The water lines are located underneath the sink for a sink faucet and in the wall for a showerhead. They won’t always be accessible, so look in the owner’s manual for the model number as well. If you are unable to find the information you need to get a replacement, pull the cartridge out first, then take it with you to a hardware store. New cartridges can also be ordered online from the manufacturer.
If you’re having a hard time finding the valves, follow the water lines. For example, find where the main water line enters your home. Follow it to the water meter and the shut-off valve. The main shut-off valve can vary. It could be a colored wheel that you rotate or a handle that you position horizontally to stop the water flow. It may also be outside of your home.
Draining the line won’t take long. The lines can’t store much water, so they clear within several seconds.
Make sure the drain is completely covered. Anything that falls down the drain will be difficult to remove and could damage your plumbing. If you happen to lose a part, order a replacement online or from a hardware store.
If the cap is stuck, pry it at a few different angles. Keep working around the edges until it is loose enough to lift off the faucet. Note that every handle is separate. If your faucet has separate cold and hot water handles, they have their own cartridges. Single-handle faucets only have one cartridge.
Some faucets open with an Allen wrench instead. If the screw has a hexagonal opening on top, use an Allen wrench.
You could also use pliers to remove the nut. Water pump pliers are designed for dealing with plumbing nuts and bolts, but you may be able to remove it with different tools.
Cartridges have traditionally been made of brass, recognizable because of its dull yellow coloring. Your faucet may have a silvery cartridge made of chrome or zinc, or a white one made of plastic. If you’re having a hard time holding onto the cartridge, grab it with pliers. Needle nose pliers are great for such delicate work.
Make sure the new cartridge is properly aligned with the opening so it you don’t inadvertently damage it. Handle it with care!
If your faucet is connected to multiple handles, remember to replace the cartridge in the other handle as well if necessary. Once you have finished, reactivate the water line to test out the new cartridge!
The cartridge is located behind the handle, so you won’t be able to reach it without removing the handle first. Some shower handles have alternative types of screws. You may need an Allen wrench instead of a Phillips screwdriver.
Sometimes the adapter can be removed by twisting it off. It depends on the model, but, if you don’t see a screw, you most likely have to twist it off. Note that you may need to remove the faceplate in some cases. It usually isn’t necessary, but every cartridge system is a little different. If you don’t see the cartridge, check the faceplate to see if it can be unscrewed too.
These components are for adjusting and limiting the water temperature. They aren’t present in all faucet models, but save them if you have them.
Some faucets have a nut instead of a clip. If you see a ring around the cartridge but no clip, use pliers or a wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise. Once it comes loose, slide it off the wall.
The cartridge is recognizable because of its column-like stem jutting out from the wall. The cartridge’s base is round and fits inside the wall opening. The cartridge is usually made of brass, which has a yellow coloring. Some cartridges are made of silvery steel or white plastic instead.
If the new cartridge came with a packet of grease, rub it onto the cartridge before putting it back. The grease protects the cartridge from damage during the installation. You could also apply your own plumber’s grease to it.
Test the faucet afterward. If it doesn’t seem to be working the way you want, check all of the parts to ensure they are undamaged and have been put back correctly.
