How to Replace a Delta Faucet Cartridge | Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace a Cartridge in a Delta Faucet

Your Delta faucet is one of the most important parts of your kitchen or bathroom. It’s what you use to wash your hands, brush your teeth, and cook your food. But what happens when the cartridge starts to go bad?

A faulty cartridge can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Leaks
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Spitting water
  • Difficulty turning the faucet on or off

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s likely that your cartridge needs to be replaced. Replacing a cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing a cartridge in a Delta faucet.

We’ll start by providing a brief overview of the steps involved. Then, we’ll give you detailed instructions for each step. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to replace a cartridge in your Delta faucet like a pro.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screws.
3 Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it from the faucet body.
4 Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body and tighten it into place.
5 Replace the handle and tighten the set screws.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

Identifying the Cartridge

What is a cartridge?

A cartridge is a small, cylindrical device that is used to control the flow of water in a faucet. It is typically made of plastic or metal and contains a number of small parts, such as springs, washers, and seals. The cartridge is located in the body of the faucet and is connected to the faucet handle by a stem.

How to identify the cartridge type

There are two main types of cartridges: single-handle and double-handle. Single-handle cartridges control both hot and cold water with a single lever, while double-handle cartridges control hot and cold water with separate levers.

Single-handle cartridges are typically identified by a number, such as 1200 or 1500. Double-handle cartridges are typically identified by a letter, such as A or B.

Where is the cartridge located?

The cartridge is located in the body of the faucet. To access the cartridge, you will need to remove the faucet handle. The location of the cartridge handle will vary depending on the type of faucet.

Removing the Cartridge

Tools needed

To remove the cartridge, you will need the following tools:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A rag

Steps to remove the cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Locate the cartridge.
4. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip.
5. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cartridge in place.
6. Use the pliers to gently remove the cartridge.
7. Wipe down the inside of the faucet body with a rag.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble removing the cartridge, there are a few things you can check:

  • Make sure that you have turned off the water supply to the faucet.
  • Make sure that you have located the correct cartridge.
  • Make sure that you are using the correct tools.
  • If you are still having trouble, you may need to contact a plumber.

Replacing a cartridge in a Delta faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily remove and replace the cartridge in your Delta faucet.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a cartridge in a Delta faucet:

  • Be careful not to drop the cartridge, as it is a small and delicate part.
  • If the cartridge is stuck, you can try using a little bit of heat to loosen it.
  • If you are still having trouble, you may need to contact a plumber.

3. Installing the New Cartridge

Tools Needed

To install a new cartridge in a Delta faucet, you will need the following tools:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new cartridge (specific to your faucet model)
  • Penetrating oil (optional)

Steps to Install the New Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet base) by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
3. Locate the cartridge housing. It is typically located under the spout of the faucet.
4. Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
5. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the new cartridge.
6. Insert the new cartridge into the housing and screw it clockwise until it is snug.
7. Replace the escutcheon.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

4. Testing the Faucet

Once you have installed the new cartridge, you should test the faucet to make sure it is working properly. Here are a few things to check:

  • The water should flow smoothly from the faucet.
  • There should be no leaks around the faucet.
  • The temperature of the water should be consistent.

If you notice any problems with the faucet, you may need to troubleshoot the problem. Here are a few things to check:

  • Make sure that the cartridge is installed correctly.
  • Make sure that the water supply to the faucet is turned on.
  • Check for any obstructions in the faucet lines.
  • If you are still having problems, you may need to call a plumber.

Replacing a cartridge in a Delta faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace the cartridge and get your faucet back in working order.

How do I know if my Delta faucet cartridge needs to be replaced?

There are a few signs that your Delta faucet cartridge may need to be replaced. These include:

  • The faucet is leaking from the base or spout
  • The faucet is dripping even when it is turned off
  • The faucet is difficult to turn on or off
  • The water pressure is low

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced as soon as possible.

How do I remove the old cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the cartridge housing. It is usually located under the spout or behind the handle.
3. Remove the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
4. Pull the cartridge housing out of the faucet.
5. Remove the old cartridge by gently prying it out of the housing.

How do I install the new cartridge?

1. Make sure the new cartridge is the correct size for your faucet.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the o-rings on the new cartridge.
3. Insert the new cartridge into the housing.
4. Replace the cartridge housing in the faucet.
5. Secure the cartridge housing with the screws.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What tools do I need to replace a Delta faucet cartridge?

You will need the following tools to replace a Delta faucet cartridge:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A plumber’s grease

How long does it take to replace a Delta faucet cartridge?

Replacing a Delta faucet cartridge typically takes about 15 minutes.

What is the cost of replacing a Delta faucet cartridge?

The cost of replacing a Delta faucet cartridge varies depending on the model of faucet. However, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a new cartridge.

Can I replace a Delta faucet cartridge myself?

Yes, you can replace a Delta faucet cartridge yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it is best to hire a professional plumber to do the job.

What are the benefits of replacing a Delta faucet cartridge?

Replacing a Delta faucet cartridge can help to improve the performance of your faucet. A new cartridge can stop leaks, improve water flow, and make it easier to turn the faucet on and off.

In this guide, we have shown you how to replace a cartridge in a Delta faucet. We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you are now able to complete this task with confidence.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  • Next, remove the handle by unscrewing the set screws.
  • Then, remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it from the body of the faucet.
  • Install the new cartridge by screwing it into the body of the faucet.
  • Finally, replace the handle and turn the water supply back on.

We recommend that you consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to replace a cartridge in your Delta faucet.

Thank you for reading!

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.