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Stesso
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Remove Cartridge — Remove the Old Cartridge

Beginner

Part of project

Faucet Cartridge Replacement: Fix Leaks & Restore Water Flow · Step 3 of 5

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In this video

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the cartridge nut holding the cartridge in place. Use pliers to grab the cartridge and pull it out.

Goal: Access the faucet cartridge

Used in this video

  • Adjustable Wrench (Adjustable_Wrench_Size: 8_inch) — Removing cartridge nut
  • Pliers (Pliers_Type: Slip-Joint) — Pulling cartridge
2.2M views9.0K2 minutes
TheOldkid888

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FAQs

Do I truly need the specialized 'Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller' or 'K Tool International Torque Wrench' for this beginner project?

While a gear puller can be helpful for stubborn faucet handles or cartridges, standard pliers or a screwdriver often suffice for removal. A torque wrench is typically unnecessary for residential faucet cartridges; hand-tightening followed by a snug turn with a crescent wrench is usually adequate.

What crucial safety precautions should I take beyond just turning off the water supply before starting this project?

Always turn off the main water supply valves located directly under the sink for the specific faucet you're working on. After turning off the water, open the faucet briefly to relieve any residual water pressure and drain remaining water from the lines.

What should I do if the faucet handle or old cartridge is stuck and won't budge during removal?

For a stuck handle, try applying penetrating oil around the base and letting it sit for a few minutes before attempting removal with a gear puller or pry tool. If the cartridge is stuck, ensure you've removed all retaining clips or nuts, and consider using a cartridge-specific puller if available for your faucet model.

As a beginner, how long should I expect this faucet cartridge replacement to take, and what's the typical cost?

For a beginner, this project typically takes 30-60 minutes, assuming you have the correct replacement part and encounter no major complications. The cost is primarily for the new cartridge, usually ranging from $10 to $40, making it a very cost-effective repair.

Transcript
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And then we'll simply lift off the handle. Next we're going to get a wrench and remove the cartridge nut. And that holds the cartridge in place. That's this plastic piece here and we're going to be pulling that out. You'll want to carefully look at your cartridge and see any notches, any things to indicate which way that goes so you'll be able to put that back in correctly when you purchase a new one. There's a couple of others in the notch here, some protrusions, you're going to make sure you don't know where those are. We're going to take a pair of pliers and grasp the flat sides of the cartridge stem here and pull that out firmly.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.