How to Replace Cartridge in a Two-Handle Bathroom Faucet

Project Overview
Total Time: 1 hr

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Skill Level: Beginner

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Estimated Cost: $15 to $80

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Most bathroom faucets with two handles are cartridge-style. Each handle controls its own cartridge, a valve that manages water flow into the faucet spout. If your faucet is very old, it might be a compression-type with a metal valve and a flat rubber washer.

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Identify the Leak Source

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Feel the water to determine if the cold or hot side is leaking. Replace the cartridge only on the leaking side, but sometimes both sides may need replacement.

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Prepare for the Repair

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Locate the shutoff valves under the sink for the faucet’s water supply lines. Close the valve by turning the handle clockwise or rotating the lever until perpendicular to the water flow. If no shutoff valves are present, turn off the main water supply and open the faucet to release pressure and drain water.

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What You’ll Need

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– Equipment/Tools: Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, Allen wrench, Pipe wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers

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– Materials: Replacement cartridge(s), Plumber’s grease

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Instructions

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Remove the Faucet Handle

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Inspect the faucet handle to identify its installation type. Handles may have setscrews or a decorative cap concealing a screw. Remove the cap with a flathead screwdriver and the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. For setscrews, use an Allen wrench. Pull the handle straight up to remove it.

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Remove the Retaining Nut

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Loosen the cartridge retaining nut using a pipe wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers. Unscrew and remove the nut. Note the brass screw at the top of the cartridge, which reinforces the shaft when tightened against the faucet body’s setscrew. This screw may need to be removed and reused in the new cartridge.

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Remove the Old Cartridge

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Note the orientation of the faucet cartridge. You must reinstall the new cartridge in exactly the same way. Most cartridges have one or two tabs that fit into notches on the faucet body. Pull the cartridge straight up to remove it from the faucet body. If necessary, grab the shaft at the top of the cartridge with pliers to pull out the cartridge.

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Buy a New Cartridge

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Bring the old cartridge with you to the hardware store or home center to find an exact replacement. New cartridges typically include new rubber O-rings for the cartridge. If desired, also pick up some plumber’s grease for the O-rings. This makes it easier to insert the cartridge into the faucet body and is an especially good idea if the old cartridge was difficult to remove.

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Install the New Cartridge

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Replace the little brass screw in the top of the cartridge shaft, if necessary. If you have plumber’s grease, use your finger to apply a small amount to the cartridge’s O-rings. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body in the same orientation as the original cartridge, aligning any tabs on the cartridge with the notches on the faucet body. Push the cartridge all the way into the housing.

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Complete the Installation

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Secure the cartridge with the retaining nut, tightening the nut carefully with the wrench or pliers. Do not overtighten. Reinstall the faucet handle and setscrew or Phillips screw as well as the decorative cap, as applicable. Turn on the shutoff valve for the water supply to the tap by opening it counterclockwise all the way. Test the faucet for proper operation.

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FAQ

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What is the most common cause of a leaky dripping two-handle faucet? Usually it’s just wear and tear that leads to a leaky faucet. Some common culprits are a gasket or O-ring that’s worn out, a broken washer, or a damaged cartridge.

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How do you replace a double-handled faucet cartridge? The key to fixing a leaky two-handle faucet is determining whether the hot or the cold side (or both) is malfunctioning. You’ll replace the cartridge only on that side, saving you time and money.

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How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad? Water dripping out of the faucet can be a sign that the cartridge is bad. Another telltale sign is difficulty getting the desired water temperature.

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