How do I know which cartridge fits my faucet?

Check the brand name on the faucet and look for a part number on the existing cartridge. If you can't find it, remove the handle and cartridge, then match it with photos on the manufacturer's website or take it to a hardware store.

Can I replace a cartridge without turning off the water?

No. You must shut off the water supply valves under the sink or the main shut-off valve. Otherwise, water will spray out when you remove the cartridge, and you risk flooding the cabinet.

Why is my new cartridge still leaking?

The cartridge may be the wrong model, installed upside down, or the faucet body seat may be damaged. Check the orientation, confirm the part number, and inspect the seat for cracks or scale.

How often should a faucet cartridge be replaced?

There is no set schedule. Replace it when the faucet drips, the handle becomes stiff, or the water flow is erratic. Ceramic cartridges can last many years, while rubber ones wear faster in hard water.

How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge

When the Cartridge Is the Problem

A dripping faucet that persists after you've tightened the handle, a stream that wanders to one side, or a handle that sticks or feels loose all point to the cartridge. The cartridge is the internal valve that mixes hot and cold water and controls flow. Over time, mineral deposits, worn seals, or debris inside it cause leaks and erratic behavior.

Before you buy parts, confirm the leak is not coming from the sprayer or the base of the faucet. If water pools around the handle or drips from the spout only when the water is on, the cartridge is the likely culprit. A steady drip from the spout with the handle off usually means the cartridge seals have failed.

Replacing the cartridge is a repair you can do yourself with basic tools, and it typically takes under an hour. It also prevents a slow leak from wasting water, which matters if you're trying to reduce your kitchen water usage.

A brass and plastic faucet cartridge held in a hand, with the faucet body in the background

Identify the Faucet Brand and Cartridge Type

Cartridges are brand-specific. A Moen cartridge will not fit a Delta faucet, and even within a brand, different models use different cartridges. Look for the brand name on the faucet base, handle, or underside. If you don't see it, check the manufacturer's website with photos of your faucet, or remove the handle and inspect the cartridge itself for a part number.

Common types include the Moen 1225 (a brass stem cartridge used in many two-handle faucets), the Moen 1200 (a plastic cartridge for single-handle models), the Delta 600 series, and the Kohler ceramic disc cartridge. Ceramic disc cartridges are more durable and less likely to wear, but they can still fail if debris gets inside.

Write down the brand and any numbers you find. A quick online search with those details will tell you the exact replacement part and the correct installation orientation. Ordering the right cartridge the first time saves a return trip.

Brand	Common Cartridge	Typical Use
Moen	1225 / 1222	Single-handle and two-handle faucets
Delta	RP4993	Single-handle faucets with ball or ceramic disc
Kohler	GP10566	Single-handle faucets with ceramic disc
Pfister	974-050	Single-handle faucets

Tools and Preparation Before You Start

You'll need an adjustable wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, pliers (preferably needle-nose), and a small towel. Some faucets require a cartridge puller tool, especially if the cartridge is stuck. You may also need a hex wrench (Allen key) to remove a setscrew on the handle.

Shut off the water supply valves under the sink. If your sink has no shut-off valves, turn off the main water supply. Open the faucet handle to release pressure and let the remaining water drain. Place a towel in the sink to catch drips and to protect the finish from dropped parts.

Lay out the new cartridge and compare it with the old one before installation. If the new cartridge has rubber o-rings, lubricate them with silicone plumber's grease—do not use petroleum jelly, which can degrade the rubber. Having the grease on hand before you start makes reassembly smoother.

An adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, and pliers laid out on a towel

Remove the Handle and the Old Cartridge

Start by removing the handle. On many single-handle faucets, a small cap on the handle covers a setscrew. Pry off the cap, loosen the setscrew with a hex wrench, and lift the handle off. For two-handle faucets, the handle may be held by a screw under a decorative cap or by a threaded collar.

With the handle off, you'll see a retaining nut or clip that holds the cartridge in place. Use pliers to unscrew a metal nut, or pull a U-shaped clip if present. Pull the cartridge straight out with pliers, gripping it by the stem. If it resists, use a cartridge puller tool that screws onto the stem and draws it out with a twisting motion.

Once the cartridge is out, inspect the inside of the faucet body for mineral scale or debris. Wipe it clean with a cloth. Note the orientation of the old cartridge—some have alignment tabs or a notch that must match a corresponding slot in the faucet body. If you're not sure, check the manufacturer's diagram for your model.

Install the New Cartridge and Reassemble

Apply a light coat of silicone grease to the new cartridge's o-rings. Insert the cartridge into the faucet body, aligning the tabs or notches as required. Press it in firmly until it seats. Reinstall the retaining nut or clip and tighten it snugly—do not overtighten, as that can crack the cartridge or strip the threads.

Replace the handle, securing it with the setscrew or screw. Turn the water supply valves back on slowly, and check for leaks around the handle and spout. Run both hot and cold water, and operate the handle through its full range to confirm smooth movement and a steady stream.

If the faucet still drips, the cartridge may be the wrong type, or the seat inside the faucet body may be damaged. Turn off the water, remove the cartridge again, and inspect the seat for cracks or wear. In that case, you may need a seat repair kit or a new faucet.