How to Change Cartridge in Bathroom Faucet: 6 Easy Steps

You are turning on your bathroom faucet and water keeps dripping or the handle feels too tight or too loose. You might feel frustrated and not sure what to do. Here’s the real answer — your faucet cartridge is likely worn out. The good news? You can fix it by yourself. In this article, you will learn exactly how to change cartridge in bathroom faucet using easy steps.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin, you must stop water from flowing. This is the first and most important thing. If you skip this part, you will have water spraying all over your bathroom. So let’s do it the right way.

First, look under your bathroom sink. You should see two pipes connected to the faucet — one for cold water and one for hot water. Each pipe has a small knob or handle called a shut-off valve. Turn these valves to the right (clockwise) until they stop. This closes the water flow.

Sometimes, the shut-off valves may be hard to turn. If that happens, try using a rag to get a better grip or use a wrench very gently. If you still cannot close them, you might have to shut off the main water valve in your home.

Once you have turned off both valves, open the faucet to check. Turn the handle on and see if any water comes out. If it drips a little and then stops, you have done it right.

Also, place a small towel or bucket under the sink to catch any water drops when you disconnect anything. This keeps your cabinet dry and clean.

Now your sink is safe to work on. No water will surprise you while you fix it.

• Find the shut-off valves under the sink
• Turn both knobs clockwise to close
• Use a rag or wrench if the knob is tight
• Open the faucet to check if water has stopped
• Place towel or bucket under the sink

Remove the Faucet Handle

Now that the water is off, it’s time to take off the faucet handle. This step helps you reach the cartridge inside.

Look closely at your faucet handle. You may see a small screw on the top or back. Some faucets have a cap that hides the screw. If you see a small round cover, use a flathead screwdriver or even your fingernail to pop it off gently. Underneath, you’ll find the screw.

Use the right screwdriver to turn the screw to the left (counterclockwise) and remove it. Be careful not to drop the screw into the sink drain. It’s a good idea to plug the drain or put a cloth over it.

Once the screw is out, hold the handle and pull it up or back. Sometimes, it comes off easily. But if it feels stuck, don’t force it. Try wiggling it gently side to side while pulling. If it’s still stuck, you can use a handle puller tool, but usually, you don’t need one.

When the handle comes off, set it aside along with the screw and cap in a safe place. You don’t want to lose these small parts.

Now you will see the top part of the cartridge and maybe a retaining nut or clip holding it in place. You’re ready for the next part.

• Look for a screw on the faucet handle
• Remove cover cap if it has one
• Unscrew using a proper screwdriver
• Plug the drain to avoid losing small parts
• Pull the handle off gently without forcing
• Keep all pieces safe for reassembly

Take Out the Cartridge

After removing the faucet handle, you can now see the top part of the cartridge. This part does all the hard work inside your faucet. It controls the flow and mix of water. Now it’s time to take it out.

First, check if there’s a metal nut or plastic ring holding the cartridge. Some cartridges are held by a retaining nut that looks like a large hex ring. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen it. Turn it to the left (counterclockwise). Be slow and gentle so you don’t break anything.

If your faucet uses a clip instead of a nut, use needle-nose pliers to pull the clip out straight. Do not bend it. Put it aside safely.

Now the cartridge should be loose. Try pulling it out with your fingers. If it’s old, it might be stuck because of hard water or rust. Don’t worry. Use a pair of pliers to grip the cartridge at the top and pull it out slowly.

Wiggle it gently as you pull. If it doesn’t move, spray a little vinegar or a few drops of penetrating oil around the base. Wait a few minutes and try again.

Once it’s out, take a good look at the cartridge. It might be broken, cracked, or covered in white buildup. That’s a clear sign it needs to be replaced.

Take the cartridge to a hardware store to get the same model. It’s very important to get the exact one. There are many kinds, and the wrong type will not fit right.

• Look for a nut or clip holding the cartridge
• Use wrench or pliers to remove the nut or clip
• Pull out the cartridge with pliers or fingers
• Wiggle gently if it is stuck
• Use vinegar or oil to loosen if needed
• Compare old cartridge to buy the same one

Clean Inside the Faucet

Before putting the new cartridge in, clean the inside of the faucet. This is a very important part. Dirt, old grease, or bits of the old cartridge might still be inside. If you skip this, your new cartridge may not work well.

First, look inside the hole where the cartridge was sitting. Use a flashlight if it’s dark. If you see dirt, use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean it out. You can also wrap a cloth around a screwdriver and wipe the inside.

Sometimes, water builds up hard white stuff called mineral deposits. This happens from hard water. If you see that, pour some white vinegar into a cup and dip a cotton swab or cloth in it. Wipe the area with vinegar to help melt the buildup. Wait a few minutes, then clean again with a dry cloth.

Make sure there are no broken parts or rubber pieces from the old cartridge left inside. These will stop the new cartridge from sitting right.

Check the rubber seals or O-rings in the faucet. If they look cracked or worn, replace them too. You can find them at any hardware store. They are cheap and easy to swap out.

Finally, wipe the whole area dry with a soft cloth. You want the space clean and ready.

• Look inside the faucet body for dirt or buildup
• Use brush or cloth to clean the area
• Apply vinegar to remove hard deposits
• Check for rubber seals or broken pieces
• Replace any worn-out O-rings
• Make sure area is dry and clean

Install the New Cartridge

Now it’s time to put in the new cartridge. This part may feel tricky, but if you go slowly, you will get it right.

