Plumbing Fixture Advice

[edgemar]

I've got this fixture that won't turn well due to calcium buildup. I got the set screw out and sprayed everything with vinegar to dissolve the buildup. It definitely worked... but I'd like to go further to clean it up, but the handle is fused onto the stem part. Any ideas on how I can get it off?

TIA

[911 Rod]

Clr?

[URY914]

I have the same type of problem on our kitchen faucet. It would seem as if the manufacturers think we all have perfect pH balanced water flowing through them.

[stevej37]

Do you have the name and model number?

YouTube might have a video.

[edgemar]

Kohler

Memoirs® Stately
Widespread bathroom sink faucet, 1.2 gpm

K-454-4V-CP

[edgemar]

Do you think heating it up with a heat gun would be a dumb idea?

I guess I can keep hitting it with vinegar or clr and pull...

[stevej37]

Don't know if this one will help...but there are many more on there.

[pwd72s]

penetration lube in the set screw hole? Might loosen the grip enough to pry the handle off.

[E Sully]

I would give Kohler a call. My friend has called them with issues over the years, and generally they have sent him free replacement parts.
I have an old tub faucet I bought at home depot back in the mid 90's. It developed a small drip. I'm not sure what brand, but I had the installation paper that came with it. I called the service number on it 2 months ago. Turns out still covered under warranty and they sent me a free replacement cartridge kit.

[craigster59]

You probably have to release the whole valve from under the sink and attack internally. They all seem to have proprietary cartridges as opposed to the old rubber washer replacement.

This is for shower, maybe same for sink:

https://www.ehow.com/how_12075288_apart-kohler-memoirs-faucet.html

[look 171]

Like Paul said, try putting lube in the set screw space and hope to loosen it up enough to get the handle out. Tap on it and see if it will loosen it up enough to get handle out. Sometimes you have to cut it out and replace the handle. Kohler should have replacement handles. If you can just remove the handle and valve (some of rough valves are in three pieces instead of one big brass piece) then just sock in CLR for 15 min. it will come right out. Use silicon grease to prevent it from happenning again. It may help.

[edgemar]

It looks like the whole part comes out. I'll pull and drop it in a bucket of CLR. Hopefully, it comes apart.

grabbed this off youtube:

[look 171]

Good, single and attached to the entire rough valve. Easy. Turn the square part and it should come apart with a bit of BP Blaster or even WD 40. LEt it soak for a bit and turn it.

[john70t]

From the first pic:
The handle set screw is always either located at the direct top (usually a plastic Blue/Red tab pried out), or it is hidden on the side.
The pic above indicates this one is on the side.

Put a rag in the drain

Unscrew that but not all the way.
-Handle will pop off.
-The square base enclosure will then lift off.
-What is left will be a valve attached to the top of the counter with some sort of surface washer and nut.

If you want to remove that:
-Shut the water off at the 1/4 turn under the cabinet.

-Be careful about this.
You do not want to bend pipes at the wall.
Put a rag behind and spray it with WD-40 from all sides. Bucket and towels under.
Wait. Go easy when trying to turn. May need pliers or a rag.
Do not force. Go easy.
It should eventually shut off all water with enough massage and patience.
Some have to be worked with water ON to wash out calcium buildup.

-If the sink 1/4 turn valve doesn't stop the main flow, you'll have to shut off the whole house at the meter and drain everything from a basement sink.
No water for anything.
Try to avoid that.

-Some 1/4 turn drips can be fixed by slightly tightening up the base nut underneath or the set screw front of the handle.
Wiggle. Wiggle. Gentle. Gentle. Easy on those threads.
Observe.