Regardless of which valve cartridge is in your faucet, the removal and installation process is the same.
If your bathtub diverter handle won't turn, water leaks out of the tub spout when you shower, the hot water won't flow or the diverter handle is stuck, the problem is a faulty valve cartridge. Faucets may look different, but they have the same basic internal parts. Depending on the manufacturer of the faucet, the valve cartridge is either one or two separate parts. Regardless of which valve cartridge is in your faucet, the removal and installation process is the same. Disassembling the faucet may vary slightly, because one faucet may have more parts than another faucet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shut off the water to the residence. Turn the faucet on in the tub to drain water in the lines. Cover the surface of the bathtub with towels to protect it from damage. Keep parts from rolling into the drain by covering it with a towel.
2. Remove the handle from the diverter by loosening the screw under the handle with an Allen wrench. Use a screwdriver to pry off the decorative button covering the screw on an acrylic handle. Use pliers to unscrew a threaded button on an older metal handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw and then take off the handle.
3. Take off the escutcheon (wall plate). Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the face of the escutcheon and then remove it from the wall. An escutcheon without screws is held on by a threaded sleeve. Unscrew the threaded sleeve counterclockwise by hand to remove it and the escutcheon.
4. Remove the retaining clip, ring or gasket that secures the valve assembly to the faucet. Remove the retaining clip (Moen) from the top front of the valve by grabbing the metal lip with needle-nose pliers and pulling straight out. Unscrew the retaining ring counterclockwise by hand or with an adjustable wrench, depending on the model of faucet. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws from the gasket on a Kohler valve. Pull the valve assembly and cartridge out of the faucet. Be prepared with a towel to catch the water as the valve assembly comes out. Remove any corrosion from the area with a wire brush or toothbrush.
5. Position the replacement cartridge in the faucet and push it all the way in. Insert the replacement valve, making sure the mark on the valve is upright so the hot and cold will not be reversed. Secure the valve with the retaining clip, ring or gasket screws. Reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps. Remove the towels from the bathtub. Turn the water supply to the residence back on and test the faucet.
Tags: valve cartridge, retaining clip, screwdriver remove, valve assembly, your faucet removal
