Skip to main content

Install New Cartridge — Install the New Delta Monitor Valve Cartridge

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Delta Monitor Shower Faucet Installation & Replacement Guide · Step 3 of 5

Helpful?

In this video

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.
372.1K views1.1K5 minutes
This Old House

2.2M subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

What specific tools are essential for replacing a Delta Monitor shower faucet?

You'll primarily need a Phillips head screwdriver for trim removal and installation. A crucial specialized tool is an Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller AS3GP, which is often necessary for removing a stubborn old valve cartridge. Have penetrating oil and silicone grease ready as well.

What's the most important safety precaution I need to take before starting this project?

The most critical step is to completely shut off the water supply to the shower. This can be done at the main house shut-off valve or by turning off individual hot and cold water lines if available. Double-check that no water flows from the shower before proceeding to prevent flooding.

I'm a beginner. How difficult is this project, and how long should I expect it to take?

This project is classified as beginner difficulty, meaning it's manageable for those new to DIY. The estimated time for completion is around 3 hours. However, this can vary depending on the condition of your old faucet and any unexpected issues, so allow some extra time.

What should I do if my old shower cartridge is stuck and won't come out?

A common issue is a stubborn old cartridge. First, try applying penetrating oil around the cartridge base and let it sit for a few minutes to help loosen it. If it still doesn't budge, you will likely need to use a gear puller, such as the Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller AS3GP, to extract it safely without damaging the valve body.

Transcript
Hide

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.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.