My faucet's single handle just broke right off, how do I fix this?

Question

It's a Moen faucet, single handle. It has been wobbly for awhile and today it just broke off. Can I just replace the top of the handle that is broke and how do I go about doing that? Is it difficult? Should I take the broken handle to the hardware store and ask them what to do? Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

Some stores do carry an extensive inventory of parts for various brands of faucets.  You'd just have to take it in to see.

Before you do tho.... did the handle just come off... or did it actually "break" ?

You mentioned it was 'wobbly' for awhile.... most likely (if the handle is not actually 'broken'), the set s***w just backed out, and you dont need a new handle.  Typically a single lever faucet handle is held in place by an 'allen' s***w.  If you bought this faucet yourself, one was probably supplied with it.  If you look at the faucet handle, as if you were standing at the sink, with it pointing towards you, the set s***w will be on the opposite side, near the bottom.  

The set s***w is probably still in the handle, if the whole thing did just come off the base.  IF you cannot find the allen wrench (aka 'hex' key), you could take the handle to any hardware store, or building supply store, and perhaps buy one to fit.  It may be SAE, or Metric.  Worst case scenario, you buy a combo pack of hex keys, of each type, for less than $20.  I believe that would be considerable less than a new Moen faucet, hehehe.

Now, these allen screws, tighten thru the handle onto the valve stem of the faucet... usually a small brass piece, at the top of it.... if THAT part is broken, you can get a new valve stem, at most hardware stores.

Here are some pics for you -

A typical faucet allen s***w looks like this -

http://www.ceetex.co.uk/vshop/prodimages...

Here is a similar type of s***w, but it is easier to see what the s***w head looks like -

http://www.scooterrestorations.com/prodi...

And here are a couple of 'hex keys', or 'allen wrenches' -

One with a  'screwdriver' type handle -

http://www.infinityaerospace.com/764_All...

An individual set of allen wrenches -

http://www.wpclipart.com/tools/hand_tool...

A 'combination' set - all the 'hex keys' fold into the handle, like a pocket knife -

http://www.sunbeltstudwelding.com/images...

There are other types of Allen wrenches/hex keys... 'T' handles, and specially bent versions, but the photo links I've provided are the most common, and you can find them at just about any store... hardware stores, WalMart, etc.

And... last but not least... here is a link to Moen, where you can order replacement parts online, if you cannot find one in a local store - http://www.moen.com/buymoen/buyparts/ind...

Good Luck

Answer 2

You will most likely have to replace the whole unit.

Answer 3

Call 1-800-BUY-MOEN.  You will need to know what model number the faucet is.  It will also help if you know what the part number is, or at least what it is called.  If you have the model number, you can go to www.moen.com, punch the model number into the search engine (top right corner of the page).  Select the link that says "Product Detail:" followed by the faucet model number.  This will bring you to the catalog page for that faucet.  Underneath the picture of your faucet, you will see a link that says "exploded parts view".  Click on that, and you will see a line art drawing of all the parts of your faucet, complete with parts number.  Locate the part number you require, call the 800 number, and they will ship you a new part at no charge.  If you can't replace the part yourself, call a plumber, and they can do it for you.