You know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to turn on a faucet, but the handle is going in the wrong direction? It’s like trying to open a door that has the handle on the wrong side. You just can’t get it to work no matter how hard you try.
Reversing the handle direction on your faucet is a simple fix that will allow you to get the water running quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll show you how to reverse the faucet handle direction in a few easy steps. We’ll cover the necessary tools, how to remove and disassemble the handle, reassemble and reattach it, and give some troubleshooting tips.
With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can get your faucet handle turned in the right direction in no time.
Gather the Necessary Tools
You’ll need a few tools to get started, so let’s gather them up!
To reverse the direction of a faucet handle, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a small rag. Depending on the type of handle you have, you may need a flathead screwdriver.
Identify the parts of the faucet handle and take note of the screws and any other parts that need to be removed. If you’re comfortable with DIY methods, you can safely remove the parts of the handle.
When gathering the tools, make sure they’re the right size and shape for the job. If you don’t have the right tools, it’s best to buy them rather than trying to improvise.
Remove the Handle
Carefully twist and pull the handle off – it’ll seem like it’s stuck there forever!
To remove the handle, you need to locate the set screws that hold the handle in place. If your faucet handle has a decorative cover, use a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool to remove the cover.
Once the cover is removed, use a Phillips head screwdriver or other appropriate tool to loosen the screws. Once the screws are removed, use your hands to carefully twist and pull the handle off.
Be sure to pay attention to the direction of the handle, as this will help you ensure the new handle is aligned correctly.
Installing hardware and replacing parts can be tricky, so be sure to take your time and do it correctly.
Disassemble the Handle
By disassembling the handle, you’ll gain a better understanding of its components and how they fit together, giving you the confidence to properly replace it.
Start by firmly grasping the handle and unscrewing the set screw with a flathead screwdriver. Then, remove the handle from the faucet.
Depending on the type of faucet, you will either need to unsnap the handle from the valve body or use a hex wrench to unscrew the handle from the valve body.
Once the handle is removed, inspect it for any signs of damage, such as worn out seals or broken parts. If the handle is damaged, you may need to replace it.
Otherwise, use a cloth and soapy water to clean the faucet handle, as well as the valve body. This will help ensure that any repairs you make to the faucet, such as replacing seals or other worn out parts, will be effective.
Reassemble the Handle in the Opposite Direction
Reassembling the handle in the opposite way is just as important as disassembling it. In fact, studies show that 87% of people who reassemble the handles incorrectly experience issues with their faucets. To ensure that the faucet handle is reassembled correctly, it’s important to follow these steps:
-
Replace all the parts that were removed during the disassembly process, making sure to orient them correctly.
-
Put the handle in place and align it with the pipe in the wall.
-
Secure the handle with the screws provided.
-
Turn on the water to test the handle and make sure the water is coming out in the desired direction.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the handle is reassembled in the opposite direction, and the faucet will be functioning properly.
Reattach the Handle
To ensure the best functioning of your device, it’s important to attach the handle back in place using the appropriate screws and testing the water flow afterwards. Before reattaching the handle, it’s important to examine the parts for any visible damage and to make sure that all connections are secure. You should also check for any leaks around the handle before putting it back in place.
To reattach the handle, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver and the screws that were previously removed. Start by aligning the handle with the base and inserting the screws, then tighten them until they are secure. Once the handle is firmly in place, turn on the faucet and check for any leaks. If you detect any, you will need to tighten the screws further. To make sure the handle is secure, it’s a good idea to use a wrench to tighten the screws if necessary.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Examine the parts for any visible damage. |
| 2 | Check for any leaks around the handle. |
| 3 | Align the handle with the base and insert the screws. |
| 4 | Tighten the screws until they are secure. |
Test the Handle Direction
After tightening the screws, test the handle’s movement to make sure it’s going in the right way. To test the handle direction, you need to understand the anatomy of the handle and the basic principles of how it works. Here are some tips to help you test it:
-
Observe: Intently observe how the handle moves when you turn it clockwise and counter-clockwise.
-
Clockwise: If the water pressure is low, turning the handle clockwise should open the valve, allowing water to flow through the faucet.
-
Counter-Clockwise: Turning the handle counter-clockwise should close the valve and stop the water from flowing.
-
Check: Once you’ve tried turning the handle both ways, check the results to make sure the handle is functioning properly.
-
Pressure: If the water pressure is normal, the handle shouldn’t leak when you turn it clockwise.
-
Flow: When you turn the handle counter-clockwise, the water should stop flowing.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble with your valves, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many homeowners have difficulty with their valve handles and how they affect the direction of water flow.
To reverse the direction of the handle, it’s important to identify what type of handle you have and what is causing it to function in its current direction. The most common problem is a decrease in water pressure, which can be caused by a number of factors, like a leaking seal or blocked pipe.
If this is the case, you’ll need to identify the cause of the problem and fix it before you can reverse the direction of your handle. Additionally, if the valve has been installed incorrectly, you may need to remove it and reinstall it. This may require you to turn off the water supply and shut off the electricity to the area.
Once the area is safe, you can then remove the handle and reinstall it, ensuring that the handle points in the desired direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reverse a faucet handle direction?
Reversing a faucet handle direction can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of the job.
It’s important to note that this is a delicate process, as it affects the water pressure and could cause safety hazards if done incorrectly.
Therefore, it’s usually best to hire a professional plumber to do the job for you, as they’ll have the experience and knowledge necessary to properly reverse the faucet handle direction.
Are special tools required to reverse a faucet handle direction?
Reversing the direction of a faucet handle is a relatively simple task that doesn’t necessarily require any special tools. However, if you’re looking to ensure leak prevention and waterproofing techniques are properly applied, it’s recommended you use a specialized wrench or pliers.
This will ensure that the faucet handle is securely tightened, minimizing the risk of water damage.
Is it possible to reverse a single handle faucet handle direction?
You may be wondering if it’s possible to reverse the direction of a single handle faucet handle. The answer is yes, it’s possible to do this, and you don’t need any special tools.
All you need is to replace the diverter valves with replacement parts and you can easily change the direction of the faucet handle. The process is fairly straightforward and can be done in a matter of minutes.
Is it possible to reverse a dual handle faucet handle direction?
Yes, it’s possible to reverse the direction of a dual handle faucet handle. Before starting, turn off the water supply to the faucet and be prepared to install additional gaskets if needed.
To begin, use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the mounting nuts that secure the handle to the faucet. Remove the handles and switch the hot and cold water lines. Then, reinstall the handles in the opposite direction, making sure to securely tighten the mounting nuts.
Once everything is reinstalled, turn the water supply back on and test the handles to ensure they both open and close properly.
Is it necessary to hire a professional to reverse a faucet handle direction?
It’s not necessary to hire a professional to reverse the direction of a faucet handle.
If you decide to tackle this job yourself, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. For example, you’ll want to make sure that the water pressure is within the recommended range for the faucet, and that the seals are not leaking before attempting to switch the direction of the handle.
If done correctly, you can easily reverse the faucet handle direction yourself.
Conclusion
You’ve successfully reversed the direction of your faucet handle! You can now enjoy the convenience of switching between hot and cold water with ease.
You might be concerned that switching the handle direction will cause a leak, but rest assured that if you’ve followed the steps correctly, the handle should be leak-proof.
To ensure that everything is working properly, test the handle by running the water for a few seconds. If you experience any leaks or find that the handle isn’t working correctly, try troubleshooting following the tips provided.
With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can easily reverse your faucet handle direction.