How Do I Install The Washerless Volume Control Cartridge For A Three Handle Tub / Shower Faucet?

This article will explain how to install a washerless volume control cartridge for a 2 handle pressure balanced shower faucet.

To install the cartridge, you must:

1. Remove the cartridge as well as the seat and spring.
2. Install the new cartridge, seat and spring.
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, the seat and the spring.

1. After you've removed the handle, remove the threaded sleeve by twisting counter-clockwise with a wrench.
   
   
   
   
2. Remove the stem extension by pulling straight out. The cartridge will likely come off with the extension. Pull them apart to separate. If the cartridge does not come out with the extension, pull it straight out of the valve by the stem.
   
   
   
   
   ** If the stem extension is damaged or broken, the part needs to be replaced **
   
   
3. Once the cartridge is removed, look inside the faucet body and locate the seat and spring. Remove the seat and spring. 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.
   
   
   
   d. Remove the seat and spring. 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. Insert the cartridge into the valve body.  When installing it into the valve, make sure the flat side of the D shaped stem is facing left. Also, the rounded side of the "D", needs to be on the same side as the rounded stopper of the cartridge body. The cartridge has 2 pieces of plastic that stick out slightly on each side.  These fit into matching grooves in the faucet body.  Fit the cartridge in so the sides fit into these grooves.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Fit the stem extension over the cartridge stem.  You'll notice the cartridge stem is D-shaped.  So is the stem of the stem extension.  Fit these pieces together so the flat sides of each stem line up.
   
   
   
   
4. Reinstall the threaded sleeve over the cartridge with an adjustable wrench (mind the threads), twisting clockwise. This piece requires 10-14 lbs of torque.  Generally, that is hand tight, plus a half turn clockwise.
   
   

Step 3 – Test for leaks

1. Once all of the parts are re-installed, turn on the water supply for the faucet and let the water run for approximately 10 minutes. If you notice that water is leaking from the ceramic disc cartridge, tighten the lock nut and test again.
   
   
2. If you notice the water is not shutting off completely, turn your water supply off, remove the cartridge and extract the spring.  Stretch the spring slightly – not so much as to destroy the memory of the spring, but just enough to extend it slightly.  Reinstall the parts and test again.