Bathroom Faucet Removal Problems

Over time, mineral deposits can build up on the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. It is only one of the many difficulties we confront because of hard water. Minerals that have accumulated on the nuts that hold fixtures together can cause them to become trapped.

Unless you’re in the mood to replace the old faucet with a new one, the issue won’t affect you. Before you can install the new faucet, you must first remove the old one. This is the time when you’ll run across the stubborn locking nut that’s securing the faucet to the base.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a significant plumbing issue and doesn’t require immediate attention from a plumber. With this knowledge, you should be able to deal with a clogged faucet nut in a professional manner.

What you’ll need

What you’ll need is here. Because there are several ways to remove a nut that is stuck, attempt the ones that can be done using the tools you already own. A trip to the hardware store could be necessary if you can’t get the plumbing nut free with this collection of tools.

Adjustable wrench
Basin wrench
Screwdriver
Hairdryer
Penetrating oil
Acid-based cleaner
Wire brush
Rag
Hacksaw
Pliers

Procedure to follow

Shut off the valves

Before you begin removing the faucet, turn off the water supply if necessary. Look down underneath the sink. There are two valves that feed water to the faucet’s hot and cold handles. In order to turn off the water, turn both of these valves in the opposite direction of the arrows. If you’re unable to locate these valves, you’ll have to shut off the main water supply to the entire residence.

Use a wrench

Remove the kitchen faucet nut with an adjustable wrench that has been adjusted to the correct size, if you haven’t done so already.
If there isn’t enough room under your sink, consider using a basin wrench. In all likelihood, it won’t budge at all.
Make sure you use the same wrench for this. That’s correct, as you may have seen. The goal is to move it in any direction, no matter how difficult it may be. Consider it progress if it moves!
If that doesn’t work, pound the pipe nut with a hammer while holding the wrench. Avoid slamming into the surrounding sections. The nut may be loosening some of the calcium deposits around it with the help of the blow.

Heat it up

Don’t quit up just yet if the wrench and hammer don’t work. There are a number of alternative options that we could explore. The expansion of solids when heated was something you learned about in school. It’s possible that heating the rusted nut will cause it to expand somewhat, allowing it to be freed from the housing.

The task can be accomplished with a hairdryer. Turn the hairdryer on and blow warm air about the plumbing nut for a few minutes before checking to see whether it has come away from the rest of the tap.

It’s also possible to use a propane torch, but be sure to cover any combustible components in the vicinity with flame-resistant cloth prior to starting the flame. A propane torch should not be used if the nut is surrounded by plastic components because the plastic components may melt.

Cut if off

The majority of the time, one of the above-mentioned methods will suffice. If all else fails, your only alternative is to use a hacksaw to cut it loose. Alternatively, a reciprocating saw can be used, but exercise caution while using it for the first time.
Take a few deep breaths and get into a good position.
Fire up the reciprocating saw or hacksaw.
Make a vertical incision from the top of the nut all the way to the end.
Make sure that the saw is turned off.
You can now use a pair of pliers to break and remove the clogged nut from the pipe.

Resume dismantling the faucet

The rest of the faucet may be dismantled easily once the issue nut is removed. The faucet had been held in place by a jammed nut. Remove the nut by following the instructions that you attempted previously. Using the rest of the faucet should be a cinch. You may use the same strategy to remove any other stubborn nuts from the faucet housing by just following the steps outlined above. If your kitchen faucet is dripping, check out our step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Conclusion

As a result of the hot water valve, these fixtures are constantly subjected to hard water with high mineral concentrations and high pressures. You can simply remove a jammed faucet nut from any of these fixtures if you know how. Use extreme caution while working with potentially hazardous items like a hacksaw or a propane torch. Ensure that you and your plumbing components are safe while handling the trapped nut. You’re concerned about frozen pipes bursts? Here’s what you can do.

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Bathroom Faucet Removal Problems Update 05/2023