First, make sure the new cartridge matches the old one exactly. Look at the size, shape, and the holes or notches. If it’s the same, you’re ready to install it.

Hold the new cartridge straight and line it up with the hole. There may be small tabs or guides to help it fit correctly. Push it down gently but firmly. Don’t force it. If it feels stuck, take it out and try again.

Once the cartridge is in place, it should sit flat and not wiggle. Now put the clip or nut back. If your faucet used a metal clip, slide it in carefully using pliers. Make sure it is secure. If it had a nut, use a wrench to screw it back in. Turn it to the right (clockwise) until tight, but do not over-tighten.

Now test the handle movement before putting everything back. Turn the stem with your fingers. It should move smoothly.

If everything feels right, you can reassemble the faucet handle.

• Check that the new cartridge is a perfect match
• Insert it straight into the faucet body
• Do not force it if it doesn’t fit at first
• Secure it with clip or retaining nut
• Test the handle movement by turning stem
• Cartridge should feel firm and steady

Put the Handle Back and Turn On Water

You’re almost done. Now it’s time to put everything back together and turn the water on again.

Take the faucet handle and place it back onto the stem. Make sure it sits straight. Now take the screw and carefully turn it to the right (clockwise) using your screwdriver. Tighten it well but not too hard.

If your faucet had a cover cap, press it back into place to hide the screw.

Now go under the sink again and turn both water supply valves to the left (counterclockwise) to open them. Do it slowly to avoid any sudden pressure.

Once the water is back on, turn on the faucet and test it. Try hot and cold settings. Watch closely for leaks around the handle or under the sink. Everything should be smooth and quiet.

If water flows well and the handle works perfectly, you did it! Your bathroom faucet now has a brand-new cartridge and should last many more years.

Clean up your tools and throw away the old cartridge. You can also write down the model of the new cartridge for the future.

• Reattach faucet handle and tighten screw
• Replace the cover cap if your faucet had one
• Slowly turn water valves back on
• Test faucet for smooth handle movement
• Check for any leaks around handle or base
• Clean up and enjoy your fixed faucet

Final Thoughts

Changing a cartridge in your bathroom faucet might seem hard at first, but it’s really something you can do on your own. You don’t need to be a plumber. With just a few tools, a little patience, and this guide, your faucet will work like new again. It’s a great way to save money and feel proud of your own repair. Next time your faucet drips or feels stuck, you’ll know what to do. Take your time, stay calm, and you’ll fix it like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to change a faucet cartridge by myself?

Yes, it is safe to change a faucet cartridge by yourself. Many people do it at home with simple tools. Just make sure to turn off the water supply first so you don’t have water spraying everywhere. Follow each step carefully and take your time. If you are unsure about anything, you can always check online videos or ask someone at a hardware store. Doing it yourself can save money and help you learn a useful home repair skill.

Can I change a faucet cartridge without turning off the water?

No, you should always turn off the water before you change the faucet cartridge. If you do not, water will come out quickly and could flood your bathroom or damage your sink area. It’s very important to close the shut-off valves under the sink or the main water valve in your home before you start. This keeps everything safe and clean while you work. Skipping this step could turn a small job into a big mess.

Do I need special tools to change a faucet cartridge?

You don’t need many special tools. Most of the time, a flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench are enough. Sometimes you might need a handle puller tool, but only if your faucet handle is really stuck. You can find all these tools at a local hardware store or even borrow them from a friend. It’s a simple job that does not require expensive or hard-to-find tools.

Is it okay to use vinegar to clean the faucet area?

Yes, vinegar is a great choice for cleaning inside the faucet. It helps remove hard water buildup and old grime that can cause problems. Just dip a cloth or cotton swab in white vinegar and gently wipe the area. Let it sit for a few minutes if the buildup is strong. Then clean it off with a dry cloth. Vinegar is safe and natural, and it helps your new cartridge work better and last longer.

Can a wrong cartridge damage my faucet?

Yes, using the wrong cartridge can cause problems. It might not fit right, which can lead to leaks or loose handles. In some cases, it might even damage the inside of your faucet. That’s why it’s very important to take your old cartridge to the store and buy the exact same one. If you are not sure, ask a store worker or check the faucet brand and model online. The right cartridge makes all the difference.

Do I have to replace the rubber O-rings too?

You don’t always have to replace the rubber O-rings, but it’s a good idea if they look old or worn. O-rings help seal the water and stop leaks. If they are cracked or dried out, your new cartridge might still leak even if installed correctly. Replacing them is cheap and easy. Just take the old ones with you to the store and get the same size. This small step can help your faucet stay leak-free.

Is it normal for the handle to feel stiff after changing the cartridge?

Sometimes the handle may feel a little stiff after putting in a new cartridge. This can happen if the new cartridge is tight or if something inside is not lined up right. Try moving the handle back and forth a few times to loosen it. If it still feels wrong, remove the handle and check if the cartridge is fully seated and in the right position. Always be gentle so nothing breaks or gets damaged.

Can I fix a leaking faucet just by tightening the handle?

No, tightening the handle will not usually fix a leaking faucet. The real cause of the leak is often a worn-out cartridge inside. If you only tighten the handle, it might stop the leak for a short time, but the problem will come back. It’s better to replace the cartridge so the inside parts are fresh and working well. That’s the best way to stop the leak for good.