every model has its unique characteristics. So if you try to fix your faucet by following another model, it might be harmful. Learn about the properties of your model and get to know how you can handle the problem of this model. Finding out the model is not a tough job. The model number will be embedded on the body of your hardware and on the package as well.
Familiarise With The Instrument You Are Going To Use
Before you start solving the problem, you need to have all the instruments you will require throughout the process. You cannot go look for the pliers while you are leaving the valves open. Get to know which devices you will need and check if you have them. Using the wrong tools can damage your hardware permanently.
Understand The Problem
Before you take on the tool to disassemble and reassemble your faucet handle, understand where the problem lies. Study the situation and know what your steps should be.
Common Mistakes
While fixing the loose Delta faucet handle for the first time, mistakes are common. Here are some common mistakes that are most frequently made.
Using The Wrong Screw
Though all the screws come with the package, you might place the wrong screw in the wrong place. Using the wrong screw can be harmful to the faucet and to the user as well.
Not Having The Proper Instruments
It is the most common mistake of beginners. Many think that any tool can be used to fix the faucet. Also, as they will use it once, they do not want to buy a new one. But it makes the work a lot more difficult.
Moving Too Fast
Even if you are in a hurry, it is better not to use the speed while turning your screws. Sometimes sophisticated and small screws need to be handled carefully and slowly. If you try to turn it very fast, it can damage the faucet and the screw.
Not Draining The Faucet
Many people forget that you are working with a setup that always passes water. So even after you turn off the faucet, there will be water in the pipe. So you need to drain all the water out after you shut off the supply.
Using Too Much Pressure
While turning the screws and bolts, don’t apply too much pressure. Too much pressure can damage the threading and make the problem even worse.
Final Words
Though it might seem insignificant at first, the condition of your kitchen hardware is something you can never ignore. Even the slightest problem can damage your kitchen and make your life harder.
So, it is important to understand what problems can cause and how to fix them. I hope learning how to tighten a loose delta faucet handle can help you in that case.
Delta faucets have earned their name as reliable and high-quality hardware with their quality. They will serve you for ages if you can take care of them. As you have learned how to fix the issues with your delta faucet handle, I hope you keep your delta faucet in good shape and take care of your kitchen hardware. Enjoy your time!
