Leaks in a sink, tub or shower are often due to problems with faucet parts. Faucet cartridges and stems are common culprits. Over time, faucet stems and cartridges suffer wear and tear and eventually require replacement. Fortunately, you can often tackle the job yourself if you have the right parts on hand. Ace can help you prepare for your DIY repair project with a diverse assortment of sink, tub and shower valve cartridge and stem options.
What Are Faucet Cartridges?
Faucet cartridges control water flow in various plumbing fixtures. You’ll find them in sink, tub and shower faucets that have just one faucet handle, which operates both the hot and cold water.
Located in the faucet valve, the cartridge turns when you move the handle, allowing the flow of water to begin. When you turn the handle into the off position, the cartridge shifts back into place again. When faucet cartridges begin to wear out, they may no longer seal tightly, making it possible for water to leak through.
Are Tub and Shower Cartridges the Same?
The difference between a tub or shower cartridge is simple and lies in the name: a tub cartridge is for a bathtub whereas a shower valve cartridge is for the shower. If you have one unit controlling both your shower and bathtub’s water flow, they may be the same.
What Are Faucet Stems?
Faucet stems are plumbing parts that control water flow in fixtures that have separate handles for hot and cold water. Each of the handles has its own stem. Like faucet cartridges, stems move when you operate the handle attached to it, opening and closing the valves to start and stop the flow of water. Wear and tear on a faucet stem can lead to leaks.
When to Replace a Cartridge or Stem for a Sink, Tub or Shower
The most common sign that it’s time to replace a cartridge or stem is when water is dripping from a sink or tub and shower faucet that’s in the off position. However, there are some other signs that a tub or shower cartridge or stem is failing that you should be aware of.
As a sink, tub or shower cartridge wears out, you may find it more difficult to move the faucet handle toward the hot and/or cold water position. Another sign of an aging faucet cartridge is hot water flowing when you move the handle toward cold or vice versa. A failing faucet stem will make it harder to operate the hot or cold faucet handle. You may also see leaking around the handles if either a stem or cartridge is going bad.
Choosing the Right Sink, Tub or Shower Cartridge or Stem
When replacing faucet stems and faucet cartridges, you must get the right replacement part for your sink, tub, or shower. Stems and cartridges come in different types and sizes, and only the one designed for your particular sink, tub or shower faucet will work properly.
Shop Shower and Tub Cartridges at Ace
One simple way to ensure that you get the right sink, tub or shower cartridge or stem is to take apart the handle assembly, retrieve the part and bring it into your neighborhood Ace Hardware store. A knowledgeable associate can help you identify the correct replacement valve. If you already know which part number you need, you can also shop for faucet stems and cartridges from brands like Danco, Kohler and Moen online from the comfort of your home.
