How to Change a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge

When you notice a decrease in water pressure or leaks on your kitchen faucet, chances are that the faucet cartridge requires replacement. Most kitchen faucets use a cartridge to distribute the hot and cold water. Cartridges have multiple washers and O-rings that become brittle and cause leaks. Sediment builds up inside of cartridges. which causes a decrease in pressure, When changing a kitchen faucet cartridge, it is a good idea to take out the existing cartridge and take it to the home improvement store to help ensure that you purchase the correct cartridge for your faucet.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Slip joint pliers
• Replacement cartridge

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the kitchen faucet. The shut off valves are under the kitchen sink. Look for the seam between the top and sides of the faucet handle base. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the seam, and pry off the cap to reveal the screw securing the faucet handle to the cartridge. Remove the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. Lift the handle away from the faucet.

2. Twist the dome assembly counterclockwise with your hand to remove it from the faucet. The dome assembly is the portion between the spout housing and the handle. Some faucets have a metal handle adapter covering the top of the cartridge. Remove the screw securing the adapter with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull the adapter and the plastic round stop pivot underneath it off the faucet.

3. Turn the retainer nut securing the spout housing to the faucet counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Pull the retainer nut out of the way and look for the C-clip securing the faucet cartridge to the faucet. The clip will be right above the threads where the retainer nut goes. Pull the clip out with a pair of needle nose pliers.

4. Grab the end of the faucet cartridge with the slip joint pliers, and pull it out of the faucet. if necessary turn the cartridge back and forth to loosen sediment that may prevent you from pulling the cartridge straight out. Take the cartridge to a home improvement center for a replacement. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body until it seats into the bottom of the faucet body. Push the new c-clip into the slots around the cartridge.

5. Thread the retainer nut onto the faucet over the spout body until it is hand tight. Turn the nut another 1/2 turn with the slip joint pliers. Place the handle adapter over the top of the new cartridge, if your faucet uses the adapter. Secure the adapter to the cartridge with the retaining screw.

6. Position the dome assembly over the faucet, and turn it clockwise to secure it to the faucet. Set the handle over the dome. Secure the handle with the retaining screw, and push the cover on top of the handle. Turn on the water supply under the sink.

References

• Family Handyman: How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet