Tips for Repairing a Cartridge Type Faucet

If you own a home, it's an inevitable fact that something will break. At some time, an item in your home will need to be repaired. Some repairs can be relatively simple while other repairs are best left to professionals. Sometimes you will have to decide if the item is worth repairing, or if you should simply replace the item.

One item in your home that will require repair at some time is your faucet. Most homes have several faucets making the chances of one needing repair at some point quite high. When you determine that a faucet is in need of repair, you are subject to the decisions above. Should you hire a pro? Should You tackle the faucet repair yourself? Or should you simply replace the faucet in question with a new one?

By following a few simple tips, repairing a faucet is a simple do it yourself project. Fixing the faucet yourself will save you a significant amount of money versus hiring a plumber to do the job and will save you from the replacement costs of buying a new faucet.

One type of faucet that is common today and perhaps the easiest to fix is the Cartridge Faucet. A cartridge faucet contains virtually all of the working parts in a simple, easily replaceable cartridge that installs into the faucet assembly. Follow the tips below to repair your cartridge faucet.

1. Turn off the water supply to eliminate the chance of any major water leaks while working on the faucet.

2. Have a towel ready to wipe up any water spills in a timely manner.

3. Have a bowl on hand to catch any major drips or leaks that the towel cannot contain.

4. Close the drain in the sink to prevent any small items from falling into the drain line.

5. Open the faucet handles to remove any water left in the lines before beginning any work.

6. Begin the repair by removing the handles for the faucet. Virtually all handles are held on by a small set screw. You may have to remove a decorative cap to access the set screw. The cap is usually removed by prying it off.

7. Once you have removed the set screw, the handle is released but may need to be jiggled off or pried on lightly for removal.

8. With the handle removed, the cartridge is now accessible. Some faucets will require the removal of a nut or locking ring to remove the cartridge. Remove the nut or locking ring and grab the cartridge with a pair of pliers or pry it out with a screwdriver.

9. Take the cartridge with you to a local plumbing supply shop for replacement.

10. Reinstall the new cartridge, reassemble the faucet, turn the water on, and check for any leaks.

A cartridge faucet is perhaps the easiest faucet to repair. The working parts are contained in one unit that is simply replaced if any problem is noted. By repairing your own faucet, you will save a significant amount of money. The task is simple, straightforward and easily accomplished by an inexperienced do it yourselfer.