A spinning faucet handle is annoying because it's common and can happen frequently. You can fix it for $20 with a couple of screwdrivers, a wrench, and some basic tools.

A worn-out faucet cartridge can cause a spinning faucet handle. The cartridge attaches directly to the handle. Together, they control water flow. The handle can feel loose and spin if the cartridge is removed.

Here are five quick steps to fix the problem.



1. Turn the water off.

The faucet should have valves to turn off the water. Turn the handle counterclockwise to turn off the water. You might have to shut off your water supply if you're installing a bathtub. Also, cover the drain to prevent any screws from getting down and making it disappear.

2. Remove faucet handles/cover plates.

Depending on where your faucet cartridge is, the handles or cover plates may need to be removed. You can remove the handles by hand. The cover plates need to be removed with a flathead drill. An allen wrench or Phillips head screwdriver may be needed to tighten the connecting screws.

3. Remove the locking nut.

Unscrewing the handle will reveal the locking nut that holds the faucet cartridge in place. With a pipe wrench, remove the nut. You may find a small brass washer on top. It is recommended to keep this because not all replacement cartridges have a screw.

4. Remove faucet cartridge.

Once the locking bolt is removed, the faucet cartridge can be lifted out. If the task is not easy, you can use pliers. If you don't have the new cartridge, you can bring your existing one to the hardware store to compare sizes.

5. Replace the faucet cartridge.

Once you have found the correct replacement faucet cartridge, you can install it. Next, go back and trace all your steps. You can then turn on the water and see how you did.