Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Set up the sink and confirm the replacement
- Clear the sink area so you have room to work.
- Close the sink drain or cover it with a towel to catch small parts.
- Lay out the new faucet cartridge and compare its shape, stem, and seal locations to the old part packaging or your faucet information.
- Take a quick photo of the faucet handle position before disassembly so you can reassemble it in the same orientation.
If it works: Your work area is protected and you have a matching replacement cartridge ready.
If it doesn’t: Pause and verify the replacement before taking the faucet apart. A cartridge that looks different may not fit or may install incorrectly.
Stop if:- The replacement cartridge does not match the old one closely.
- The faucet already looks cracked, loose in the sink, or badly corroded.
Step 2: Shut off the water and relieve pressure
- Find the hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until they stop.
- Turn on the faucet to relieve pressure and confirm the water flow stops.
- If the faucet still runs, the shutoff valves may not be closing fully. Tighten them gently once more and test again.
- Place a towel under the sink if you expect a few drips while the faucet is open.
If it works: Water flow stops or drops to a brief residual trickle, and the faucet is safe to open.
If it doesn’t: If water continues to run steadily, do not disassemble the faucet until you can stop the supply water.
Stop if:- The shutoff valves leak when turned.
- The water will not shut off at the fixture valves.
Step 3: Remove the handle and trim
- Look for a decorative cap on the handle and pry it off carefully if present.
- Remove the handle screw with a screwdriver or loosen the set screw with an Allen key.
- Lift the handle straight off. If it sticks, wiggle it gently instead of forcing it.
- Unscrew or lift off any trim sleeve, bonnet, or retaining cover to expose the cartridge area.
- Keep screws and trim pieces in order on a towel.
If it works: The handle and trim are removed and the cartridge retaining hardware is visible.
If it doesn’t: Apply gentle, steady pressure and check again for a hidden screw or clip before forcing any part.
Stop if:- The handle will not move and feels likely to crack.
- You cannot identify how the trim is attached without prying hard on finished surfaces.
Step 4: Remove the old cartridge
- Take out the retaining clip, retaining nut, or other cartridge fastener holding the cartridge in place.
- Note the cartridge orientation before removal. A photo helps with alignment later.
- Pull the cartridge straight up or out by hand if it moves freely.
- If it is stuck, use adjustable pliers carefully on the cartridge stem or use a cartridge puller designed for this job.
- Wipe the cartridge chamber clean and remove any debris or old seal fragments.
If it works: The old cartridge is out and the faucet body is clean and ready for the new part.
If it doesn’t: Recheck for a hidden retaining clip or nut. If the cartridge is seized, use the proper puller rather than twisting aggressively.
Stop if:- The cartridge breaks apart and pieces remain lodged inside.
- The faucet body starts twisting, bending, or cracking while you pull.
- Heavy corrosion makes the inside of the faucet body rough or damaged.
Step 5: Install the new cartridge
- Apply a very light coat of silicone plumber's grease to rubber seals only if the cartridge instructions allow it.
- Align the new cartridge to match the old cartridge orientation and any tabs or slots in the faucet body.
- Press the cartridge fully into place without forcing it at an angle.
- Reinstall the retaining clip or retaining nut and tighten it snugly without overtightening.
- Reinstall the trim and handle in the same order you removed them.
If it works: The new cartridge seats fully, the retaining hardware is secure, and the handle is back on.
If it doesn’t: Remove the cartridge and check alignment again. If it will not seat fully, do not force it.
Stop if:- The cartridge will not sit flush in the faucet body.
- The retaining clip or nut does not fit back into place normally.
- The handle binds badly during reassembly.
Step 6: Restore water and test the faucet
- Turn the faucet handle to the off position.
- Open the shutoff valves slowly under the sink.
- Run both hot and cold water through the faucet and check handle movement, temperature control, and shutoff.
- Look around the handle base, trim, and under-sink supply area for leaks.
- If needed, remove the handle again and make a small adjustment to cartridge orientation or handle position.
If it works: The faucet turns smoothly, shuts off cleanly, and shows no leaks around the faucet or below the sink.
If it doesn’t: If dripping continues, the cartridge may be misaligned, the wrong part may have been installed, or another faucet component may also be worn.
Stop if:- Water leaks steadily from the faucet body after reassembly.
- The handle will not control temperature or flow correctly.
- A shutoff valve or supply connection begins leaking under the sink.
Replacement Parts
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FAQ
How do I know the faucet cartridge is the problem?
A bad cartridge often causes dripping from the spout, stiff handle movement, uneven temperature control, or water that will not shut off cleanly. If the leak is coming from the spout on a cartridge-style faucet, the cartridge is a common cause.
Do I need to shut off both hot and cold water?
Yes. Most faucets mix hot and cold water through the cartridge, so both supplies should be shut off before you open the faucet.
What if the old cartridge is stuck?
First make sure all retaining clips or nuts are removed. Then try a cartridge puller instead of twisting hard with pliers. If the faucet body starts moving or the cartridge breaks apart, stop before you damage the faucet.
Should I use plumber's grease on the new cartridge?
A light coat of silicone plumber's grease can help on rubber seals if the part instructions allow it. Do not use petroleum grease, and do not overapply lubricant.
Why is the faucet still dripping after I replaced the cartridge?
The new cartridge may be the wrong match, installed in the wrong orientation, or not fully seated. Debris inside the faucet body can also prevent a good seal. If everything looks correct and it still leaks, the faucet body or another internal part may be worn.