How to Replace a Single-Handle Faucet Cartridge | The Home Depot

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How to Replace a Single-Handle Faucet Cartridge

Your faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, and it’s important to keep it in good working order. If your faucet is leaking or not turning on properly, it may be time to replace the cartridge. A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that contains the valves that control the flow of water in your 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 replacing a single-handle faucet cartridge. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, along with photos and illustrations to help you along the way. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to replace your faucet cartridge like a pro!

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

  • Replacement cartridge
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rags
  • Paper towels
  • Tape measure

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to your faucet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the old cartridge. To do this, locate the shut-off valve for your faucet. This is usually located under the sink, near the drain. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.

Step 2: Remove the old cartridge

Now that the water supply is turned off, you can remove the old cartridge. To do this, you’ll need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the screws that hold the cartridge in place. Once the screws are loosened, you can carefully pull the cartridge out of the faucet.

Step 3: Clean the faucet seat

The next step is to clean the faucet seat. The faucet seat is the flat surface inside the faucet that the cartridge seals against. If the faucet seat is dirty or damaged, it can cause leaks. To clean the faucet seat, use a rag soaked in penetrating oil. Wipe the seat down until it is clean and free of debris.

Step 4: Install the new cartridge

Now that the faucet seat is clean, you can install the new cartridge. To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old cartridge. Make sure that the new cartridge is properly seated in the faucet.

Step 5: Turn on the water supply

Now that the new cartridge is installed, you can turn on the water supply to your faucet. Turn the shut-off valve clockwise until the water is flowing freely. Check the faucet for leaks. If you see any leaks, turn off the water supply and tighten the screws that hold the cartridge in place.

Step 6: Test the faucet

Once you’ve confirmed that there are no leaks, you can test the faucet. Turn the faucet on and off a few times to make sure that it is working properly. If the faucet is working properly, you’re all done!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
2. Remove the handle from the faucet. – Flathead screwdriver – Phillips head screwdriver
3. Remove the old cartridge from the faucet. – Cartridge puller – Penetrating oil
4. Install the new cartridge in the faucet. – New cartridge – Thread sealant
5. Reattach the handle to the faucet. – New handle – Screws
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. – –

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 can wear out over time, and when they do, they need to be replaced. Replacing a faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and materials.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of replacing a single-handle faucet cartridge. We will provide detailed instructions and images to help you complete the job safely and correctly.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • New faucet cartridge
  • Teflon tape

Steps for Replacing a Single-Handle Faucet Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning the shut-off valves located under the sink.
2. Remove the faucet handles. There are usually two screws located on the front of the faucet that hold the handles in place. Remove these screws with the adjustable wrench.
3. Remove the faucet escutcheon. The escutcheon is a decorative cover that surrounds the faucet base. It is usually held in place by two screws or clips. Remove these screws or clips with the adjustable wrench.
4. Inspect the faucet body. The faucet body is the main part of the faucet that contains the cartridge. There may be a small set screw located on the side of the faucet body. If there is, use the adjustable wrench to loosen this screw.
5. Remove the old cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical component that is located inside the faucet body. It is usually held in place by a retaining clip. Use the adjustable wrench to pry the retaining clip loose. This will allow you to remove the cartridge.
6. Install the new cartridge. Align the new cartridge with the faucet body and insert it into place. Secure the cartridge with the retaining clip.
7. Reassemble the faucet. Replace the escutcheon, faucet handles, and shut-off valves.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

Replacing a single-handle faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and materials. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and correctly replace your faucet cartridge and restore your faucet to working order.

How To Replace A Faucet Cartridge Single Handle?

Step 1: Gather your tools and materials

To replace a single-handle faucet cartridge, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A basin wrench
  • A new faucet cartridge
  • Plumbing tape
  • Penetrating oil

Step 2: Turn off the water supply to the faucet

Before you can begin replacing the faucet cartridge, you will need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning a shut-off valve located under the sink. Once the water supply is turned off, you can begin working on the faucet.

Step 3: Remove the handle by unscrewing the setscrews that hold it in place

The next step is to remove the handle from the faucet. To do this, you will need to find the setscrews that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the underside of the handle. Once you have located the setscrews, use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew them.

Step 4: Remove the old cartridge

Once the handle is removed, you can access the old cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical component that is located inside the faucet body. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a basin wrench to loosen the retaining nut that holds it in place. Once the retaining nut is loosened, you can carefully remove the cartridge from the faucet body.

Step 5: Install the new cartridge

Now that the old cartridge has been removed, you can install the new one. To do this, simply reverse the steps that you took to remove the old cartridge. First, apply a small amount of plumber’s tape to the threads of the new cartridge. Then, insert the cartridge into the faucet body and tighten the retaining nut until it is snug.

Step 6: Reattach the handle

Once the new cartridge is installed, you can reattach the handle to the faucet. To do this, simply screw the handle back onto the faucet body and tighten the setscrews until they are snug.

Step 7: Turn on the water supply to the faucet

Now that the new cartridge is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Once the water is turned on, check for any leaks around the cartridge. If you find any leaks, tighten the retaining nut until the leak stops.

Replacing a single-handle faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following these steps, you can easily and quickly replace a damaged or worn-out cartridge.

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

  • There is a leak around the base of the faucet handle.
  • The water pressure is low.
  • The faucet is not turning on or off smoothly.
  • The faucet is making a rattling or grinding noise.

What tools do I need to replace a faucet cartridge?

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

How do I remove the old faucet cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the setscrews on the back of the handle.
3. Disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet.
4. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the old cartridge.
5. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the new cartridge.
6. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body and tighten it until it is snug.
7. Reattach the water supply lines and turn on the water supply.

How do I install the new faucet cartridge?

1. Align the new cartridge with the faucet body and insert it until it is snug.
2. Tighten the setscrews on the back of the handle to secure the cartridge in place.
3. Reattach the water supply lines and turn on the water supply.

What if I have trouble replacing the faucet cartridge?

If you are having trouble replacing the faucet cartridge, you may need to hire a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to remove the old cartridge and install the new one correctly.

How often should I replace my faucet cartridge?

Faucet cartridges typically last for about 5 to 10 years. However, the lifespan of a faucet cartridge can vary depending on the quality of the cartridge and the amount of use it receives. If you notice any of the signs that your faucet cartridge needs to be replaced, it is best to replace it as soon as possible.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to replace a single-handle faucet cartridge. We have covered the tools and materials you will need, as well as the steps involved in the process. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to replace your own faucet cartridge with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet before you start work.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing the retaining nut.
  • 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.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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.