Bath cold water knob is seizing up

[Sarah Phillips]

Hi guys, the seizing of my cold water bathroom sink knob started to slower get harder to turn and now is has almost completely seized up. I believe I need to turn the cold water off and remove the faucet knob and clean it with vinegar to clean out the mineral build up. That I believe is my first step but cannot seem to remove the the cap to expose the screw to begin to dissemble. Can someone take a look at the model of faucet and let me know how best to to remove the cap to gain access to the screw head? See photos attached. The house was built in 1962 and this could be the original faucet. Please advise. Thanks, Sarah

 

[hj]

The sharp point of a knife will pop the insert off so you can get to the screw.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Sarah Phillips]

The sharp point of a knife will pop the insert off so you can get to the screw.

thanks for your help. The knife worked. I have removed the cold sink knob and see that the stem is frozen. What is the best way to free up the stem? See attached photo of the stem. Thanks, Sarah

 

[hj]

You probably have to replace it.

 

[Asktom]

You have a ceramic disc cartridge that is probably full of mineral deposits. Sometimes you can bring them back to life by soaking them in vinegar (or CLR or similar) . This nothing one would want to pay a plumber to do, but is a cheap possible fix for a DIYer.

 

[Smooky]

It looks like a "Kohler Triton Centerset Lavatory Faucet with Pop-up Drain and Standard Handles"
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Triton-...aucets/419792.htm?skuId=351474&brandId=432134

kohler 19 splines
http://realdealsupply.com/Kohler-Ceramic-Disc-Stem-Replacement-412655-Choices-p109775.html
http://www.faucetshark.com/Kohler-GP77006-RP-p/kohler-gp77006-rp.htm
http://www.us.kohler.com/us//productDetail/faucet-valves/637968.htm