As a home improvement expert who has renovated dozens of bathrooms and kitchens, one of the most common questions I get is “How do I know what cartridge my faucet is?” Identifying the right faucet cartridge is crucial when you need to repair or replace your sink, shower or tub fixture. The cartridge contains all the inner valves, seals, springs and discs that control the flow and temperature of your water.
Replacing the cartridge is one of the easiest ways to fix a dripping or leaky faucet and restore full water pressure. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all my pro tips for identifying and replacing cartridges in bathroom and kitchen faucets so you can take on faucet repairs like a pro!
What is a Faucet Cartridge and How Does It Work?
The cartridge is the heart of your faucet located under the handle(s) that turns your water on and off. When you move the handle, the cartridge opens and closes to control the flow and temperature of water coming out of the faucet spout.
There are four main types of cartridge designs:
Ceramic Disc Cartridges
The most common modern design, ceramic disc cartridges use two hard ceramic discs with small holes that rub against each other to regulate the flow and mix of hot and cold water. As the discs rotate, the holes line up to allow more or less water to flow through.
Ceramic discs provide smooth handle operation and precise flow control. They withstand the test of time, with an average lifespan of 15 years. You‘ll find ceramic discs in most single-handle faucets.
Compression Cartridges
Compression cartridges utilize rubber washers that get squeezed against valve seats to control water flow and temperature. They are typically found in two-handle faucets. The rubber washers wear out over time leading to leaks, so compression cartridges need regular maintenance.
Ball Cartridges
Ball cartridges have a metal ball inside that rotates within a plastic or metal socket to direct hot and cold water flow when the handle is turned. They provide a fluid, range-of-motion handle movement but are prone to mineral buildup and sticking over time. Ball cartridges are found in older single-handle faucets.
Cartridge Valves
Cartridge valves refer to simple plastic cartridges with an up/down motion that raises or lowers a stem to open and close water flow. They are used in widespread and centerset two-handle faucets in bathrooms and kitchens. The all-plastic construction makes them prone to wear and tear over time.
Now that you know the basic faucet cartridge designs, let’s go over how to identify the specific cartridge model you have. This will ensure you get the correct replacement part if yours needs repair.
How to Identify Bathroom Faucet Cartridges
Bathroom sink, tub and shower faucets primarily use ceramic disc, compression or cartridge valve designs. Here’s how to identify them:
Single-Handle Bathroom Faucets
Single-handle bath faucets almost always use a cylindrical ceramic disc or ball cartridge design. Here’s how to tell:
- Remove the handle and any surrounding decorative sleeve, bonnet or cap. This gives you access to the cartridge.
- Ceramic disc cartridges are cylindrical with two round, flat discs that rub together. Popular models are Moen 1225, Kohler K-10433 and American Standard 1676.276.002.
- Vintage ball cartridges contain a rotating metal ball inside an elongated cylindrical body. Delta, American Standard and other brands used ball cartridges.
- Inspect the cartridge for any model numbers or markings. Measure the dimensions. This will help you find an exact replacement.
Two-Handle Bathroom Faucets
You’ll need to determine if you have a compression or cartridge valve design:
- Pry off the handles and remove any surrounding parts or casing to access the cartridges. Only remove one handle at first.
- Compression cartridges have stem assemblies with rubber washers/discs that get compressed together to control water flow.
- Cartridge valves in widespread or centerset faucets simply raise or lower to open/close water flow. They are usually plastic.
- Check for brand markings to identify the cartridge model or measure the dimensions.
Tub/Shower Faucets
Tub and shower faucets follow the same cartridge designs:
- Single-handle mixers use ceramic disc or vintage ball cartridges.
- Two-handle mixers use sliding plastic cartridge valves.
- Remove all handles, trim, escutcheon plates and casings to access the cartridges.
- Inspect and note all markings, dimensions and identifiers.
Here are some approximate measurements for common tub/shower cartridges:
- Moen ceramic disc: 2.5” diameter x 3” length
- Delta ball: 1.5” diameter x 5” length
- Kohler ceramic disc: 2.75″ diameter x 3″ length
- American Standard ceramic disc: 2.5” diameter x 3.25” length
Use these details to search online or take to your local hardware store to find replacement cartridge options.
