How to Replace a Bathtub Faucet Cartridge in 6 Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace a Bath Faucet Cartridge

Your bath 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. A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that controls the flow of water through the faucet. It’s relatively easy to replace a cartridge, and you can usually do it yourself in just a few minutes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a bath faucet cartridge. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, along with photos and illustrations. We’ll also discuss the different types of cartridges and how to choose the right one for your faucet.

So if your bath faucet is giving you trouble, read on to learn how to replace a cartridge and get your faucet back in working order.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw.
3 Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it from the body of the faucet.
4 Insert the new cartridge into the body of the faucet and screw it in place.
5 Replace the handle and turn on the water supply.

How to Replace a Bath Faucet Cartridge

This guide will walk you through the steps of replacing a bath faucet cartridge. A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that controls the flow of water through the faucet. It is located inside the faucet body and is typically made of plastic or metal.

Replacing a cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Replacement cartridge
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Rags

Step-by-Step Instructions

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. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
3. Remove the escutcheon plate. The escutcheon plate is a decorative cover that hides the screws that hold the faucet body in place. It is usually held in place by two screws located on the back of the faucet. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
4. Remove the faucet body. The faucet body is the main part of the faucet that contains the cartridge. It is held in place by two screws located on the bottom of the faucet. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
5. Remove the old cartridge. The cartridge is located inside the faucet body. It is a cylindrical part that is held in place by a retaining ring. Use a pair of pliers to remove the retaining ring. Then, carefully remove the old cartridge.
6. Install the new cartridge. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body. Make sure that the O-ring is properly seated on the cartridge. Then, replace the retaining ring and tighten it with a pair of pliers.
7. Reattach the faucet body. Replace the faucet body and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
8. Reattach the escutcheon plate. Replace the escutcheon plate and tighten the screws that hold it in place.
9. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Replacing a bath faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet. By following these instructions, you can easily replace your bath faucet cartridge and get your faucet back in working order.

Additional Tips

  • If the cartridge is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the cartridge and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to remove the cartridge again.
  • If you are having trouble removing the retaining ring, you can try using a flathead screwdriver to pry it up. Be careful not to damage the cartridge.
  • When you are tightening the screws that hold the faucet body in place, do not overtighten them. This could damage the faucet.
  • Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly before you use it.

How to Replace a Bath Faucet Cartridge

Bathroom faucets are a common household fixture, and they can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, over time, the cartridge in your faucet can wear out and need to be replaced. Replacing a bath faucet cartridge is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about an hour.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of replacing a bath faucet cartridge, so you can get your faucet back in working order in no time.

Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

  • Replacement cartridge (matching the brand and model of your faucet)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Pliers
  • Rags
  • Tape measure
  • Screwdriver

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

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 near the faucet, but it may also be located in the basement or crawl space. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Step 2: Disconnect the Supply Lines

Once the water supply is turned off, you can disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. The supply lines are the two pipes that connect to the faucet at the back.

To disconnect the supply lines, use a wrench to loosen the nuts that secure them to the faucet. Be careful not to lose the washers that are under the nuts.

Once the nuts are loosened, you can pull the supply lines off of the faucet.

Step 3: Remove the Old Cartridge

Now that the supply lines are disconnected, you can remove the old cartridge. The cartridge is the cylindrical-shaped part that is located in the center of the faucet.

To remove the cartridge, you will need to unscrew the retaining nut that holds it in place. This nut is usually located at the bottom of the faucet.

Use a wrench to loosen the retaining nut. Be careful not to drop the cartridge into the sink.

Once the retaining nut is loosened, you can pull the cartridge out of the faucet.

Step 4: Install the New Cartridge

Now that the old cartridge is removed, you can install the new cartridge.

To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old cartridge. First, insert the new cartridge into the faucet. Then, screw on the retaining nut to secure the cartridge in place.

Step 5: Reconnect the Supply Lines

Now that the new cartridge is installed, you can reconnect the supply lines.

To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to disconnect the supply lines. First, slide the supply lines onto the faucet. Then, tighten the nuts to secure the supply lines in place.

Step 6: Turn on the Water Supply

Now that the supply lines are reconnected, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet.

To do this, turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise.

Once the water supply is turned on, check for leaks around the faucet. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections until the leaks stop.

Replacing a bath faucet cartridge is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about an hour. By following these steps, you can get your faucet back in working order in no time.

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 dripping even when it is turned off.
  • The faucet is difficult to turn on or off.
  • The water flow from the faucet is weak or inconsistent.
  • The faucet makes a rattling or gurgling noise when it is turned on.

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

What tools do I need to replace a faucet cartridge?

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

  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new faucet cartridge

How do I remove the old faucet cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the faucet cartridge. It is usually located behind the handle or spout.
3. Remove the screws or nuts that hold the faucet cartridge in place.
4. Use the pliers to pry the faucet cartridge out of the faucet body.

How do I install the new faucet cartridge?

1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new faucet cartridge.
2. Insert the new faucet cartridge into the faucet body.
3. Secure the faucet cartridge in place with the screws or nuts that you removed earlier.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

What are some common mistakes people make when replacing a faucet cartridge?

Some common mistakes people make when replacing a faucet cartridge include:

  • Not turning off the water supply to the faucet before starting the job.
  • Using the wrong tools to remove the old faucet cartridge.
  • Damaging the new faucet cartridge during installation.
  • Not testing the faucet to make sure it is working properly after installation.

To avoid these mistakes, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to use the proper tools. It is also a good idea to have a professional plumber do the job if you are not confident in your abilities.

How much does it cost to replace a faucet cartridge?

The cost of replacing a faucet cartridge varies depending on the type of faucet and the cost of the new cartridge. The average cost of a faucet cartridge is between $10 and $20. The cost of labor to replace the cartridge will vary depending on the complexity of the job. A professional plumber will typically charge between $50 and $100 to replace a faucet cartridge.

Can I replace a faucet cartridge myself?

Replacing a faucet cartridge is a relatively simple DIY project. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to use the proper tools. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is best to have a professional plumber do the job.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to replace a bath faucet cartridge. We have provided a step-by-step guide, as well as tips and tricks to help you complete the task successfully. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your bath faucet cartridge with confidence.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Replacing a bath faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes.
  • Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials.
  • Follow the steps in the guide carefully, and be sure to turn off the water supply before you begin.
  • If you are unsure about how to proceed, or if you run into any problems, consult a qualified plumber.

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