Help disassembling faucet

[James Morris]

I'v worked on rental apartments and homes for 30+ years, but this one has me stumped. It has the standard drip, but I can't figure out how to get to the washers. There is no set screw on the handles, I tried prying the handles up (but not being sure that was how to remove it, I didn't apply a ton of pressure). The cap on the top of the handles is not removable. I even decided to buy a new faucet, but it is a narrow spacing and after searching and searching I can't find a faucet half way decent with that spacing that is not as much as replacing the whole vanity cabinet! Any help with taking it apart or finding a replacement would be appreciated!

 

[Mikey]

It sure looks like the "H" and "C: caps should be removable, but it also looks like they've been corroded in place for about 50 years. Also looks like a standard 4" centerset faucet, which shouldn't be too hard to find; here's a Delta:

 

[James Morris]

I've tried working them with the smallest flatblade, but nothing budges. It's as if the cap is part of the handle (Only an imprinted groove) instead of a type of cap.

 

[James Morris]

Also, I assumed the handles would screw out (they should), and maybe there was set screw behind them, but after using even vice grips, they don't seem to want to give. One way or another, I'll probably end up breaking this thing and have to find a replacement, but that's proving harder than I expected.

 

[Mikey]

I've tried working them with the smallest flatblade, but nothing budges. It's as if the cap is part of the handle (Only an imprinted groove) instead of a type of cap.

Maybe some pervert soldered them on. Assuming you don't really need to preserve the old faucet set, you could try using a small holesaw to cut the caps out, and I'll bet you'll find a screw in there holding the handle on. But I'll also bet that if the caps are corroded in place, the handles are also. You may have to accept destroying to old faucet set. Then if a standard 4" centerset fixture won't work, maybe try a single-hole faucet set, which is very trendy, and plug the other holes. Some centerset fixtures come with a large mounting plate to cover old holes.

 

[Mikey]

It's as if the cap is part of the handle (Only an imprinted groove) instead of a type of cap.

I don't think so. If you look closely, the "C" cap isn't precisely aligned with the handle, implying it was tapped in a little off.

 

[James Morris]

I had thought about that. The wife likes dual handles, but I'll see what i can find. The hole spacing is actually 3.5", so that limits the choices for a dual.

 

[Mikey]

I had thought about that. The wife likes dual handles, but I'll see what i can find. The hole spacing is actually 3.5", so that limits the choices for a dual.

You might get lucky. If the holes in your sink are big enough, a standard centerset faucet might be able to slide in. Hard to tell exact dimensions from what I can find online, but the installation "instructions" for a Kohler set shows:



So if the sink-holes are big enough, and the faucet mounts are small enough it'll fit. I wouldn't put big money on that. You might be able to MacGyver something by shaving the outside edge of the mounts, and maybe a little bit of the sinkholes, but it all depends on how tight the fit is.

If you get REALLY lucky, one of the pros here will say, "Oh, that's a 1927 Acme, and I've got a new one in my shop you can have."

 

[Jeff Handy]

The lever part of the handles pbly unscrews.
Then there might be a set screw in the recess.

 

[Geofd]

have you tried a utility knife sometimes that works.....check the ends of the handles sometimes there is a screw in the handle

 

[Geofd]

have you tried a utility knife sometimes that works.....check the ends of the handles sometimes there is a screw in the handle

I just looked at the pics again....jeff handy maybe on to something

 

[Jeff Handy]

I have never encountered a handle style like that where the lever part of the handle could not be unscrewed from the main body of the handle.
Too expensive to cast that complex shape as one piece.
Neatly spray some penetrating oil where they connect.
Keep the lever part mostly oil-free.
Wait overnight.
Wrap five or six tight layers of good duct tape around a lever part, after cleaning off any oil with detergent and drying it well.
Try channel locks or vice grips to unscrew, lefty loosey, counter-clockwise.
Yes, very obvious, but haven’t we all made that mistake before, haha??!!

 

[Jeff Handy]

If the H and C caps are actually separate but rocked on with minerals, soak a folded piece of paper towel in vinegar, mush it over each cap, cover with plastic wrap and contain it all with some tape or whatever.
That should get in there overnight, and dissolve the crud holding them captive.

 

[James Morris]

As an update, I put a section of plastic tubing around the handle and used vice grips - it came off. I could then see a screw (accessible from the top), so I knew the cap HAD to come off. I took my smallest flat blade, inserted it into the groove and had no luck. I then took a wrench and started tapping on the driver to see if it would go in the groove and the cap popped off and flew across the room. So the good news is I got it apart. The bad news is I have never seen an assembly like this (see pictures). The unit was cracked and started coming apart when I removed it, so no easy fix without a replacement. Question is, does ANYBODY have an idea what this is and where I get one?

 

[Jeff Handy]

Looks like might be Kohler ceramic cartridge.
Very common in their older two handle vanity faucets and shower valves.

Some Home Depots carry those, Amazon likely does, I also find them at every plumbing supply place I frequent.

If Kohler, no need to worry about LH or RH twist, a little clip comes right off to set it how you want. That little plastic doodad on the stem is an adapter for certain handles.

A pro here can advise if not what I think it is.


https://www.amazon.com/KOHLER-GENUINE-GP77005-RP-CERAMIC-VALVE/dp/B001GZON4C

 

[Geofd]

take that to a plumbing supply house they maybe able to match it up.....it could be a kohler….

 

[Geofd]

take that to a plumbing supply house they maybe able to match it up.....it could be a kohler….

sorry jeff I just posted....didn't see you already had.....

 

[Jeff Handy]

Or order one clockwise and one counter clockwise just to be safe.