How to Change a Bathroom Faucet Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Change a Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Your bathroom faucet is one of the most-used fixtures in your home, so it’s important to keep it in good working order. If your faucet is leaking or dripping, it’s likely that the cartridge needs to be replaced. A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that contains the valves that control the flow of water through the faucet. 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 steps of how to change a bathroom faucet cartridge. We’ll provide detailed instructions and images, so you can easily follow along. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to replace a cartridge like a pro!

Step Instructions Images
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Turn off the water supply to the faucet
2 Remove the handle(s) of the faucet. Remove the handle(s) of the faucet
3 Remove the old cartridge. Remove the old cartridge
4 Insert the new cartridge. Insert the new cartridge
5 Replace the handle(s) of the faucet. Replace the handle(s) of the faucet
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Turn on the water supply to the faucet

How to Change a Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • New faucet cartridge
  • Tape measure
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rags

Steps for Removing the Old Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the faucet handle. There will be a screw or nut holding the handle in place. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the screw or nut and remove the handle.
3. Inspect the cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical-shaped piece of plastic or metal that is located inside the faucet. It is responsible for controlling the flow of water to the faucet. If the cartridge is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. Remove the old cartridge. There will be a setscrew or clip holding the cartridge in place. Use the pliers to loosen the setscrew or clip and remove the cartridge.
5. Clean the faucet body. Use a rag to wipe away any dirt or debris from the faucet body.
6. Install the new cartridge. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size for your faucet. Insert the cartridge into the faucet body and tighten the setscrew or clip.
7. Replace the faucet handle. Reattach the faucet handle using the screw or nut that you removed in Step 2.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure that it is working properly.

Tips for Changing a Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to replace the cartridge for you.
  • Make sure that you have the right tools and materials before you start.
  • Be careful not to damage the faucet body when you are removing the old cartridge.
  • Clean the faucet body thoroughly before you install the new cartridge.
  • Make sure that the new cartridge is installed correctly.
  • Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

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

How To Change Bathroom Faucet Cartridge?

Bathroom faucets are an essential part of any bathroom, but they can also be a source of frustration when they start to leak or malfunction. If you’re experiencing problems with your bathroom faucet, you may need to replace the cartridge. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools and instructions.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of replacing a bathroom faucet cartridge. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions and images to help you along the way.

Tools and Materials

To replace a bathroom faucet cartridge, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Penetrating oil
  • New faucet cartridge
  • Rags
  • Tape measure

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from leaking out while you are working on the faucet. To do this, locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Step 2: Remove the faucet handle(s).

The next step is to remove the faucet handle(s). This will expose the screws that hold the faucet cartridge in place. To remove the handle, you will need to use a Phillips head screwdriver.

On some faucets, the handle will be held in place by a single screw. On other faucets, the handle will be held in place by two screws. Once you have located the screws, use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen them and remove the handle(s).

Step 3: Remove the faucet escutcheon.

The faucet escutcheon is a decorative cover that surrounds the faucet base. It is usually held in place by two screws. To remove the escutcheon, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver.

Locate the screws that hold the escutcheon in place. They are usually located on the bottom of the escutcheon. Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the escutcheon.

Step 4: Remove the faucet cartridge.

Now that you have access to the faucet cartridge, you can remove it. The cartridge is usually held in place by two screws. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use an adjustable wrench.

Locate the screws that hold the cartridge in place. They are usually located on the side of the cartridge. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the screws and remove the cartridge.

Step 5: Install the new faucet cartridge.

Now that you have removed the old cartridge, you can install the new one. The new cartridge should come with instructions. If not, you can find instructions online.

To install the new cartridge, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old cartridge. First, insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Then, secure the cartridge in place with the screws. Finally, replace the escutcheon and the faucet handle(s).

Step 6: Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Now that you have installed the new cartridge, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check the faucet for leaks. If you see any leaks, tighten the screws on the cartridge until the leaks stop.

Replacing a bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools and instructions. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money by repairing your bathroom faucet yourself.

Additional Tips

  • If you are having trouble removing the old cartridge, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen the screws. Apply the penetrating oil to the screws and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to loosen the screws again.
  • If the screws are stripped, you can try using a screw extractor to remove them. A screw extractor is a tool that has a sharp tip that can grab onto the screw and help you remove it.
  • If you are still having trouble removing the old cartridge, you can call a plumber for help. A plumber will be able to remove the old cartridge and install the new one quickly and easily.

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

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

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

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

How do I remove the old cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet) by unscrewing it or prying it off.
3. Locate the cartridge. It is usually a small, cylindrical-shaped piece of plastic or metal that is located in the center of the faucet.
4. Use a wrench or pliers to turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it is loose.
5. Remove the cartridge and discard it.

How do I install the new cartridge?

1. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size and type for your faucet.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the cartridge.
3. Insert the cartridge into the faucet housing.
4. Turn the cartridge clockwise until it is snug.
5. Replace the escutcheon.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What if the faucet still leaks after I replace the cartridge?

If the faucet is still leaking after you replace the cartridge, there may be a problem with the faucet seat. The faucet seat is a small, rubber gasket that seals the cartridge to the faucet body. If the seat is damaged or worn, it will not create a tight seal and the faucet will leak.

To replace the faucet seat, you will need to remove the cartridge and the old seat. Then, you will need to install a new seat. You can purchase a new seat at your local hardware store.

Here are the steps to replace the faucet seat:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet) by unscrewing it or prying it off.
3. Locate the cartridge. It is usually a small, cylindrical-shaped piece of plastic or metal that is located in the center of the faucet.
4. Use a wrench or pliers to turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it is loose.
5. Remove the cartridge and discard it.
6. Remove the old faucet seat. It is usually a small, rubber gasket that is located in the center of the faucet housing.
7. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new faucet seat.
8. Insert the new faucet seat into the faucet housing.
9. Replace the cartridge.
10. Replace the escutcheon.
11. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How often should I replace my faucet cartridge?

The average lifespan of a faucet cartridge is about 5 years. However, the actual lifespan of your faucet cartridge will depend on the quality of the cartridge and the amount of use it gets. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced.

Changing a bathroom 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 former glory.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet and drain the water from the pipes.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
  • Clean the faucet body and install the new cartridge.
  • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily change a bathroom faucet cartridge and keep your faucet in good working order.

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.