Kohler Faucet Cartridge Replacement – How to Do It?

When my Kohler faucet’s handle started dripping water uncontrollably, I automatically assumed there must be something wrong with the cartridge.

Immediately, it was time to go through the Kohler faucet cartridge replacement process.

After executing it myself, I learned it is pretty simple. You need to start by removing everything that comes in the way of you removing the cartridge. Then insert the new cartridge and make sure everything goes back to running smoothly.

Convenient, right? Bet it will become even simpler once you go through the whole process – which you will find in this article.

Reasons to Replace Kohler Faucet Cartridge

It can be rather difficult to know whether your Kohler faucet cartridge has actually gone bad or not – that is, if it really is the time to replace it.

But here are some signs that you should not avoid, and we will be discussing those right now.

Water Leaks

If your faucet is leaking at the handle or the spout, then chances are there is something wrong with the cartridge.

You can hire a plumber to check where the problem is, or you can simply replace the cartridge.

Handles Are Difficult to Turn

This sign is not common with every Kohler faucet, but in some cases, you will notice that the handles are difficult to turn.

It can also be due to excessive dirt and gunk – so it would be recommended to get it checked by a plumber before replacing the cartridge.

Poor Adjustment of Temperature

When the cartridge in a faucet goes bad, adjusting the water temperature becomes rather difficult. If you notice that your faucet is not producing cold water when you change the temperature, then it is time to replace the cartridge.

Water Not Heating Well

On the other hand, if you notice that the water does not heat up at all in your faucet, then you need to get the cartridge checked.

A cartridge that has gone bad might not be able to increase the temperature at all.

Kohler Faucet Cartridge Replacement Process

Replacing the cartridge of your Kohler faucet is something you can do by yourself. This means that you don’t necessarily need to spend more on a plumber.

In fact, if you follow these instructions, then it will become even easier for you.

Gather Everything You Need

Before you start the process, you need to gather all the things you need for no interruption. Of course, the first thing to get is a new cartridge – and make sure it is absolutely compatible with the faucet.

Alongside that, you need a flat-head screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, and an Allen wrench if the handles are attached using hex screws.

Turn off the Water Supply

Start by turning the water supply of the Kohler faucet that you need to work with.

For that, you need to find the water supply valve, and you will most likely find them under the faucet.

Once you have found it, you need to rotate the handle to the right side – and the supply will be cut.

Remove the Faucet Cap

Now, you need to remove the faucet cap. For this part, you will need a flat-head screwdriver. Start by prying the screwdriver under the faucet cap for a few seconds.

Eventually, the faucet cap will pop off the faucet, and then you need to keep it in a secure place.

Remove the Faucet Trim Ring

After removing the faucet cap, you need to remove the handle of the faucet. Start by removing the screw using the Philips screwdriver and then store it in a secure place.

Then remove the faucet trim ring – it is the metal ring that you find your faucet body surrounded by.

Remove the Retention Plate

At the top of the faucet, you will see that there is a plastic piece that holds the cartridge in place. You need to remove that before you can successfully remove the cartridge.

For that, unscrew the retention plate and set it aside as it comes off.

Pull out the Cartridge

Now is the time to pull the cartridge out – and you might need the help of pliers for that. Start by grasping the head of the cartridge using the pliers and twist slowly as it comes out.

After removing the cartridge, you can dispose of it.

Insert New Cartridge

It is time to insert the new cartridge. All the instructions should be provided with your Kohler faucet cartridge kit regarding how it should be installed in the faucet.

Even without the instructions, you can just simply put in the place of the previous cartridge, and that would be it.

Put Everything Back Together

After installing the new cartridge, you should start putting everything back together. This includes the handle, the faucet cap, the trim ring, and the retention plate – wherever they were attached previously.

Turn on the Water Supply

Once you have installed everything back the way it was, you should turn the water supply on. Then turn the faucet on for at least 30 seconds to make sure the cartridge gets cleaned up properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where to find replacement Kohler faucet cartridge?

You can easily find replacement Kohler faucet cartridges in their official stores and websites. If you have a warranty, then you might be able to avail of discounts on the replacement parts as well.

2. What is the Kohler kitchen faucet cartridge replacement process?

The Kohler kitchen faucet cartridge replacement process is just as simple. Make sure to find the location of the cartridge, remove the previous one, and attach the new cartridge in its place.

3. How do I remove the cartridge from my Kohler faucet?

To remove the cartridge from your Kohler faucet, you need to turn off the heat supply first, make sure to remove the handle, retention plate, faucet cap, and trim ring, and then take the cartridge out using pliers.

4. How do I find the right cartridge for my faucet?

For that, you can take the help of Kohler itself. You can use the model number for Kohler faucet cartridge identification and then use that to find the proper replacement required.

5. How long does a Kohler faucet cartridge last?

Kohler faucet cartridges tend to have a long lifespan – this means that you can expect them to last as long as the faucet does. However, due to excessive usage and low maintenance, they can go bad within 5-10 years.

Final Words

Now that you know the whole Kohler faucet cartridge replacement process, what will you do? Go through with it yourself, or hire a plumber?

That is because you can execute it flawlessly with the instructions alone – and with the necessary tools, obviously.

So you can save the extra bucks and also acquire a skill in the process.