Cartridge valves are one of four kinds of valves you will find inside a faucet, and they’re particularly well-suited for bathtub faucets. A cartridge has holes that regulate water flow and temperature when you flip the handle, and it provides more precise control than other types of faucets. One of the benefits of cartridges is they’re easy to replace, presuming mineral deposits and corrosion do not hamper your efforts.

Obtaining the Cartridge

Regardless of what model of faucet you’ve got, it’s vital to turn off the water source before you disassemble it, or else you could be scalded. After that, you have to work out how to disassemble it, which is not always simple. The cartridge is behind the grip, however, the fasteners holding the grip are infrequently in plain sight. If you can not locate a cap hiding a retaining screw, start looking for an Allen nut in an inconspicuous place, like under the lever. When you discover the fastener and remove it, then the rest is simple. The handle should come off smoothly.

Removing the Cartridge

In theory, after you remove the temperature limiter — a sloping plastic disc — from the valve stem and you pull the pin holding the valve with needle-nose pliers, then you need to be able to pull the cartridge straight away. In reality, the procedure is frequently complicated by the fact that corrosion and mineral deposits have already secured the cartridge in place. You may need a cartridge puller, which is somewhat like a corkscrew for cartridges. Prior to pull the cartridge, make sure you note its alignment as you’ll need to insert the replacement in precisely the exact same alignment.

Assessing the Need for Replacement

Difficulty regulating temperature or water flow is an indication that you will need a brand new cartridge, but it could also signify that the old cartridge is just blocked by mineral deposits. If it’s the latter, then you ought to be able to see the deposits. Soaking the old cartridge in vinegar will most likely dissolve them. If you see cracks or gouges, nevertheless, it’s time for a brand new cartridge. Leaks are usually brought on by worn washers at the valve seat or O-rings across the body of the cartridge. To fix a leak, you normally replace the washers and O-rings — not the cartridge.

Inserting the Replacement

Cartridges are not interchangeable among various faucets, so if you decide you will need a replacement, then you will need to know its part number so that you can purchase it from your pipes provider or on the internet. That amount is usually available on the company’s site in the internet version of the operator’s manual to your faucet. Installing the new cartridge is the opposite of taking from the old one. If you forgot to note the alignment of the old cartridge, look for an arrow on the front of the cartridge. It ought to be pointing upwards, but it’s well worth a quick glance at the internet owner’s manual to be sure.

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