DIY Guide: Swapping Out Delta Faucet Cartridges

Change your Delta faucet cartridge.

Delta manufactures a variety of cartridge models, and the 1300, 1400, and 1700 series are among the most widely used. The 1300 is a straightforward on-and-off cartridge, while the 1400 series adds a temperature-limit control. The 1700 series Delta faucet cartridge provides dual control, managing temperature and water volume independently. By handling the replacement yourself, you can avoid a costly service call and also reduce your utility expenses.

Step 1

Shut off the water supply valves on the pipes that feed the faucet. If you cannot reach them, close the main water shut-off valve for the house or, if required, the outside water main. Open the faucet to drain any remaining pressure from the system.

Step 2

Take off the faucet handle. A lever-style handle will have a setscrew located beneath the lever. If the handle has a round knob, the screw is hidden under an index button.

Step 3

Remove the cartridge escutcheon by sliding it off manually. The escutcheon is the long metal sleeve that surrounds the cartridge housing.

Step 4

Use your slip-joint pliers to unscrew the Delta cartridge-retaining ring from the faucet body.

Step 5

Pull the Delta cartridge out of the faucet by hand. If it resists removal, carefully pry it from the faucet body using the screwdriver.

Step 6

Install the new Delta cartridge into the faucet by aligning the guides on both the cartridge and the faucet body.

Step 7

Thread the retaining nut back onto the faucet by hand, then use the pliers to tighten it an additional quarter-turn.

Step 8

Slide the escutcheon back onto the faucet body.

Step 9

Reattach the handle and secure it with the screwdriver.

Step 10

Restore the water supply by opening the shut-off valves.