How To Replace Delta Faucet Cartridge in 8 Easy Steps

Image of a Delta faucet cartridge being replaced

Replacing a Delta faucet cartridge is a straightforward task that can be completed in less than an hour, saving you the cost of calling a plumber. However, before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials: a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, and a new cartridge. Additionally, ensure you have a bucket or towel to catch any water that may leak during the process.

To begin, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Next, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut located at the base of the faucet. Once loosened, remove the packing nut and lift the handle off the faucet. Using the pliers, remove the old cartridge by pulling it straight out. Before inserting the new cartridge, apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to its O-rings to ensure a watertight seal. Finally, slide the new cartridge into place, replace the packing nut, and tighten it using the adjustable wrench. Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.

Replacing a Delta faucet cartridge is a relatively easy task that can be accomplished by anyone with basic DIY skills. By following these steps, you can quickly and effectively restore your faucet to proper working order without the need for professional assistance.

Gathering Tools and Materials

Essential Tools:

Adjustable wrench:

To loosen and tighten the faucet locknut and packing nut.

Phillips head screwdriver:

To release the faucet handle screw.

Needle nose pliers:

To remove the cartridge retaining clip.

Replacement Parts:

Replacement cartridge:

Ensure it is compatible with your specific Delta faucet model.

O-rings:

Replace all worn or damaged O-rings included with the cartridge kit.

Other Materials:

Plumber’s tape:

To create a watertight seal around the faucet base.

Soft cloth or paper towels:

To wipe away any debris or excess water.

Bucket or towel:

To catch any water that may drain from the faucet.

Tool	Purpose
Adjustable wrench	Loosen/tighten locknut, packing nut
Phillips head screwdriver	Release handle screw
Needle nose pliers	Remove cartridge retaining clip
Replacement cartridge	Renew faucet’s water flow control

Removing the Handle

1. Identify the type of handle: Delta faucets have either a screw-on or a pull-off handle.

2. Locate the set screw: For screw-on handles, it is typically found under the handle cap. For pull-off handles, it is located on the base of the handle.

3. Remove the set screw: Use an Allen wrench or a small screwdriver to remove the screw.

4. Pull off the handle: For screw-on handles, gently pull straight up to remove. For pull-off handles, grip the handle firmly and pull straight towards you.

On some models, you may need to loosen the bonnet nut (located behind the handle) slightly before pulling off the handle.

Handle Type	Set Screw Location	Removal Method
Screw-on	Under handle cap	Pull straight up
Pull-off	Handle base	Pull straight towards you

Note: If the handle is difficult to remove, gently tap it with a rubber mallet or wrap a cloth around the handle and use pliers to pull it off (being careful not to damage the handle).

Accessing the Cartridge

To gain access to the cartridge, you will need to follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply. Use the handles to fully close both the hot and cold water valves.
Open the faucet. This will release any remaining water in the faucet.
Remove the aerator. Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the aerator from the faucet. If the aerator is stubborn, you can use a cloth or towel to protect your hand.
Remove the cap or handle. Depending on the type of faucet you have, you will need to remove either the cap or the handle. To remove the cap, simply unscrew it by hand. To remove the handle, use a wrench or pliers to loosen the setscrew that is usually located at the base of the handle. Once the setscrew is loose, you can pull the handle straight up to remove it.
Remove the cartridge retaining nut. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the cartridge retaining nut. This nut is usually located at the base of the faucet.
Pull out the cartridge. Once the cartridge retaining nut is removed, you can pull out the cartridge. Be careful not to damage the cartridge as you remove it.

Installing the New Cartridge

To Install the New Cartridge, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

Locate the water supply valves under the sink and turn them off.

2. Remove the handle.

Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to remove the screws that hold the handle in place.

3. Remove the escutcheon.

The escutcheon is the decorative plate that covers the base of the faucet. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screws that hold it in place.

4. Unscrew the packing nut.

The packing nut is located beneath the escutcheon. Use a wrench to loosen it and remove it.

5. Pull out the old cartridge.

Grip the cartridge with your hand or use pliers to pull it straight out of the faucet body.

6. Inspect the O-rings.

The O-rings are rubber gaskets that seal the cartridge to the faucet body. Inspect them for any damage or wear. If they are damaged or worn, replace them with new ones.

