A kitchen faucet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home. Over time, the constant flow of water causes internal components like faucet cartridges to wear down. Replacing a worn-out or damaged cartridge is essential for maintaining proper faucet function and preventing leaks. This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to replacing a cartridge in a standard single-handle kitchen faucet. We will cover:
- Necessary tools and materials
- Shutting off the water supply
- Removing the faucet handle and trim
- Accessing and replacing the kitchen faucet cartridge
- Reassembling the faucet
Follow these instructions carefully when replacing your kitchen faucet cartridge. If at any point you feel unsure about completing the repair yourself, contact a professional plumber.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before starting any DIY faucet repair, ensure you have all required tools and replacement parts. Attempting the job without proper equipment can damage your faucet and cause injuries.
Tools Needed
- Safety glasses
- Flashlight
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Groove joint pliers
- Screwdrivers (flathead & Phillips)
- Allen wrenches
- Small wire brush
Additional Supplies
- Replacement cartridge (match your faucet brand & model)
- Plumber’s grease
- Paper towels or rags
- Tarp or drop cloth
Table 1. Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Types
| Cartridge Types | Faucet Brands |
| Compression | Delta, Peerless, Sterling |
| Ball | Moen, American Standard |
| Ceramic Disk | Kohler, Price Pfister |
| Cartridge | Grohe |
Ensure you purchase the correct replacement part for your make and model of faucet. Refer to Table 1 for common kitchen faucet cartridge types.
Clear your sink area and lay down a tarp to catch any water drips or spills during the repair. Have paper towels or rags handy to contain minor leakage.
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Turning off the Water Supply
Before dismantling your faucet, you must shut off the water supply lines. Attempting to remove the cartridge without stopping the flow of water will cause flooding.
Locate the shut-off valves controlling water flow to your kitchen sink. You may find them under the sink, behind a panel in an adjacent cabinet, or in your basement or garage.
Locating Under-Sink Shut-Off Valves
- Pull out the drawer directly beneath the sink or remove any trays or accessory baskets to access the water supply lines.
- Trace the braided steel lines connecting to the hot and cold faucet shanks (inlets) up to the shut-off stops. These stops will have handles for turning water flow on and off.
Using Primary Water Shut-Off
If your kitchen does not have individual shut-off valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your house:
- Locate the shut-off closest to the point where the water service pipe enters your home. This is usually next to your water meter.
- Use a large flathead screwdriver to turn the valve clockwise until tight.
- Turn on the kitchen faucet momentarily to drain the remaining water from the pipes.
- Check around the base of the faucet for any leaks. Tighten connections if necessary before continuing.
Removing the Faucet Handle and Trim
With the water turned off, start dismantling the faucet assembly to access the cartridge:
- Pry off the faucet handle cap using a flathead screwdriver. The cap may snap or slide off.
- Remove the handle screw inside using a Phillips or Allen head screwdriver.
- Pull straight up to remove the faucet handle.
- Use needle nose pliers and a flathead screwdriver to detach any remaining trim pieces concealing cartridge hardware.
Note: Vintage or antique faucets feature delicate porcelain handle assemblies. Use caution when removing caps and trim to avoid chips and cracks.
Thoroughly clean all disassembled handle parts with a small wire brush and lay them out neatly on your workspace in order of removal for simplified reinstallation.
Accessing and Replacing the Cartridge
With all trim pieces detached, the faucet cartridge will now be exposed:
Removing the Damaged Cartridge
- Turn the cartridge stem counterclockwise with locking pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen and pull upward. You may need to carefully rock it side to side to break loose years of mineral deposits.
- Remove any loose debris, old putty, or gasket pieces from the faucet body using a stiff brush or screwdriver.
- Inspect the empty chamber for cracks, scale build-up, and thread damage before continuing.
Note: Place a small bucket or tray beneath the faucet to catch dripping water when the cartridge is removed. Stuff paper towels or rags into the empty chamber to contain leakage.
Installing the Replacement Cartridge
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to correctly position any seals, flow restrictors, or alignment pins.
- Lightly coat o-rings on the new cartridge using sink/faucet grease or petroleum jelly to ease installation.
- Align the cartridge stem and carefully insert it into the faucet body. You may need to rotate it slightly to properly seat it.
- Thread the retaining nut by hand until tight, then give an additional quarter turn using pliers or a wrench. Do not over tighten.
Run the hot and cold water briefly to check for drips before reassembling trim components and the handle. If leaks persist, you may need to reseat the cartridge or replace valve seats and springs within the faucet body.
Reassembling the Faucet
Once operation is restored, reinstall all faucet components in reverse order:
- Wipe down the handle and trim parts to remove any dirt, grease, or plumber’s putty.
- Replace caps, flanges, handle seat plates, etc., as originally configured based on manufacturer and model.
- Resecure the handle with screw and slide cap back into place.
- Remove rags stuffing the spout and wipe down exterior faucet surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Run water for a full 60 seconds on both hot and cold settings to flush supply lines. Check below for drips.
Tip: Still having issues with leaks, difficult operation, or low water flow after replacing the cartridge? You may also need to change out the faucet’s valve seats and springs.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While correctly replacing the cartridge will resolve many faucet issues, other problems can still occur:
Leaky Handles or Spout
- Worn-out seals or o-rings
- Damaged valve seats or springs
- Mineral build-up prevents proper sealing
Low Water Flow
- Clogged aerator
- Partially shut supply valves
- Blocked supply lines or pipes
Dripping When Faucet Is Off
- Debris keeping valves from fully closing
- Seat and spring damage
- Expired seals/gaskets
Difficult Operation
- Cartridge is not aligned correctly
- Faucet components are very dirty
- Handle screw or hub damaged
Thoroughly examine your entire faucet assembly for damage before determining the necessary repairs. Replacing additional parts may resolve these common operational problems.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While an experienced DIY-er can replace most standard kitchen faucet cartridges, some situations do require a professional:
- Unable to locate or stop water supply
- Severe corrosion and mineral deposits
- Cartridge stuck due to overtightening
- Special tools needed for unusual designs
- Significant water damage from leaks
- Complete faucet replacement is necessary
Do not attempt to force parts open or closed, as this can destroy plumbing fixtures. If unable to successfully complete any steps in this cartridge replacement guide, contact a licensed plumber to avoid making the repair job more complicated and expensive.
Conclusion
Replacing a worn or damaged cartridge is essential for restoring proper water flow and temperature regulation in standard kitchen faucets. Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions outlined above to safely complete this repair yourself.
Keep this guide handy for future reference when maintenance is needed. Catching cartridge failure early makes replacement much easier and prevents leaks from causing water damage in your home.
Be sure to gather all necessary tools and components before disassembling the faucet. Slowly work to access, then install the new cartridge, taking care not to force any pieces. Finally, recheck for smooth operation and leaks to ensure success.