My kitchen faucet handle makes a screaming sound and will not turn the cold off

Better Plumbing

• 33 Answers
• Posted on Dec 05, 2008

SOURCE: Loss of pressure in kitchen faucet - Price Pfister

Your problem is a simple one.

1. Turn off water to faucet.
2. Place a towel(s) in the base of the sink(s) to prevent any parts from going down drain.
   
3. Remove the handle to the faucet. (single handle only)
   
4. If not a single handle then remove spout from faucet.
5. If a single handle remove cap carefully and any loose parts.
6. Gently turn spout side to side while lifting to remove.
7. You will see a hole with a very small valve where the water comes out to the spout on the base of the faucet.

1. Remove this valve (which is a backflow preventer) and replace.
2. Reassemble and test.
   

SOURCE: handle on faucet shuts off on its own

I had the same problem. The Price Pfister web site recommends removing the handle (unscrew the dome cap, then remove the phillips screw to get the handle off) then tightening the retaining ring (I used channel lock pliers on largest setting. It worked. However the retaining ring is plastic on some models, and they recommend replacing it with a brass one. I haven't taken that step yet, we'll see how it goes (mine is plastic).

SOURCE: price pfister faucet handle drops and turns off.

Re the 'falling handle' issue, I think you misunderstood the problem, jgwhomeequip. Unfortunately for me I bought *two* similar Price Pfister faucets and both had the same problem - the water wouldn't stay on and the handle just wouldn't stay up.
I took mine apart looking for something to adjust, fruitlessly. Put it back together and have lived with it like that for ~2 years.

Finally I decided to not be a knucklehead any longer and call the manufacturer. Once I got through to their rep (on a Saturday no less!) she helped me identify the model I had (a 533-50SS, just FYI), and asked me 'what finish'? I replied 'stainless steel' and she promptly replied, 'I'm going to mail you out new lighter handles to replace the ones you have'.

Brilliant! Gold star for PP for standing behind their product well past the warranty for what was apparently a common problem. Replacing the handle will take about 10 seconds per faucet.

I only wish I had got of my a$$ and called them 2 years ago.

1-800-PFAUCET (1-800-732-8238)

Consumer Service Department:
7:30am to 4:00pm PST, Mon-Sat
1-800-PFAUCET (1-800-732-8238)
Fax: 1-800-713-7080

Hope that's helpful to somebody.

SOURCE: kitchen faucet leaking pull down sprayer spout type

try tightening the nut that attaches the flex line to the pull out spout

SOURCE: 533-50 kitchen faucet leaks above base mount at

There are O rings that seal the various body parts of this faucet. I would try turning off the supply lines, removing the handle, and unscrewing the faucet and the housings. Look for O rings that seal each part. Could be a broken, or maybe some foreign material has gotten in the O ring grooves. Best bet would be to replace any O rings and tighten it all back securely. It should not have any Up and Down play, should only swivel side to side. I'm thinking O rings. While there, you can replace the seat seals and springs, so that you preclude any leaks from the faucet itself. Lowes, Home Depot, carry the repair kits for these faucets at a reasonable price. And they usually include the allen wrench and wrench to remove the handle and the body parts. And they are relatively inexpensive. Around 4 to 6 dollars. Its an easy fix.