How to Change a Faucet Cartridge | Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Change a Cartridge in a Faucet

Your faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, and it’s essential that it works properly. If your faucet is leaking or not turning on or off properly, it may be time to change the cartridge. A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that sits inside the faucet and controls the flow of water. Replacing a cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of changing a cartridge in a faucet. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions and images, so you can be confident that you’re doing the job correctly. So, if your faucet is giving you trouble, read on to learn how to fix it!

How Do You Change A Cartridge In A Faucet?

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the faucet. | Faucet handle |
| 2 | Remove the faucet handle. | Screwdriver |
| 3 | Remove the cartridge. | Pliers |
| 4 | Insert the new cartridge. | Cartridge |
| 5 | Replace the faucet handle. | Screwdriver |
| 6 | Turn on the water supply to the faucet. | Faucet handle |

How Do You Change a Cartridge in a Faucet?

Identifying the Cartridge

What is a cartridge?

A faucet cartridge is a small, cylindrical component that controls the flow of water through a faucet. It is located inside the faucet body, and it is responsible for regulating the water pressure and temperature. Faucet cartridges are typically made of plastic or metal, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

How to identify the cartridge type

There are two main types of faucet cartridges: single-handle cartridges and two-handle cartridges. Single-handle cartridges are used on faucets with a single control, while two-handle cartridges are used on faucets with separate controls for hot and cold water.

Single-handle cartridges are typically identified by a number or letter code. The most common type of single-handle cartridge is the 12-24 cartridge, which is used on a variety of faucets from different manufacturers. Other types of single-handle cartridges include the 15-21 cartridge, the 22-27 cartridge, and the 28-32 cartridge.

Two-handle cartridges are typically identified by the manufacturer’s name. Some of the most common two-handle cartridge manufacturers include Delta, Moen, and Price Pfister.

Where is the cartridge located?

The cartridge is located inside the faucet body. To access the cartridge, you will need to remove the faucet handles and escutcheon.

Removing the Cartridge

Turning off the water supply

Before you begin removing the cartridge, you will need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink.

Removing the handle(s)

To remove the handle(s), you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that secure the handle(s) to the faucet body. Once the screws are loosened, you can carefully pry the handle(s) off of the faucet body.

Removing the escutcheon

The escutcheon is a decorative cover that surrounds the faucet body. To remove the escutcheon, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off of the faucet body.

Removing the cartridge

Once the handle(s) and escutcheon are removed, you will be able to access the cartridge. The cartridge is typically held in place by a set screw. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen the set screw. Once the set screw is loosened, you can carefully pull the cartridge out of the faucet body.

Installing the New Cartridge

To install the new cartridge, you will need to reverse the steps above. First, you will need to insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Then, you will need to secure the cartridge in place with the set screw. Finally, you will need to replace the handle(s) and escutcheon.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble removing or installing the cartridge, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that you have turned off the water supply to the faucet. Second, make sure that you are using the correct tools. Third, make sure that you are following the instructions carefully. If you are still having trouble, you may need to contact a professional plumber for help.

Changing a faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace a worn-out or damaged cartridge and restore your faucet to its original functionality.

3. Installing the New Cartridge

Once you have removed the old cartridge, you can install the new one. Here are the steps involved:

1. Make sure the water supply to the faucet is turned off. This will prevent any water from leaking out while you are working on the faucet.
2. Remove the escutcheon. The escutcheon is the decorative cover that surrounds the faucet stem. It is usually held in place by a screw or two. Once you have removed the escutcheon, you will be able to access the faucet stem.
3. Remove the faucet stem. The faucet stem is the cylindrical part of the faucet that is connected to the cartridge. It is usually held in place by a nut or a set screw. Once you have removed the faucet stem, you will be able to access the cartridge.
4. Install the new cartridge. The new cartridge should fit into the faucet body snugly. Once it is in place, tighten the nut or set screw to secure it.
5. Install the escutcheon. Once the cartridge is installed, you can reinstall the escutcheon.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check for leaks around the faucet stem and escutcheon. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections until they stop.