How to Identify Kitchen Faucet Cartridges
Kitchen faucets primarily use ceramic disc, ball and cartridge valve designs. Here’s how to determine which one you have:
Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets
- Remove the handle, any trim rings and the dome cap or casing surrounding the cartridge.
- Ceramic disc cartridges are cylindrical with two rotating ceramic discs. Popular models are Moen 1225 and 1255.
- Vintage ball cartridges have a metal rotating ball inside a plastic or metal body. Delta and other brands used these.
Two-Handle Kitchen Faucets
- Take off the handles and interior parts to access the cartridges.
- Compression faucets have rubber washers/discs that get compressed together to control water flow.
- Bridge, widespread and centerset designs use simple plastic cartridges that raise and lower to open/close water flow.
Here are the approximate measurements for some common kitchen faucet cartridges:
- Moen 1255 ceramic disc: 3.7” x 1” diameter
- Delta RP25513 ball: 4.5” x 1.25” diameter
- Kohler K-10433 ceramic disc: 3.5″ x 1.75″ diameter
- American Standard 1676.005 cartridge: 3.25” x 1.5” diameter
Use these details to find a replacement cartridge that matches your existing faucet.
Pro Tips for Accessing and Removing Cartridges
Getting to those inner cartridges can be tricky. Here are my best tips for easy access:
- Turn off hot and cold water supply lines under sink before starting
- Pry off any decorative caps or covers with a small flathead screwdriver
- Remove any screws securing the handle and pull handle up and off
- Use pliers or wrench to remove casings and sleeves surrounding cartridge
- Spray penetrating oil on stubborn cartridges and let sit 15 minutes before prying out
- Note model, brand and measurements before buying replacement
Taking detailed notes and measurements ensures you get the right replacement cartridge for a smooth installation.
Keep Cartridges Working with Regular Maintenance
Extend the life of your faucet cartridges and prevent leaks with simple regular maintenance:
- Soak in equal white vinegar & hot water to remove mineral buildup
- Use scale remover liquid and nylon brush to gently clean out hard water deposits
- Flush thoroughly with clean water after cleaning
- Lubricate O-rings with plumber‘s silicone grease
- Replace any worn out O-rings, springs or washers in compression/ball cartridges
Proper cleaning and lubrication lets cartridges operate smoothly for years longer. But if your cartridge is totally worn out, replacement is your best option for restoring water flow.
Helpful Charts for Identifying Bathroom & Kitchen Faucet Cartridges
Use these handy reference charts I’ve created to identify cartridges by the most common faucet brands:
Bathroom Sink Faucet Cartridges
| Brand | Cartridge Type | Model Number |
| Moen | Ceramic Disc | 1225, 1222, 1225B |
| Delta | Ball | RP19804 |
| Kohler | Ceramic Disc | K-10433 |
| American Standard | Ceramic Disc | 1676.276.002 |
| Pfister | Ceramic Disc | 974-292 |
| Hansgrohe | Ceramic Disc | 28010000 |
Use these details to match up your existing bathroom sink faucet cartridge for replacement.
Kitchen Faucet Cartridges
| Brand | Cartridge Type | Model Number |
| Moen | Ceramic Disc | 1225, 1255 |
| Delta | Ball | RP25513, RP4993 |
| Kohler | Ceramic Disc | K-10433, GP77759 |
| American Standard | Ceramic Disc | 1676.276.002 |
| Hansgrohe | Ceramic Disc | 04263000 |
| Glacier Bay | Ceramic Disc | 535-533 |
Use these kitchen faucet cartridge specs to find the right replacement model for your brand.
Ordering Faucet Cartridge Replacements
Once you’ve identified the cartridge model number and dimensions, here are some tips for ordering a replacement:
- Check the manufacturer’s website for replacement parts lookup
- Search home improvement sites like Amazon, Home Depot or Lowes using the cartridge model number
- Take the cartridge details to your local plumbing supply or hardware store
- Only purchase OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges for proper fit
- Avoid cheap off-brand replacements that may not function correctly
- Order a few spares to have on hand for future repairs
- Spend a little more on a high quality ceramic or metal cartridge for maximum longevity
Installing the right OEM replacement cartridge maintains optimal performance and longevity for your faucet. Take the time to properly ID your cartridge, and you’ll fix faucet issues quickly and easily.
I hope this guide gives you the complete details for identifying and replacing cartridges in bathroom and kitchen faucets. Let me know in the comments if you need any other tips for your faucet repair projects!
