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Install New Cartridge — Install the New Valve Cartridge

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Delta Shower Faucet Valve & Handle Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 5 of 7

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Before installing the new cartridge, apply a liberal amount of silicone-based plumber's grease to all the O-rings. This lubricates them, ensures a good seal, and protects them from damage during installation. Align the new cartridge so the two ears are on the top and bottom, which allows the retaining clip to fit. Pull the stem out slightly to allow air to escape, then push the cartridge firmly and straight into the valve body until it is fully seated.

Goal: Place the new cartridge in the valve body

  • Do not use petroleum-based grease like Vaseline, as it can damage the rubber O-rings. Use only silicone-based plumber's grease.
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FAQs

What if my old shower faucet cartridge is stuck and won't come out?

First, double-check that all retaining clips or nuts have been completely removed. If it's still stuck, try gently wiggling or rotating the cartridge with pliers or a cartridge puller to break its seal. A small amount of penetrating lubricant can help, but apply it carefully to avoid damage to the valve body or new seals.

I've turned off the water supply, but the shower still drips. What should I do before proceeding?

Ensure you've turned off the correct water supply valves, ideally both hot and cold lines leading to the shower, or the main house shut-off valve. If it continues to drip, your shut-off valves may be faulty and need repair or replacement themselves before you can safely work on the shower faucet.

Is this project genuinely suitable for beginners, and how long should I realistically expect it to take?

Yes, this project is considered beginner-friendly as it primarily involves basic disassembly and reassembly. While the estimated time is 3 hours, a careful beginner should allow a bit more time, especially if the cartridge is stubborn or if they need to locate the main water shut-off. Take your time and follow each step.

Do I need a specific Delta replacement cartridge, or will any universal cartridge work?

It is crucial to use a genuine Delta replacement cartridge or an exact aftermarket equivalent specifically designed for your Delta faucet model. Universal cartridges rarely fit perfectly and can lead to leaks, improper water flow, or difficulty controlling temperature. Always match the model number of your existing cartridge or faucet for the best results.

Transcript
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I always recommend putting plumbers grease on the new cartridge. Anywhere you have O-rings, you want to use a silicone-based grease. And especially if you have an older home like this, the buildup of minerals can actually leave little hard particles, and when you shove in the new cartridge, you can actually nick this, and I've had it happen in the past where I didn't grease it up, you'll actually get a nick and it will leak. So the grease does a couple of things. It helps protect and waterproof these O-rings, and then it helps slide it in much easier. And you would not want to use Vaseline or anything petroleum-based because it will actually damage the O-rings, anything rubber. So use a good quality plumbers grease on everything, and it will help you slide it in and help protect the O-rings. So when we install the new cartridge, we're going to be holding it in with this retaining clip, and these two ears, these two extensions here, the clip grows right around it. So we're going to have to make sure that we put the new one in, where these two tabs are on the top and the bottom in this case, because the clip goes down around it. So all I'm going to do is just push it straight in, and it's good to, actually when you're putting it in, make sure the stem is pulled out that way the air passes through it. If the stem were pushed in, it's harder to push in. So the stem is out. Now if you're having a hard time pushing it in, you can also use that tool, put it on here and tap it in gently.

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