How to Repair a Cartridge Faucet

Cartridge faucets are the latest household utilities and one amongst the most widely preferred faucet technologies. They usually do not dysfunction, however, continuous load on the faucet can result in damage of the O ring inside it.

This ring is a rubber ring that is fitted into a circular casing. You usually cannot see it, unless you take out the aerator. You will need to repair the cartridge faucet if this ring breaks or gets damaged, in order to stop leakages and drips.

The only way to repair a cartridge faucet is to replace the O ring with a new one, or completely replace the cartridge with a new one.

• New O ring
• Screwdriver
• Pliers

• Before starting with the actual repairing procedure, it is necessary to close the water supply valve.
• Once, you have closed the main water supply, you need to release all the existing water from the lines.

• Now, remove the handle of the faucet. The handle is attached to the faucet with screws. Therefore, you will need a screwdriver to remove the handle.
• As soon as you remove the handle, you will be able to see the cartridge. So remove the cartridge with the help of pliers and also remove the retaining clip.

• Now, the aerator that is attached to the O ring, must be removed from below.
• The final step is to remove the old, damaged O ring and fix a new one in its place.
• Re-assemble the whole structure, turn on the main water supply and see whether there is any leakage. If leakage is not found, then you have successfully performed the repairing job.

If your fixture is old and made up of materials such as brass or chrome, remember to lay down a piece of cloth on the surface. If you find that leakage has not stopped, even when you have replace the O ring; then certainly it is the cartridge which is defective or damaged. In such cases, replace the older cartridge with a new one. Do not forget to turn off the main water supply, in order to prevent wastage of water.