Skip to main content
Stesso
Project

Remove Cartridge and Retaining Nut — Remove Old Valve Stems

Beginner4 hours

Part of project

Tub Faucet & Shower Valve Replacement: A Complete DIY Guide · Step 3 of 6

Helpful?

In this video

After removing the handle, use a pair of channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen the large retaining nut holding the cartridge in place. Turn the nut counter-clockwise until it can be unscrewed by hand. Next, grip the valve stem with the pliers and pull the entire cartridge straight out of the valve body.

Goal: Remove the faulty shower valve cartridge

Used in this video

  • Channel-Lock Pliers (Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Pliers_Type: Channel-Lock) — Unscrewing the retaining nut and pulling out the old cartridge.
879.2K views6.5K5 minutes
This Old House

2.2M subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

What should I do if I can't find or turn off the main water supply to my house or apartment?

Locating and shutting off the main water supply is the most critical first step. If you can't find it, check your water heater for a shut-off valve, or contact your building manager or a professional plumber. Do not proceed with the project until the water supply is completely off to avoid significant water damage.

Besides the screwdriver and adjustable wrench, are there any other essential supplies or tools I might need for this tub faucet replacement?

Yes, it's highly recommended to have plumber's tape (Teflon tape) for sealing threads, penetrating oil for loosening stuck or corroded old parts, and a small wire brush for cleaning debris. You might also find a basin wrench helpful for reaching nuts in tight spaces behind the tub wall.

I've replaced everything and turned the water back on, but the faucet is still leaking. What should I check first?

First, re-check that the new valve stems are fully seated and securely tightened, but not overtightened. Ensure all O-rings are correctly positioned and intact, as a misplaced or damaged O-ring is a common cause of leaks. Also, verify that the connections to the water supply lines are tight and sealed with plumber's tape.

Is 4 hours a realistic estimate for a complete beginner, or should I budget more time, especially if I encounter stuck parts?

While 4 hours is a good estimate for someone with some DIY experience and no major issues, a complete beginner should budget more, perhaps 6-8 hours. Encountering corroded or stuck parts, or making unexpected trips to the hardware store for forgotten items, can significantly extend the project time.

Transcript
Hide

So this is our cartridge. Okay. And it's held in place by this nut right there. And what I want to do is actually take a pair of pliers and carefully loosen it counterclockwise. Now, that's what held the cartridge in. Now, I want to pull it straight out. Okay. Okay. So there's the cartridge that swings open and close. But we're not done. There's a few more working parts inside.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.