Hansgrohe is a well-known name in the faucet industry. The German company produces various kitchen and bathroom fixtures in several countries, including Germany, France, the US, and China. Its products are known for quality, design, and durability, whether it’s a kitchen faucet or a shower fixture.
While these fixtures feature solid German designs, troubleshooting issues can be tricky. This article examines how to remove a Hansgrohe bathroom faucet handle, so continue reading to learn more.
Is There A Set Screw On Hansgrohe Bathroom Faucet Handles?
Hansgrohe’s bathroom faucets vary in design, each holding the handles in place slightly differently. For example, the Hansgrohe Metris Widespread faucet features handles that are fixed in place with mounting nuts and tensioning screws.
On the other hand, some of Hansgrohe’s single-hole lavatory faucets have a handle plug covering the set screw, which is nested within the handle itself.
We’ll take a look at a few different removal techniques based on several faucet designs. The method you should use depends on the type of faucet you have.
How To Remove A Hansgrohe Bathroom Faucet Handle
Hansgrohe bathroom faucet handles can be a nightmare to remove. Perhaps you need to remove the handle to replace the cartridge, or maybe your Hansgrohe bathroom faucet handle is hard to turn. Either way, you’ll probably need to remove the handle to get to the root of the problem.
However, unlike many faucets that feature a set screw, most Hansgrohe faucets don’t plainly display a set screw. So, does it even have one? Well, there’s a possibility that it doesn’t. That’s the tricky part – trying to pick the best approach when you have absolutely no idea how the handles are held in place.
We’re going to take a look at three different approaches, so if one seems entirely illogical, jump to the next one.
Use An Allen Key
Some of Hansgrohe’s single-hole bathroom faucets feature a small hole near the bottom of the front of the handle. The hole is covered by a handle plug, which covers the set screw within the handle itself.
To remove the handle on this type of faucet, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4mm Allen key
Start by turning off the water supply to the sink you’re working on. This is a good idea for most plumbing projects, especially those involving scenarios where you could get an impromptu shower if the water is still on. Some sinks have shut-off valves beneath the sink, but if not, you might have to shut off the main water supply valve.
Once you turn off the water, move the handle into the upright position. This will allow any residual water in the supply lines to drain. Next, use the Allen key to push the handle plug back into the handle housing.
With the plug out of the way, use the Allen key to access the set screw within the housing. Insert the Allen key into the hole, then rotate the set screw counterclockwise four turns to release the handle. If it doesn’t release after four turns, complete another quarter turn.
Now, lift the handle up and away from the faucet. Make sure to remove the small handle plug before replacing the handle.
Turn The Escutcheon
Several of Hansgrohe’s bathroom faucet designs don’t include a set screw. While this is convenient, it can complicate the process if you’re looking for a set screw that doesn’t exist.
For this method, you shouldn’t need any tools. If the escutcheon doesn’t turn, you may need a strap wrench or adjustable wrench and a cloth. That way, you can protect the finish with a cloth, then use the wrench to get a better grip on the escutcheon.
If there is a bell-shaped escutcheon beneath the lever or cross handle, attempt to turn it counterclockwise. It should loosen, allowing you to lift the handle up and away from the countertop/faucet. If you can’t get a good grip on it, use a wrench and a cloth to protect the finish.
Loosen The Tensioning Screws
The process looks considerably different if you have a Hansgrohe Metris Widespread faucet or something similar. These faucets have handles that sit on an escutcheon, which is held in place by valve mounting nuts and tensioning screws.
To remove the handles, rotate the escutcheons counterclockwise. They should loosen from the valve mounting nuts and tensioning screws. Once you loosen the handles, lift them up and away to remove the handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Hansgrohe’s Warranty?
The company offers a solid warranty for Hansgrohe bathroom faucets, although residential consumers receive a much better warranty than commercial consumers. Hansgrohe’s warranty period for residential customers extends for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns the product and the home it was originally installed in.
The company guarantees its products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for this period. The warranty period shortens to one year for commercial customers. Specific finishes have warranty restrictions.
How Do I Remove Mineral Deposits From My Bathroom Faucet?
If your Hansgrohe bathroom faucet is hard to turn, there’s a chance the issue may lie with mineral deposits. Once you remove the handle using one of the above-listed methods, check for water deposits in or around the handle.
If there are deposits, make sure you remove them before reinstalling the handle. Vinegar is a great way to remove deposits. Or, use vinegar and baking soda paste to scrub the area. This will help lift the offending mark.