Home and Garden | Repairing Cartridge-Style Two-Handled Faucets - Plumbing

Fig. 1

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: Half an hour
Start Tips: Turn off the water shutoff valves or the main valve before beginning work. If you shut off the main valve, drain the system to the lowest fixture. Open faucets at higher elevations to complete the drain-down task
Safety Tips: Not applicable
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Flat-bladed or Phillips screwdriver	Electrical tape
Allen wrench	Can of compressed air
Utility knife	Replacement cartridge(s)
Plastic-headed hammer	O-ring(s)
Adjustable wrench or adjustable pliers	Petroleum jelly or heat-proof grease

Fig. 2

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Access the cartridge
Cartridge faucets have one cartridge per handle, and the cartridge(s) are secured in one of two ways:

On the outer surface of the handle, there may be a clip that secures the cartridge to the handle assembly. Once you pry out the clip, you'll probably see an Allen screw securing the handle. Remove this screw with an Allen wrench (Fig. 2) to remove the handle and cartridge.

Fig. 4

At this point, you'll probably see a retainer that houses the cartridge. Loosen the retainer by turning it counterclockwise with adjustable pliers (Fig. 4). Then look for the clip that holds the cartridge and remove it. Now, you can grab the stem of the cartridge, pull it free, remove, and replace it.

Since cartridges come in different models and sizes, take the damaged cartridge to a hardware, home center or plumbing supply store so you can match it to the right replacement.

2) If a spout leaks ...
Due to deposits
Deposits are the primary reason for cartridge-style spout leaks. To remove them, aim the nozzle of a can of compressed air at the spokes located at the base of each cartridge. Use a few short bursts to blow away the deposits keeping the movable disc from seating against the stationary disc. Flush the pout with water. If the spout leak persists, replace the cartridges.

Due to overtight handles
Handles of a cartridge-style faucet that are secured too tightly can cause a leak from the spout. Loosen the handle screws and retighten them just enough to hold the handles in place. If the leak continues, replace the cartridges.

3) If a handle leaks ...
Due to worn O-rings
The two-handled cartridge faucet uses O-rings to prevent water from leaking around the handles. If a leak develops, remove each handle and cartridge. Using a utility knife, cut off the old O-rings. Spread a thin coat of petroleum jelly or heat-proof grease on the new O-rings before placing them into the grooves. Finally, reinstall the handle.