Are faucet cartridges interchangeable?

The ceramic stem cartridge (left) is designed to replace the traditional compression cartridge in two handle faucets. The blue silicone seal or seat on the ceramic cartridge indicates that it a cold side cartridge. Hot side cartridges usually have red seals. The two are not interchangeable.

Also to know is, how do I identify my faucet cartridge?

For sink faucets, look at the front of the spout. The logo may also be on the base of the spout, where it meets the sink, either on the front or the back. For shower faucets, look on the round plate (escutcheon) behind the handle, on the handle itself, or perhaps on the actual valve behind the wall.

Subsequently, question is, what is a faucet cartridge? Each faucet handle (hot and cold) has its own cartridge, a valve that turns with the handle to control the flow of water into the faucet spout. If you have a very old two-handle faucet, it may be a compression-type rather than a cartridge.

Similarly one may ask, are shower cartridges universal?

Cartridges aren't interchangeable among different faucets, so if you decide you need a replacement, you need to know its part number so you can order it from your plumbing supplier or online. That number is usually available on the manufacturer's website in the online version of the owner's manual for your faucet.

Are all shower cartridges the same?

There is absolutely NO difference between the Moen 1222 vs 1222B replacement cartridges. They are both the replacement part cartridge for the Posi Temp Moen shower valve. They are made from the same parts, the only difference is their packaging and model number.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How long do faucet cartridges last?

20 to 30 years

How much does it cost to replace a faucet cartridge?

Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 for the installation of a tub faucet. You'll need to make sure and keep your faucet in line with the plumbing for the tub.

Top Brand of Bathtub Faucets & Costs.

Brand	Average Unit Cost
American Standard	$50-$800
Delta	$50-$2,000
Grohe	$50-$3,000
Pfister	$200-$1,000

How much does it cost to replace shower cartridge?

If not, cartridges I have seen run from about $15-60 - the changeout and initial temperature setting will probably be minimum service charge assuming it can be changed by just removing a decorative faceplate - from $75-175 labor normally except can be more in extremem high cost big city areas - normally around $125

Where do I find my faucet model number?

The model number is printed on a tag that is attached to the cold water supply line of the faucet. The supply line is located below the sink, countertop, bath rim, or behind the bowl of a bidet. The model number, or part number, is typically preceded by "P/N."

Does Moen replace cartridges for free?

Limited Warranty - If this product fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship within one year of original purchase, Moen will replace it free of charge, postage-paid. Simply contact Moen at 1-800-BUY-MOEN for replacement information.

Why do shower cartridges fail?

There are several reasons why the cartridge may have failed; the number one cause is an imbalance in water pressure between the mains cold pressure and the heated hot water. This constant in-balance between the two will cause damage to the cartridge which is housed within the valve.

How do I know what shower cartridge I need?

Look at the center of the trim plate behind the shower handle to find a brand name or manufacturer symbol. If you see a "K," the faucet is a Kohler unit; an "M" signifies Moen. American Standard, Delta and Price Pfister typically print their entire name on the faucet.

Do you need to turn off water to change shower faucet?

Turn off the shower faucets so you don't get drenched while you're working. There's no need to turn off the water to the house. Unscrew the old showerhead by twisting it by hand in a counterclockwise direction. Most aren't screwed into place, but if yours is, remove the screws first.

How long do shower cartridges last?

2 years

How do I know if my shower cartridge is bad?

There are several signs of a cartridge needing to be serviced or replaced. The most obvious is that you have a drip or running water when you turn the handle to the off position. You may also get a drip at the handle itself. Furthermore, you may feel the handle getting increasingly more difficult to turn.

How often do you replace shower cartridge?

Unfortunately, the answer to how often you need to replace your shower filter cartridge is not quite as easy as saying 'every six months' or 'every 12 months. ' The reason being is that 'average' use when it comes to a shower filter is better defined as 'best case scenario' use.

How do I know what Delta shower cartridge I need?

Go to Delta Faucet Website

After you've identified the features of your Delta shower faucet, you can use your computer or smartphone to go to the Delta Faucet website to find Delta shower cartridge types and other parts. At the top of the Delta home page, click on the "Bathroom" link.

Why do faucet cartridges fail?

Usually, cartridge faucet woes mean that the rubber O rings inside the faucet have worn out, or that passages within the cartridge have become clogged. To do this, find the two shutoff valves beneath the sink that control the plumbing leading to the faucet. Turn the valves clockwise to close them.

How does a cartridge faucet work?

A cartridge faucet is so common you've probably seen dozens and not even noticed. It's a simple faucet, but instead of having two separate taps or knobs for both hot and cold water, there's simply a lever above the spigot. Raising the lever turns the water on, while pushing it down turns the water off.

Why does my faucet continue to run after I turn it off?

If your faucet runs from the spout when the handle is in the off position, then a faulty stem or cartridge component is usually the culprit. In basic terms, turning the faucet to the off position causes rubber or plastic components to compress across an opening or otherwise cut off water flow.

How do you remove the cartridge from a kitchen faucet?

To remove the cartridge from your kitchen faucet assembly, first use a flat-headed screwdriver to carefully pry the cover from the top of the handle. Using a Philips screwdriver, unscrew the handle screw and pull the handle up off the faucet assembly. Unscrew the collar by hand and lift off.

Can a bad faucet cause low water pressure?

Low water pressure can be caused by many things. Simple problems like the shut-off valve being closed or a faucet being blocked can cause low water pressure. More serious issues like plumbing blockages or water leaks decrease water pressure, too.