Bathroom faucet cartridges are used by a number of manufacturers to help make faucet maintenance easier for the home plumber. Rather than a metal valve stem, these cartridges are typically made out of plastic. Some of these cartridges also serve as a mini filter, removing grit and other particles from bathroom faucet water. Removing a bathroom faucet cartridge for replacement can be done by any novice do-it-yourselfer with just a minimal set of tools.
Instructions
1. Locate the water supply valve for the bathroom sink where you want to replace the faucet cartridge. In the majority of installations, this will be beneath the bathroom sink. The valves are usually mounted on the wall or floor, and are about 2 to 3 inches in length. There will be a hose leading to the sink above. Rotate the knob on the end of the valve clockwise.
2. Look for the faucet handle screw. Where this is located depends on the faucet model. Some faucets have the screw set underneath the temperature indicator on the faucet cap. Pry this off with a flat-bladed screwdriver to reveal the faucet handle screw. Remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver, or if the faucet utilizes a hex screw mounted on either the front or the rear of the handle, use an Allen wrench. Once the faucet screw is removed, pull the handle straight up and off.
3. Remove any plastic or metal rings or retainers to expose the cartridge.
4. Grip the faucet cartridge end with a pair of pliers. Some cartridges come with a specialized replacement wrench that should be used when removing the faucet. The majority of these cartridges first need to be turned counterclockwise, then they can be pulled up and out.
Tags: faucet cartridge, faucet handle, faucet handle screw, handle screw, these cartridges, bathroom sink
