How to Replace Cartridge Shower Faucets

A cartridge faucet is known as a "washerless" faucet. A faucet of this type is specifically designed for quick repairs, and is more trouble-free than other faucet types, such as the common compression faucet. Cartridge faucets can be identified by the single metal or plastic cartridge inside the body of the faucet. Cartridge faucets used for showers are almost always of the single-faucet design, meaning that one faucet controls both the flow of water as well as the temperature of the water. If the faucet seems to always need repairs or simply will not stop leaking, it is time for the faucet to be replaced. Thankfully, doing so is a relatively straightforward task that can be completed in a just a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Channel-lock pliers

1. Turn off the main water supply next to the water meter.

2. Remove the faucet's handle by turning the screw in the center of the handle with a Phillips screwdriver.

3. Pull the handle off of the faucet's stem by pulling it away from the wall of the shower.

4. Remove the escutcheon plate. The escutcheon plate is the chrome piece that rests against the wall of the shower just behind the faucet's handle. The escutcheon plate is a decorative piece that prevents water from entering the interior of the shower's wall. To remove the plate, remove the screw(s) on the face of the plate with a screwdriver, then pull the plate away from the wall.

5. Remove the faucet's bonnet nut. The bonnet nut is the large nut in the center of the faucet fixture that holds the cartridge faucet into place. To remove the nut, grasp it with an adjustable wrench and turn the nut in a counterclockwise direction.

6. Remove the cartridge faucet. The cartridge faucet is located directly behind the bonnet nut. To remove the cartridge faucet, grasp it with a pair of channel-lock pliers and pull gently.

7. Insert the new cartridge faucet into place, then place the bonnet nut over the end of the faucet and tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.

8. Reinstall the escutcheon plate by placing it against the wall and inserting the plate's retaining screw(s) through the plate. Tighten the screw(s) with a screwdriver.

9. Slide the faucet's handle over the stem of the faucet, then attach the handle to the faucet by first inserting the handle's retaining screw through the center of the handle, then by tightening the screw with a screwdriver.

10. Turn the main water supply on.