Moen faucets are beautiful, and that makes them a perfect addition to every bathroom. Usually, these faucets last longer, but there can be times when you need to remove the handle to clean the cartridge or fix the leaks.
Some users said removing the faucet handle is quite challenging since there are no visible screws. Thus, I compiled some steps that you can follow to remove the faucet’s handle.
If you are wondering how to remove Moen bathroom faucet handle without screws, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. I’ve even listed some tips that will help you remove the handle like a pro.
Types of Moen Bathroom Faucet Handles
Moen has a range of faucets usually available with two types of handles, including single or lever-style handles and double handles. The reason why I covered the handle types here is that both types have different removal methods.
1. Single or Lever-style Handle
The faucets with a single handle have the screw under the cold and hot water buttons. You will need a flat-head screwdriver to lift up the buttons and then access the screws to open the handle.
After removing the faucet’s cap, you can reach the cartridge and replace it if required. Putting the cap back on the faucet is easy, and you don’t need any tools for it.
2. Double Handle
Removing the cap from a Moen double handle faucet is the easiest. Just hold the cap tightly, and rotate its base counterclockwise. This will allow you to access the screws that hold the handle in place.
Typically, these faucets have Phillips head screws, so you will need a screwdriver of the right size to remove them. Putting the cap back is also easy. Place the metal faucet cap in place, and rotate it clockwise.
Reasons to Remove the Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle
Even if you haven’t had any issues with the faucet, you should know how to remove the Moen bathroom faucet handle without screws carefully, so that you can change the cartridge and get rid of any leaks.
1. To Fix Leakage
Rubber cartridges wear after some time, and the only solution is to replace them with a new one. The cartridge is right under the handle. You can pull the cartridge out using pliers.
2. To Change the Filter
The filter inside the faucet helps keep the sediments out, and you get a clean stream of water. To change the filter, you need to dismantle the faucet, and that involves removing the handle.
3. To Clean the Faucet Handle
Cleaning the faucet handle is essential so that it works properly. Dust and grime may get settled inside the handle if you do not clean it occasionally.
4. To Change the Handle
The best thing about Moen bathroom faucets is that you can change the handles with new ones. However, to install a set of new handles, you need to carefully remove the existing ones.
Things Required to Remove Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle
There are a few tools that you will need to remove the bathroom faucet handle carefully. I’ve listed every tool that I used to remove my jammed Moen faucet handle.
- Faucet puller
- Slot screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver
- Penetrating oil or spray lubricant (I prefer WD-40)
- An old rag
- Hammer
- Scrap wood
- A wrench
How To Remove Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle Without Screws: Step-by-Step
The reason why there are no visible screws on Moen bathroom faucets is aesthetics. These faucets look amazing, and the no-screw design gives them clean lines.
However, you might be required to remove the handle sometimes, so here is a detailed process to remove it carefully without damaging the faucet.
Step 1: Locate the Metal Cap or the Button and Remove It
There is a metal cap or a button on every Moen bathroom faucet. It houses the screw which keeps the handle in place. Usually, the cap or button is present on the top of the faucet.
Now take a flathead screwdriver to remove the button if you have a single-handle faucet. For double handle faucets, you can remove the cap by pressing and rotating it.
In case there is rust around the cap, use WD-40 or some other high-quality metal lubricator to ease the process.
Step 2: Turn off the Water Supply and Remove the Screws
Before you proceed with unscrewing the screws, it is important to turn the water supply off. Locate the handle near the sink, or you can also turn the main supply line connected to the bathroom.
Hold the faucet with a wrench so that you can focus on removing the screws. Place the Phillips screwdriver on the screw, and rotate it anticlockwise.
After removing the handle you might see some grime accumulated inside it. First, clean it using a chisel, and then remove the screws.
Always be gentle with the faucet, as you may end up scratching the finish because of the wrench. Place the screws in a bowl full of lubricating liquid to remove the corrosion and keep them clean.
A Pro Tip:
Place an old rag on the drain so that you don’t lose the screws. You can even use a drain cap to keep the drain closed.
Step 3: Remove the Handle
After removing the screws, you can remove the handle. Hold the handle with an old rag, and try removing it by gentle twisting. If the handle is jammed and not coming out, you can use a handle puller.
Carefully remove the handle, and then you can replace the cartridge or do whatever is required. You may also encounter mineral deposits around the handle, which is pretty common because the Moen faucet handles are hollow from the inside.
So, I recommend placing the handle in a solution made using equal parts of water and lemon juice.
Step 4: Put the Handle Back
To put the handle back in its place, you need to use WD-40 or any other lubricating agent. Spray some lubricant inside the handle, and then put it back by twisting it gently. Then you can put the screws and mount the metal cap or button back.
Tips for Removing Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle Without Screws
Removing the Moen bathroom faucet handle without screws is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Below I have listed some tips that’ll help you remove the handle easily.
1. Tap the Handle Gently
The handle may not come off easily, especially if you have a year-old faucet. Tap it gently with the hammer because the handle is prone to dents, and it may lead to damaging the entire faucet as well. You can even place an old rag to take off the faucet handle while protecting it from dings and dongs.
2. Push the Handle Head if It Strips
If the handle head strips, push it down so that you can remove it easily. You can also push the screwdriver hard, and it will automatically put pressure on the handle.
3. Clean Mineral Deposits
You may find mineral deposits around the screws, and it is important to clean them off before you use the screwdriver. Mineral deposits and grime also make it hard to remove the screws, so use a screwdriver and hammer to get rid of them.
4. Don’t Force Remove the Handle
If the handle is not coming off despite trying hard, don’t force remove it. In this case, you may need to call a professional who can remove the handle carefully.
FAQs
Q1: How do you take apart a Moen Bathroom Faucet?
Taking apart a Moen bathroom faucet starts by removing its handle. Once done, you can unscrew the cartridge and replace it to fix the leak. Here is a video on how to carefully take apart a Moen bathroom faucet and repair it.
Q2: How do you Loosen a Tight Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle?
You can loosen a tight Moen bathroom faucet handle using a lubricant like WD-40. Spray it around the handle, and wait for some time. Now use a wrench to hold the faucet base, and you can remove the handle.
If your Moen bathroom faucet handle is loose and you need to tighten it, check out this detailed guide.
Q3: What size Allen Wrench is needed to Remove a Moen Bathroom Faucet Handle?
You need a regular size Allen wrench to remove the Moen faucet handle. Since these wrenches are adjustable, therefore, you can quickly adjust them according to the size of the faucet base.
Q4: How to Remove an Old Moen Bathroom Faucet?
Removing an old Moen faucet and handle can be quite challenging because of rust. Start with treating the faucet using any rust reformer. If the parts of the faucet are breaking apart, it would be great to call professionals.
Q5: Does Removing the Moen Faucet Handle Void the Warranty?
No, removing the handle does not void the warranty, but you have to be careful while removing it. If you damage any parts of the faucet, it may hamper the warranty. It would be great to go through the instructions manual before removing the handle.
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you should know about removing a Moen bathroom faucet handle without screws. Always be gentle to the faucet, and do not remove the handle forcefully as it may damage the cartridge and other components.
Lastly, use proper tools such as an Allen wrench and a handle puller to do the job easily. It is also recommended to clean the handle before installing it back.
