Are Delta Cartridges Interchangeable? – Can You Use or the Other?

The cartridge is one of the crucial parts of the Delta faucet. You will face different issues when it fails, such as leakage at the base or from the handle.

And when it comes to replacing the faulty cartridge, you might wonder, are Delta cartridges interchangeable?

Delta cartridges are not interchangeable. That means you can not replace the cartridge of your Delta faucet with a replacement part of another model. So, you must check the compatibility of the new cartridge before purchasing it.

However, that is not the only thing you need to know about the topic. There’s so much more that you can learn by continuing to read.

Are Delta Faucet Cartridges Interchangeable?

Is the Delta faucet not working correctly? Well, that is a good reason for changing the cartridge.

Nonetheless, as mentioned earlier, although the faucet handles of some of the Delta faucets are interchangeable, you can not use one cartridge or the other.

Instead, you need to purchase a replacement cartridge specifically for your Delta faucet. And if you don’t use the correct cartridge, the faucet might not work at all.

That’s why it is crucial to nail the Delta faucet cartridge identification process.

How to Install Delta Faucet Cartridge?

Want to know how can you replace the cartridge of your Delta faucet? Well, you don’t need to go through any intricate steps.

Finding that hard to believe? See the steps for yourself.

1. Turn the Shut-off Valves on

First and foremost, you should close the water flow to the faucet. Locate the shut-off valve on the water pipe and turn it on.

That will stop the flow. However, you must turn the main water line off if you don’t see such a valve under the sink.

2. Remove the Handle

There will be a fastener on the handle, which you will need to unscrew. Use an Allen wrench to do so. Some Delta faucets might have a rubber plug on top of the screw.

Pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver to access the fastener inside.

Once the screw is out, gently pull the handle up. It should effortlessly come out. But you might have to wiggle it around if it does not.

3. Take the Trim Cover Out

On the Delta faucets, there will be a trim cover right under the handle. Do not attempt to remove it with a tool.

You will put some bizarre marks on it. Instead, wear a rubber glove and unscrew it by rotating it counterclockwise.

If you still find it hard to grasp the trim cover properly, put the gloves on it and rotate it with a pair of adjustable pliers.

4. Remove the Bonnet Nut

Once the trim cover is off, you need to take the bonnet nut, also known as a cartridge-retaining ring, out. For this, you will have to use a wrench.

5. Pull out the Old and Faulty Cartridge

You should be able to see the cartridge after getting the bonnet nut out. Now, to get the cartridge out, you should use the wrench again to grab its head.

Once you have the wrench secure, pull it. If you fail to get a proper hold of the head, you can use a pair of adjustable pliers.

It can get stuck in the slot when there is too much debris buildup around it.

6. Install the New Cartridge in Place

Clean the slot and remove sediment or calcium buildup. You can use a brush and some vinegar to clean effectively.

Also, it would be a good time to check the condition of the gaskets at this point. If they appear to be worn, you should replace them as well.

When the slot is clean, push the new cartridge in place. It should fit and stay put just like the old one.

7. Reassemble the Parts

Put the retaining nut back when you put the new cartridge in the slot. Tighten it with a wrench. However, make sure not to over-tighten it.

Otherwise, you can strip the threads, requiring an entire faucet replacement. So, be a little careful while tightening the nut.

Once the bonnet nut is in place, reinstall the trim cover. Tighten it with your hands or a pair of adjustable pliers by putting gloves on top.

Afterward, you should place the handle and fasten the retaining screw. Again, do not over-tighten the screw. And that would be all.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Delta shower cartridge be reversed?

You can reverse the Delta shower cartridge. To do so, you will need an Allen wrench. There will be holed right underneath the handle, which is where you have to put the wrench inside. Afterward, rotate it to the left-hand side or right-hand side.

2. What happens if you install a Delta shower cartridge backward?

The Delta shower faucet will normally work even when the cartridge is installed backward. This reversed cartridge installation will just rotate the operational process of the knob.

3. How do I know if my Delta cartridge is bad?

Water dripping from the spout, hot water coming out of the cold water outlet, and difficulty adjusting the water temperature are common signs of a faulty Delta cartridge.

Final Words

So, are Delta cartridges interchangeable? The short answer would be ‘NO’. You can not use one Delta cartridge instead of the other.

Instead, for installing a new cartridge, you need to ensure that you have the correct replacement. Otherwise, the faucet will not work.