How to Repair a Cartridge Faucet

Modern cartridge faucets feature an easily replaceable interior cartridge that houses the faucet's moving parts. Drips and leaks can often be stopped by simply replacing the cartridge.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water Valve Cartridges
• Clean Rags
• Clean Rags
• Pliers
• Screwdriver Sets
• Pliers

1. Turn off the water at the water-supply valve. These are usually under the sink (or in the wall behind the shower assembly - often in a closet behind a removable panel). If there are no localized shutoffs, use the main water shutoff for the building.

2. Open the faucets to let water in the lines drain before beginning disassembly of the faucet.

3. Remove the handle from the faucet; virtually all handles are fixed with a screw, which may be hidden under a decorative cap that can be pried off with a small screwdriver. Remove the screw, then lift or jiggle the handle off. Set the handle aside after you've removed it.

4. Carefully pull the cartridge out of the fixture with pliers. (Some brands of faucets may have a lock ring or lock nut that holds the cartridge in place. This must be removed - use a screwdriver or pliers - before you can remove the cartridge itself.)

5. Take the cartridge to your local hardware or plumbing supply store and purchase a replacement.

6. Install the new cartridge and reassemble the faucet.

7. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of replacing the entire cartridge (which will run between $6 and $10), you may be able to replace the washer and spring from the bottom of the faucet. Take the cartridge to your local hardware store to find the correct replacement parts.
• Older fixtures might consist of a stem and one or more rubber O-rings and/or bushings and locking nuts. See "How to Repair a Compression or Stem-Type Faucet."
• See "How to Repair a Seat and Spring (Single-Handle) Faucet" if you're trying to repair a faucet with a single handle.
• When working with chrome or brass fixtures, protect the surfaces from tools with a piece of leather, heavy cloth or duct tape.
• As with all projects involving water, be prepared for the effects of corrosion. This can mean hard-to-turn screws, nuts and valves.