How to Identify the Correct Shower Faucet and Cartridge Type

Identifying the Brand/Manufacturer of Your Shower Faucet

Faucets were once standard, each with the same internal components but an entirely different style and design on the exterior. The replacement parts were bought from various suppliers, which makes it a simple repair. Today, many manufacturers have their specifications and specifications for parts.

There are differences between stems (cartridges) and valves and splines. This is why you’ll need to learn the faucet’s model before you repair it. Knowing the brand of faucet, you’re working with will make it simpler to take apart and repair. Start the process by:

Are you looking for a brand?

Identification of a faucet’s cartridge (chart).

Shower Faucet Type and Brand Identification

You can determine the faucet’s manufacturer when you look for a marking that indicates the person who designed it. It could be engraved, printed, or laser-etched. A few of the most well-known brands are listed in the following table.

What Kind of Shower Faucet Do I Have?

If you can’t find any marks at the bottom of the faucet, you’ll have to begin disassembling it. Start with the handle. It is possible to determine length of the faucet’s length of the cartridge (stem) distance of your faucet or turn in the direction of the number of lines.

How to Take Apart a Shower Faucet

Step 1

Start by turning off the water flow. This is done by finding the valves that cut off the water (there will be two valves, one for hot and another for cold). If you’re cleaning the shower, you’ll have to find your main valve for water in the building, which is on the outside of the house or in the building.

Step 2

If you want to remove the handle, it is possible to do so with an appropriate screwdriver (Allen wrenches are suitable). The kind of screwdriver you require will be dependent on the type of handle you are using:

If you’re working with one lever handle, you must locate one small set crew within the handle. You can also utilize the Allen wrench.

If you’re using a crystal handle, it will probably have an aluminum cover that can be removed using a flat-head screwdriver. This will allow you to remove the stem using a Phillips screwdriver.

If you’re using faucets with two handles, remove the plastic cap with the decorative design (pry it off using the help of a Phillips screwdriver).

Step 3

After the screws have been removed Once the screws are removed, you can take the handle and stem apart. They typically come out of the handle in a clump. You might have to twist the stem before you take it off to disconnect it completely.

Moen Disassembly and Installation Instructions

Figure Out Where Your Faucet Is Leaking or Broken

It’s time to pinpoint the problem. If you’re experiencing an issue of leaks, you’ll likely observe that the rubber O-rings and washers are worn off (often due to aging). Replacement washers for rubber are inexpensive and simple to repair. You can bring your parts to the hardware store in your area (plumbing shops are also great). They’ll be able to identify the faucet’s type and the failed part. They can also assist with replacing the faucet.

How to Identify the Cartridge Brand

You could reduce costs by finding out the cartridge’s brand. You can do this by measuring the length of the cartridge and the number of Splines. Once you have this information, you can examine them against an existing reference. Take a look at this Interline brand Cartridge Identification Chart PDF.

How to Use a Faucet (Valve/Stem) Cartridge Identification Chart

Utilize a ruler or caliper and measure the cartridge. You can measure from the bottom to the top (from the seat to the splines).

Be aware of the length of the cartridge (Lengths vary from 1 to 12).

Then, determine the broach pattern using an image of the chart (see the B-5 page).

Find the length of your stem’s tier (as shown on the right and left of every page).

Find the pattern for the broach that matches (alongside the images of the cartridge). Verify that it’s the correct pattern.

Next, you’ll note the parts numbers you’ll require.

Additional Tips for Repairing Shower Faucets

Attention to warranty information: Keep all paperwork and records of your faucet’s model and type; if it’s covered by warranty, you might get replacement parts for free by contacting the manufacturer.

Find out the sources for your brand: Brands like Pfister don’t offer parts in local hardware stores. It would help if you searched on Amazon, but because numerous parts can be purchased here, the delivery times are within 3 to 5 days.

Note what parts can be interchanged: Remember that certain rubber seats, O-rings, and springs might have a different design. They may look alike across brands, but they might not be identical. Delta valve seats, for instance, appear identical to Pfister’s designs; however, the diameters differ, which could result in leaks and other issues.

The information contained in this article is correct and accurate to the extent of the author’s knowledge. The information provided is intended for educational or entertainment only. It cannot substitute for individual counsel or professional advice on financial, business, legal, technical, or questions.