How Do I Install A Washerless Cartridge For A 2 Handle Lavatory Faucet?

This article will explain how to install a washerless cartridge for a two-handle faucet.

Please note that the images are for reference only. The product shown in this article may differ from yours, but the information below is still relevant.

To install a washerless cartridge, you must:

1. Remove the old cartridge, as well as the seats and springs.
2. Install the new cartridge, seats and springs.
3. Test for leaks.

Please Note: Before doing any work on your faucet, please shut off the water supply for the faucet.

Once the water is turned off, you are ready to begin.

Step 1 – Remove the old cartridge, seat and spring.

1. After you've removed the handle, remove any handle adaptors that might be installed on the cartridge stem.

2. Using a pair of adjustable pliers, remove the lock nut.

3. Hold the stem of the cartridge and pull it up until the cartridge is completely removed from the faucet body.

4. Locate the seat and spring and remove them. If you cannot remove the seat and spring with your fingers, use a pair of needle nose pliers or a straightened paper clip to remove them.
 

Step 2 – Install the new cartridge, seat and spring.

1. Install the new seats and springs. To do so, insert the spring into the faucet body. The larger end of the spring goes in first. Next, install the rubber seat over the spring.

2. To install the new cartridge, slide the cartridge into the faucet body and rotate the cartridge until the plastic notches line up with the openings in the faucet body.

The STOPPER (raised section) of the cartridge body must be on the same side as THE ROUNDED stem section (see image A below). For the hot and cold handles water to shut off, the FLAT SIDE of the cartridge stem must be on THE OUTSIDE (see image B below). Otherwise, even with the cartridge placed properly inside the main brass housing, water will not shut off.

A.    B.  

3. Re-install the locking nut with a pair of adjustable pliers. To avoid over-tightening the lock nut, hand tighten the lock nut, and then use the adjustable pliers to apply a quarter turn. Approximately 10-14 lbs of torque are required to properly install the lock nut.


4. Re-install the handle adaptor (if applicable).

Step 3 – Test for leaks

1. Once all of the parts are re-installed, turn on the water supply for the faucet and turn the faucet on and off. If you notice that water is leaking from the cartridge assembly, tighten the lock nut and test again.