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Remove Old Cartridge, Seat, and Spring — 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

With the retaining nut removed, pull the old cartridge straight up and out of the faucet body. You may need to use pliers to get a good grip if it's stuck. Once the cartridge is out, look inside the faucet body to locate the small rubber seat and spring. Use a small tool like an Allen wrench or a pick to pry them out.

Goal: Remove all old, worn components from the faucet body.

Used in this video

  • Pliers · optionalGripping and pulling out the stuck cartridge.
  • Allen WrenchesPrying out the old seat and spring from the faucet body.
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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 we're going to take this loose and you'll note there's a piece that goes in here. And that's to keep the handle from going further back. So when we put the new piece in, we'll make sure we put the piece that comes separate back here. So we're going to pull this off. Pull this out. Again, let's like it stuck in there completely. Good thing I'm replacing it. And then I'll take the two seats out in the two springs. I'm sorry, one seat and one spring that's in here and I'll replace those. And I'll replace this component and I'll lubricate everything as I put it back together so that it should come back apart easier next time. So I'll do that and I'll be right back. Alright, I've removed the seat and spring and I have a new one here.

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