How to Remove Moen Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles

There are many reasons why you may need to remove your Moen bathroom sink faucet handles. Whether you’re attempting to pinpoint a leak, change the cartridge, or switch out the filter, you’ll likely need to remove the faucet handles.

Types Of Moen Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles

Moen bathroom faucets come in several different styles, including single-handle and double-handle varieties. Some models utilize screws to fix them in place, while others are without screws.

The Moen 6410 is a variation of the Moen Eva, both of which are common bathroom faucet choices. Moen Eva faucets come in both single-handle and double-handle options. Regardless of which type of faucet you have, removing the handle isn’t terribly difficult.

Removing Moen Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles

Removing Moen Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles

If you need to remove your Moen faucet handles, whether it be to repair a leaky faucet or replace one of its components, you’ll need a few materials and a few minutes of your time.

Faucet Handles With Screws

To remove the handles on a faucet with screws, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Allen wrench or screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Rag

The process of removing Moen faucet handles with screws is relatively straightforward. Start by shutting off the water to the sink you’re working on. There may be a shut-off valve beneath the sink itself, but if there’s not, you may have to restrict the water supply to the entire house by turning off the main water shut-off valve.

Once you shut off the water supply, verify the water is off by attempting to run the water from the faucet you’ll be working on. Then, use the rag to cover the drain, as this will prevent you from losing essential parts from the faucet down the drain.

Locate the set screw. Note that a decorative cap may hide it. If that is the case, use your nail or the flathead screwdriver to pry off the cap gently. Once you locate the screw, use your Allen wrench or screwdriver to unscrew it. Then, remove the screw and set it in a safe place.

Lift the faucet handle off of the faucet body, then continue with whatever repairs you need to do.          

Screwless Moen Bathroom Faucets

Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles

Moen offers many different faucet designs, one of which is the screwless widespread faucet design. The handles on this two-handle faucet are situated further apart than traditional faucet handles. Although the lack of a retaining screw seems like it would make the removal process more complex, they usually are relatively easy to remove.

To remove these kinds of handles, you’ll need to locate a small piece of trim that rests on the counter. Typically, it is a conical, cylindrical, or triangular piece of trim that is screwed into the faucet valve. To remove the handle, you have to unscrew the piece of trim. You shouldn’t need any tools to complete this.

As with most other plumbing projects, remember to shut off the water supply to the sink. Otherwise, turn off the water supply to the whole house. Once that’s done, simply hold the handle steady with one hand, then turn the trim counterclockwise with the other.

Lift and remove the handle, then continue with whatever repairs you need to do.

Sometimes, Moen faucets appear not to have a screw holding them in place. However, if the faucet handles wiggle, there’s very likely a set screw on the tap. To fix the wiggling handle, you’ll need to find the screw. It is most likely hidden by a clever decorative cap that is placed in a discreet location.

The cap may display the Moen logo, which looks like two intertwined water droplets, one blue and one red. Look around the entire faucet: you might find it on the top of the handle, underneath the lever, or behind the handle. Sometimes, Moen will match the cap to the rest of the faucet, thus helping it blend in (and making it hard to find).

How Do You Remove A Stuck Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle?

If you’re attempting to remove a Moen bathroom faucet handle, but you can’t get it off, there are a few ways you can go about removing it. Navigating a stuck bathroom faucet handle is dependent on the type of handle you’re dealing with.

Stuck Retaining Screw

If you can’t remove the retaining screw that is fixing the handle into place, avoid stripping the screw. For this method, you’ll need:

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Penetrating lubricant
  • Rag
Screwdrivers

Set the rag over the drain to prevent you from losing important parts. If you haven’t already, start by removing the decorative cap with the flathead screwdriver. Locate the screw. If the screw doesn’t turn, don’t continue trying, as you might strip the screw, which is a nightmare in itself.

Instead, spray a small amount of penetrating lubricant on the screw. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then attempt to turn the screw. You may need to repeat the process a few times.

If you strip the screw, you’ll likely need a drill and screw extractor to remove it. If you’re having issues removing the screw, try pushing down hard on the end of the screwdriver while turning.

Trim Won’t Turn

While the screwless handle design is a clever alternative to handles with screws, sometimes removing the handle can be tricky. If you’re having issues untwisting the trim at the base of the handle, try using a rag and adjustable wrench to grip the trim.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Rag

Wrap the rag around the base of the trim. The rag will help protect the handle from the wrench. Fit the adjustable wrench around the rag, then twist the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the trim. Once the trim loosens, you can finish loosening it with your hands.

Then, remove the handle and continue with your repair project.

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