How to Replace a Two-Handle Bathtub Faucet Cartridge | Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace a Two-Handle Bathtub Faucet Cartridge

Your bathtub 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 may be time to replace the cartridge. This is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about an hour.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet cartridge. We’ll provide detailed instructions and images to help you along the way. So if you’re ready to take on this project, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
2. Remove the old cartridge. – Flathead screwdriver – Penetrating oil
3. Install the new cartridge. – New cartridge – Teflon tape
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. – Test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

A bathtub faucet cartridge is a small, cylindrical valve that controls the flow of water to the faucet. It is located inside the faucet body, and is typically made of plastic or brass. Over time, the cartridge can become worn or damaged, which can cause the faucet to leak or not work properly. If this happens, you will need to replace the cartridge.

This guide will show you how to replace a two-handle bathtub faucet cartridge. It is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and skills.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Penetrating oil
  • Replacement cartridge
  • New O-rings
  • Replacement washers
  • Pipe dope

Steps for Replacing the 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 back of each handle. Use the adjustable wrenches to loosen these screws and remove the handles.
3. Remove the faucet escutcheon. The escutcheon is the decorative cover that surrounds the faucet. It is usually held in place by two screws. Use the adjustable wrenches to loosen these screws and remove the escutcheon.
4. Inspect the cartridge. The cartridge is located inside the faucet body. It is a small, cylindrical valve that is typically made of plastic or brass. If the cartridge is damaged or worn, you will need to replace it.
5. Remove the old cartridge. There are usually two screws located on the side of the cartridge. Use the adjustable wrenches to loosen these screws and remove the cartridge.
6. Install the new cartridge. Apply a small amount of pipe dope to the threads of the new cartridge. Then, insert the cartridge into the faucet body and tighten the screws.
7. Replace the escutcheon and handles. Reattach the escutcheon and handles to the faucet.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and skills. If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, you may want to hire a professional plumber.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a bathtub faucet cartridge:

  • Make sure that you have the right tools and materials before you start.
  • Take your time and work carefully.
  • If you are unsure of what you are doing, stop and call a professional.

3. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

Before you can begin replacing the cartridge in your bathtub faucet, you need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from escaping and causing a mess.

To turn off the water supply to the faucet, you will need to find the shut-off valve. This valve is usually located near the faucet, but it may be in a different location depending on your plumbing system.

Once you have located the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water to the faucet. Be sure to turn the valve all the way clockwise, so that it is completely closed.

4. Remove the handle covers.

The next step is to remove the handle covers from the faucet. This will allow you to access the screws that hold the cartridge in place.

To remove the handle covers, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the slot on the handle cover and pry it up. Be careful not to damage the cover.

Once you have pried up the handle cover, you can remove it from the faucet. Repeat this process for the other handle cover.

Now that you have removed the handle covers, you can access the screws that hold the cartridge in place.

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

  • There is a leak around the faucet handle. This is a common sign that the cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced.
  • The faucet is dripping even when it is turned off. This is another sign that the cartridge is not sealing properly and needs to be replaced.
  • The faucet is difficult to turn on or off. This can be caused by a worn-out cartridge or a buildup of mineral deposits.

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

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A basin wrench
  • A new bathtub faucet cartridge
  • Plumber’s putty

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 prying it up with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Locate the cartridge screws and unscrew them with a Phillips head screwdriver.
4. Remove the old cartridge by carefully pulling it out of the faucet body.

How do I install the new cartridge?

1. Apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the threads of the new cartridge.
2. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body and tighten the screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Replace the escutcheon.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

What are some common problems with bathtub faucet cartridges?

  • Leaks. The most common problem with bathtub faucet cartridges is leaks. This can be caused by a worn-out cartridge or a buildup of mineral deposits.
  • Dripping. Dripping faucets can also be caused by a worn-out cartridge or a buildup of mineral deposits.
  • Difficulty turning the faucet on or off. This can be caused by a worn-out cartridge or a buildup of mineral deposits.

How can I prevent problems with bathtub faucet cartridges?

  • Regularly clean the faucet with a descaling solution to prevent mineral deposits from building up.
  • Replace the cartridge every 5-10 years, depending on the type of faucet and the amount of use it gets.
  • If you experience any problems with the faucet, have it repaired or replaced by a qualified plumber.

    Replacing a two-handle bathtub faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet and drain the water from the bathtub.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing the retaining clips and pulling it out of the faucet body.
  • Install the new cartridge by inserting it into the faucet body and tightening the retaining clips.
  • Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily replace a two-handle bathtub faucet cartridge and save yourself time and money.

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.