Are Delta Faucet Handles Interchangeable? If So, Are They Universal?

There are good reasons why the Delta faucets are so popular among homeowners. And one of them is user convenience. But how far did Delta push this factor?

For example, if you need to change the handle, you can quickly get a replacement. However, the real question is, are Delta faucet handles interchangeable?

Most of the Delta faucet handles are interchangeable. They are designed to accommodate a major of Delta handles. This offers the users higher flexibility on the styles they want on their faucets.

So, does that mean that the Delta faucet handles are universal? If so, can you just replace the handle of your model with the handle of other?

Keep on reading to find out!

Are Delta Faucet Handles Universal?

As mentioned earlier, Delta designed the faucets to be compatible with most Delta handles. However, you might not be able to install handles of other brands on your Delta faucet.

For example, a handle from Moen will not be fully compatible with a Delta model.

Truth be told, you don’t need to look for handle styles outside Delta’s catalog. The manufacturer is already offering numerous options in its catalog.

And you can fully customize the looks of your Delta faucet through those handles.

Can I Just Replace Faucet Handles?

You can replace the faucet handles of the Delta models. And it’s quite normal for you to do so.

For example, you might consider replacing the handle when the Delta single handle faucet leaking at base. However, you need to make sure that the replacement is compatible.

How Do You Replace the Delta Faucet Handles?

To install the new faucet handle, you must take the old one out first. And the steps to do so will depend on the model. Take a look:

Delta Single-Handle Faucet Handle Removal

The single-handled faucets come with a ball valve. And that eliminates the need for using two handles to control the flow of cold and hot water.

Nonetheless, the steps for removing the handle of the Delta single-handled faucets are as follows −

1. Activate the Water Shut-off Valve

Before anything else, you need to stop the flow of water. To do so, you should locate the shut-off valve.

It should be right underneath the sink. Activate it to stop the flow of water.

If you don’t have a shut-off valve under the sink, you should turn the main water line off.

Do not attempt to remove the handle without turning the flow of water. You might get yourself drenched.

2. Cover the Drain to Prevent Losing Parts

The handle has small parts, which can easily fall into the drain. So, it would be a good idea to cover the drain. You can use a washcloth or towel.

3. Locate and Unscrew the Handle Fastener

Get yourself an Allen wrench and unscrew the handle fastener. You will need a 1/8-inch wrench for this.

Some Delta faucets might have a protective rubber plug on the screw. Pry it out with a flat-head screwdriver, and then remove the fastener.

4. Remove the Handle and the Trim Cover

After removing the handle screw, gently pull on the handle to take it out. Then, get a rubber glove and put it on top of the trim cover.

Use a pair of adjustable pliers to remove the trim cover. You have to rotate it counterclockwise.

5. Remove the Ball Valve and Slide the Handle Assembly off

On some Delta faucets, there will be a white plastic shield beneath the trim cover. If yours have one, lift it off.

Once you take it out, you should be able to remove the ball valve from the assembly. When that is out, you can slide the handle assembly out.

6. Install the New Handle

The new handle should come as a set. And you just have to install all the parts in a reverse manner.

That is, put the handle assembly in place, install the ball valve, and set the handle.

How to Remove the Handle of Double-Handle Delta Faucet

The process of removing the handle of the Delta double-handled faucet is similar to the single-handle faucet. However, there is a slight change. Take a look −

1. Remove the Rubber Plug from the Handle

Unlike the single-handled faucet, the double-handled delta faucet comes with a small rubber plug. It will be right under the handle’s curve.

Get yourself a pair of needle nose pliers to get it out.

Some Delta double-handled faucets may come with a different type of cover instead of a rubber plug. Those should either be along the edges of the handle or the near the center top portion.

2. Take out the Retaining Screw

Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the retaining screw right underneath the cover. On some of the double-handled faucets, there will be a Phillips screw, which will require you to use a Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Remove the Handle

Once you have removed the screw, the handle should come right off. If it seems stuck, wiggle it around a little.

There can be grime buildups in the slots, which can make the handle a little hard to remove.

Final Words

Are you still wondering are Delta faucet handles interchangeable? Well, in short, you can interchange some models’ handles.

And Delta even offers different handles options to customize the faucet’s look. So, you should definitely take advantage of it if your faucet allows you to do so.

Nonetheless, in case you are wondering whether the case is the same for the components, consider reading this in-depth post on are all Delta faucet parts interchangeable.