7. Apply lubricant to the new cartridge

Apply a small amount of faucet grease or silicone lubricant to the O-rings and the threads of the new cartridge. This will help to ensure a watertight seal and smooth operation.

8. Insert the new cartridge.

Push the new cartridge straight into the faucet body until it is fully seated.

9. Screw on the packing nut.

Hand-tighten the packing nut onto the faucet body. Use a wrench to further tighten it, but do not overtighten.

10. Replace the escutcheon.

Align the escutcheon with the faucet body and screw it into place.

11. Replace the handle.

Align the handle with the faucet stem and screw it into place.

12. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Check for leaks and make any necessary adjustments.

Reassembling the Handle

1. Insert the handle onto the stem.

2. Ensure the handle is facing the desired direction.

3. Use an Allen wrench or hex key to tighten the set screw located on the side of the handle.

4. Do not overtighten the screw, as this could damage the handle or set screw.

5. Replace the Escutcheon (cover plate) around the base of the handle.

6. Ensure the Escutcheon is oriented correctly and fits snugly.

7. Tighten the screws on the Escutcheon using a screwdriver.

8. Replace the cap or button for Hot / Cold Indicators:

Insert the cap or button into the designated slot on the handle.
Orient the cap or button to display the correct temperature indication (H or C).
Push the cap or button firmly into place until it snaps or clicks into position.
Repeat these steps for both the hot and cold handles.

Restoring Water Supply

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the shutoff valves beneath the sink.

2. Open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure.

3. Place a bucket or bowl beneath the faucet to catch any water that may drip out.

4. Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the packing nut that is located at the base of the faucet handle.

5. Remove the packing nut and pull out the old cartridge.

6. Clean the faucet body where the cartridge was located.

7. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body, making sure that it is properly seated.

8. Replace the packing nut and tighten it using a wrench or pliers.

9. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, your faucet is now repaired.

Here is a detailed explanation of step 9:

Turn on the water supply slowly to avoid any sudden pressure surges.
Check for leaks around the base of the faucet and the packing nut.
If you see any leaks, tighten the packing nut a little more.
Once you are sure that there are no leaks, you can fully open the water supply and test the faucet.

How To Replace Delta Faucet Cartridge
Difficulty	Easy
Time Required	15-30 minutes
Tools Required	Wrench or pliers, bucket or bowl
Cost	$10-$20

Testing the Faucet

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the shut-off valves under the sink or behind the access panel.
2. Open the faucet handle to release any residual water pressure.
3. Place a bucket or bowl under the faucet to catch any dripping water.
4. Use a flashlight to inspect the faucet aerator for mineral deposits or debris. Clean or replace the aerator as needed.
5. Turn on the hot water handle and check for any leaks around the base of the faucet or the handle. If there are leaks, tighten the packing nut or replace the O-rings.
6. Turn on the cold water handle and check for leaks in the same areas. Repair any leaks as necessary.
7. Turn on both the hot and cold water handles simultaneously and check for leaks at the spout or the base of the faucet. Fix any leaks by tightening the packing nut or replacing the O-rings.
8. Wait 30 minutes to allow the faucet to settle.
9. Turn on the hot water handle and check for leaks again.
10. If there are still leaks, you may need to disassemble the faucet and inspect the cartridge for damage or wear. Clean or replace the cartridge as necessary. Follow the steps in the “Removing the Cartridge” section to disassemble the faucet.

Test Step	Observation	Action
1. Turn off water supply	Check for leaks	Tighten packing nut or replace O-rings
2. Open faucet handle	Release water pressure	Place bucket or bowl under faucet
3. Inspect aerator	Mineral deposits or debris	Clean or replace aerator
4. Turn on hot water handle	Leaks around base or handle	Tighten packing nut or replace O-rings
5. Turn on cold water handle	Leaks around base or handle	Tighten packing nut or replace O-rings
6. Turn on hot and cold water simultaneously	Leaks at spout or base	Tighten packing nut or replace O-rings
7. Wait 30 minutes	Allow faucet to settle	N/A
8. Turn on hot water handle	Check for leaks again	N/A
9. Disassemble faucet	Inspect cartridge for damage or wear	Clean or replace cartridge