The best thing about Price Pfister bathroom faucets is that they are super durable and built to last. But no bathroom faucet lasts forever, so there will be times you will experience some issues with the Pfister faucet as well.
Be it leaks, a loose handle, or a faulty flow restrictor, there can be many problems the faucet may throw at you. However, you can fix them without any professional help. Unfortunately, one thing that’s common for all types of faucet fixes is taking the faucet apart, and that can be a challenge for some.
How to disassemble a Price Pfister bathroom faucet? You need to shut off the water supply first, and then remove the handle, unscrew the screws under the handles, and you can easily take apart the faucet.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed process to remove the Pfister faucet without damaging anything.
Reasons to Disassemble a Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet
Not every faucet-related issue requires you to disassemble it. Below I have listed some common problems Price Pfister faucet owners experience, and that require disassembling the faucet.
1. Leaking Handles
Handles of the Pfister bathroom faucets don’t leak easily, but once the cartridge wears out, you’ll see them dripping slowly. The only solution to this problem is replacing the cartridge, and for that, you need to disassemble the faucet.
2. Continuous Dripping
If you see the faucet dripping continuously, it’s a clear sign of a leak. The dripping faucet is also caused due to the cartridge or worn-out washers. To fix these issues, you need to take apart the faucet and install a new cartridge or O-rings.
3. Loose or Stiff Handle
Sometimes you’ll feel like the handle is too loose, and sometimes it’ll get stiff. This issue can be due to the damaged stem or the threads of the faucet handle wearing out. Disassemble the entire faucet, and then you can install new cartridges or handles.
Step-by-step Instructions to Disassemble a Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet
Price Pfister or now known as Pfister faucets are easy to disassemble as compared to other bathroom faucets. But one thing that sets these faucets apart is the disassembling process.
Below I have mentioned the detailed process of disassembling along with the tools required for the same.
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Tools and Items
You don’t need a lot of tools for this, but there are a few things you should keep handy.
- Crescent wrench
- Pliers
- Philips screwdriver
- Cartridges (for replacement purposes)
- 1/8 Allen wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Soft cloth (for cleaning purposes)
Step 2: Shut off the Water Supply
Get under the sink and turn the water supply off. Or you can also turn off the main water supply line coming to your bathroom. Rotate the handle gently to flush the leftover water inside the pipes before you start taking apart the faucet.
Lastly, use a sink plug to prevent the small screws from falling inside the drain during the process.
Step 3: Take the Handle Apart
Price Pfister offers single as well as double-handle faucets. Remove the small metal plate over the handle using a flathead screwdriver, and you will get access to the screws. Removing these screws will help you remove the handle.
Use a flashlight to locate the screws, and then remove them using a flathead screwdriver. Sometimes the screws may be stripped due to the age of the faucet, and in this case, you’ll need to use pliers or get some help from professionals.
Step 4: Remove the Retaining Clip and the O-ring
Once you pry off the handle, you will see the retaining clip that keeps the O-ring and the cartridge in place. Remove the retaining clip using a wrench. Always be gentle with the clip so that you don’t break it while removing it.
Now you can easily remove the O-ring. Take a small tray or some plate to keep the retaining clip and the O-ring handy.
Step 5: Remove the Cartridges
After removing the retaining clip, you will get access to the cartridges. They look like a sleek pipe, and there is a big retainer nut on the top. Also, the cartridge has a rubber ring in the middle. Get your hands on a Crescent wrench and loosen the retainer nut with it.
This nut can be tight sometimes, so spray a quality lubricant like WD40 so that you can take it apart easily. After the nut comes off, you can easily remove the cartridge by simply pulling it out of the faucet.
Here are some of the best Price Pfister Faucet Cartridges:
2. Pfister 9740420 Pressure Balanced Valve Cartridge
Step 6: Remove the Aerator
You can remove the aerator at any time since it has nothing to do with the handle or the cartridge. The best part about Price Pfister bathroom faucets is that they come with a simple aerator. Just twist the aerator anticlockwise, and you can remove it quickly.
If the aerator is stuck, you can use a rubber jar grip because using hand tools like a wrench can damage it. For example, some Pfister bathroom faucets have a recessed slot on the aerator. Put a quarter in the slot, and twist it anticlockwise to get the Pfister aerator off.
Step 7: Reassemble the Faucet
Now you can reassemble the faucet after replacing the cartridge or changing the handle if required, depending on the problem you are experiencing. Tighten the screws after installing the cartridge, and you can put the handles on.
Furthermore, you can put the aerator back in place by twisting it clockwise so that the threads fit properly. Clean the entire faucet using a soft cloth, and you are good to go.
Easy Tips to Disassemble a Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet
Price Pfister bathroom faucets are really durable, but that doesn’t mean you can be too hard on them. Here are a few tips that will help you disassemble the faucet easily without damaging anything.
1. Use A Lubricant
Taking the handles apart can be a problem sometimes, and it could be due to corrosion, soap scum, or mineral build-up. Spray some WD-40 or other quality lubricant to dissolve the build-up and then remove the handle.
2. Adjust the Wrench Properly
Not adjusting the wrench properly can lead to scratching the faucet. Also, do not put the wrench directly, but use a soft cloth to protect the faucet from any damage.
3. Do Not Hammer It
Some people prefer hammering the handles or the aerator to remove it quickly, but this is not the right way. Hammering may help, but you need a lot of expertise for it. Just hammering the faucet will leave several dents, and it won’t look good at all.
4. Always Wear Safety Gloves
Safety gloves are a must when disassembling a faucet. Not just will the gloves protect you from injuries, but they will also help you have a grip over the tools, so you can take apart the faucet quickly.
FAQs
Q: How do you fix a Leaky Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet with a Double Handle?
You can easily fix a leaky Price Pfister bathroom faucet. Take apart the faucet handle, and then remove the Price Pfister faucet cartridge. Install a new cartridge in place, and put the handle back. You can quickly get rid of a drippy faucet by changing the cartridge. If the faucet still drips, it is suggested to see a plumber.
Q: How do I Remove the Flow Restrictor from my Pfister Bathroom Faucet?
To remove the flow restrictor, you need to get the aerator off. Once done locate the flow restrictor and remove it using a flat-head screwdriver. You may need to use a flashlight to locate the restrictor since it is placed inside the faucet.
Before removing the flow restrictor, clean the aerator and then turn the handle to see if the flow has improved.
Q: Does Disassembling a Price Pfister Faucet Void Warranty?
Not at all, but you need to ensure you do it carefully without damaging any parts. If the faucet is under warranty, you should not disassemble it as calling the company is the best resort. In case the plumbing guy takes a lot of time to arrive, you can fix the faucet yourself.
Q: Where is the Model Number on a Price Pfister Faucet?
The model number of a Price Pfister faucet is listed on the cold-water supply line attached to the faucet. You can also find these details in the instruction manual.
Q: Should I Disassemble the Pfister Faucet to Clean it?
No, there is no need to disassemble the faucet to clean it. But taking the aerator off will help since you can get rid of the sediments.
Final Thoughts
With these easy steps, you can quickly disassemble the Price Pfister bathroom faucet. Whether you are looking to change the cartridge or want to tighten the loose handles, you need to take the faucet apart carefully.
Assembling the faucet back is the easiest, and you can do it within minutes. Lastly, always keep the instruction manual handy so that you can learn more about the Price Pfister bathroom faucet parts and how to remove them with maximum care.