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:

  • Check for leaks. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks around the faucet stem and escutcheon. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections until they stop.
  • Check for proper operation. Turn on the faucet and make sure that it is working properly. The water should flow smoothly and evenly from the faucet spout. The faucet should also be able to shut off completely.

If the faucet is not working properly, you may need to troubleshoot the problem. Here are a few things to check:

  • Is the water supply turned on? Make sure that the water supply to the faucet is turned on.
  • Are the connections tight? Check the connections around the faucet stem and escutcheon to make sure that they are tight.
  • Is the cartridge damaged? If the cartridge is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem, you may need to call a plumber for help.

Changing a faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily replace a worn-out cartridge and restore your faucet to its former glory.

How Do You Change a Cartridge in a Faucet?

Step-by-step instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink.
2. Remove the handle(s) of the faucet. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
3. Locate the cartridge housing. This is usually a cylindrical-shaped component located behind the handle(s).
4. Remove the cartridge housing cover. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
5. Remove the old cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical-shaped component that fits inside the cartridge housing. It can usually be removed by simply pulling it out.
6. Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge housing. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size and type for your faucet.
7. Replace the cartridge housing cover. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
8. Replace the handle(s) of the faucet. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
9. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a cartridge faucet?

A cartridge faucet is a type of faucet that uses a cartridge to control the flow of water. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical-shaped component that is located inside the faucet body. It is made of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and ceramic.

  • Why do I need to change the cartridge in my faucet?

There are a few reasons why you might need to change the cartridge in your faucet.

  • The cartridge is worn out. Over time, the cartridge can wear out and become damaged. This can cause the faucet to leak or not work properly.
  • The cartridge is damaged. The cartridge can be damaged if it is exposed to too much water pressure or if it is struck by something hard. This can also cause the faucet to leak or not work properly.
  • The cartridge is the wrong size or type. If you have recently replaced your faucet, you may have accidentally installed the wrong size or type of cartridge. This can also cause the faucet to leak or not work properly.
  • How do I know if I need to change the cartridge in my faucet?

There are a few signs that you may need to change the cartridge in your faucet.

  • The faucet is leaking. If you notice water leaking from the faucet, this could be a sign that the cartridge is worn out or damaged.
  • The faucet is not working properly. If the faucet is not turning on or off properly, or if the water flow is not consistent, this could be a sign that the cartridge is the wrong size or type.
  • The faucet is making a noise. If the faucet is making a rattling or grinding noise, this could be a sign that the cartridge is worn out or damaged.
  • How do I change the cartridge in my faucet?

Changing the cartridge in a faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink.
2. Remove the handle(s) of the faucet. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
3. Locate the cartridge housing. This is usually a cylindrical-shaped component located behind the handle(s).
4. Remove the cartridge housing cover. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
5. Remove the old cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical-shaped component that fits inside the cartridge housing. It can usually be removed by simply pulling it out.
6. Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge housing. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size and type for your faucet.
7. Replace the cartridge housing cover. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
8. Replace the handle(s) of the faucet. This may require a screwdriver or other tool.
9. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Additional tips

  • When replacing the cartridge, make sure to use the same type and size of cartridge that was originally installed in the faucet.
  • If you are unsure of how to change the cartridge in your faucet, it is best to consult a qualified plumber.
  • Changing the cartridge in a faucet is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

    Changing a faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily replace a worn or damaged cartridge and restore your faucet to its original functionality.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Faucet cartridges are the valves that control the flow of water in a faucet.
  • They can be made of different materials, including plastic, ceramic, and metal.
  • Cartridges can fail for a variety of reasons, including wear and tear, mineral buildup, and corrosion.
  • Replacing a cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
  • By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily restore your faucet to its original functionality.

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.