When your tub faucet or shower faucet doesn’t work, the problem is probably in the cartridge. All you have to do is simply repair or replace it. Removing the handle and the escutcheon to determine the kind of cartridge (single handle, ball or disk type) you have. Remember, a good cartridge ensures that you can control the temperature, and turn the faucet on and off.
Most of the faucet issues are usually caused by mineral deposits caused by hard water. To get rid of the deposits, soak the cartridge in white vinegar after you have disassembled the faucet.
Here are the steps to take when replacing the shower or tub cartridge for your faucet:
How to Replace a Delta Faucet Cartridge
Tools:
Screwdriver
Hex wrench
Pliers
Cartridge puller
Repair kit
Silicone grease
1.
Remove the faucet handle
Make sure your faucet is turned off before starting. Use a hex wrench to remove the handle which is in the repair kit. Slide out the escutcheon by removing the screws that hold it in place. The escutcheon is the flat plate that is around the handle.
2.
Remove the retaining clip
Unscrew the sleeve and pull it out. You can pry out the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place using a screwdriver.
3.
Remove the cartridge
Sometimes, a pair of pliers would not work when removing the cartridge. Some wrenches are specifically used for removing cartridges, which can be found in any hardware store. Remember to know the type of cartridge you have. If the hot and cold temperature settings are reversed, turn the cartridge 180 degrees to fix the temperature settings.
4.
Replace the o-rings
Soak the cartridge in a vinegar mix to get rid of deposits. If the faucet still has problems, you will need to replace the o-rings. Before installing the old/new o-rings, rub them together using a coat of silicone grease.
5. Install the new cartridge
Place the repaired or a new cartridge into the faucet body back to where it was originally. Slide in the retaining clip and the escutcheon, and replace the handle.
What to do if your faucet does not have an Anti-Scald Valve
If your faucet does not have an anti-scald valve, this could cause problems and could be quite dangerous as well. You can replace the standard faucet cartridge with a new anti-scald cartridge. Some anti-scald faucets prevent the water from getting cold, while other faucets reduce the amount of hot water flowing from the faucet using a thermostatic device. If you are not sure if your faucet has an anti-scald valve, you can rock your faucet back and forth and listen if there is a click.
Delta Bath Faucet Cartridge Installation
- Make sure your faucet is turned off. Disassemble the tub shower valve.
- Remove the handle.
- Using a pencil/pen, mark the RLS (Rotational Limit Stop) at the point where the raised ribs align with the groove on the brass stop.
- The raised stop should be located on the hot water inlet side as the cartridge should be back in the same position as it was.
- Make sure that the raised stop is always located on the hot water inlet side, to make sure that the cold water flows first. In normal faucets, the raised stop is usually on the left side.
- Pull the outside sleeve off, and then slide the O-ring sleeve towards you until it reaches a point where there is a raised brass section on the tub body. Make sure you do not pull the sleeve O-Ring over the raised brass section on the tub body. When you start to re-install the sleeve, it should automatically slide onto the o-ring.
- Unscrew the brass bonnet.
- Pry the cartridge off the body with anything but a screwdriver. Put the handle back on the stem and rotate counterclockwise while lifting the cartridge out of the two notches on both sides of the body.
- Try not to twist the cap and lower housing of the new cartridge, as this can cause it to fall apart. If the cap and the housing are separated, make sure that they are locked back together by twisting them until they snap back in place.
- Install the cartridge with the raised stop on the cap and the hot water inlet side.
- Reassemble the brass bonnet and slide on the outside sleeve.