Fix Cartridge Faucet Leaks

Replacing or repairing a cartridge faucet is considered an easy task and, if you follow the simple guidelines provided below, you should be able to accomplish the task in no time.

Before removing any parts of a leaking faucet, make sure to turn off the water under the sink; just don’t forget that you must turn off the hot and cold side.

Not all cartridge faucet is the same but, the functionality follows the same pattern, so, what I really am trying to say is that no matter what is the brand of your faucet, the below guidelines should provide you with enough information to get the job done right.

Just brief information about cartridge faucet: this style usually works when you raise the handle of the faucet, the stem also raises, controlling the flow of water. Rotating the handle to the right or left controls the water temperature. Leaks usually mean replacing the o-rings or the entire cartridge.

P.s: To avoid waste of time and money, once you have removed the broken part (s), I would recommend that you take it with you to plumbing supply store to help you match the old part (s) with the new one (s).

Replacing or Repairing Faucet:

2) Pry off the handle cover and remove the handle screw.

3) Lift off the handle assembly. In some handles you might find a retainer clip at the base of the handle assembly, if that’s the case, you must first remove the handle and, then the spout, unscrew the retainer nut, then lift off the spout.

4) Under the handle, there may be a tube or cylindrical sleeve that slides off to expose the retainer clip. The clip is what holds the cartridge in place. Remove the clip from its slot with a screwdriver or pair of pliers.

5) Lift the cartridge out of the faucet body with a pair plier. If the 0-rings are worn or broken, remove it and then, replace it for new ones.

6) If the cartridge is to be replaced, note the position of the cartridge ears, or a flat spot, arrow, or marking on the cartridge stem. When the cartridge is replaced, they should be in exactly the same position as when removed.

7) Replace the cartridge and the retainer clip. On swivel-spout faucets, lubricate the 0 rings around the outside of the body and then push the spout down over the rings, into position.

8) Tighten the retaining nut with taped or cloth-covered pliers & reinstall the handle.

9) Turn on the water supplies and check for leaks, if no leaks is detected, you’ve accomplished your task, if still leaks, you might have to consider replacing the whole handle or the faucet itself.

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