How to Change a Ceramic Disk Cartridge from a Wall-Mount Kitchen Faucet

Wall-mount kitchen faucets are an elegant addition to the home. These kitchen faucets are designed to mount directly to the backsplash behind a kitchen sink, and pair well with vessel sinks as well as farmhouse-style sinks. Available in designs ranging from ornate and decorative to sleek and minimalistic in style, there is a wall-mount faucet to match any kitchen.

While the style and design of these faucets might vary greatly, these faucets share a similar functional component — a ceramic disk cartridge. This cartridge is what makes it possible for homeowners to quickly turn on and off the flow of water.

In this guide, learn how to change out a damaged or worn-out ceramic cartridge for a wall-mount faucet.

What Is a Ceramic Disk Cartridge?

Located behind the handle of a wall-mount kitchen faucet is the ceramic disk cartridge. This cartridge acts as the temperature and water-flow control of the faucet. There is a cartridge resting behind both the hot and cold handle of a dual-handled, wall-mount faucet.

Inside these cartridges are discs designed with ceramic carbide. These rotate to control the flow of water and are designed with extreme durability in mind.

However, over time, the cartridge can wear, which necessitates replacement. The good news is that replacing a ceramic disk cartridge is relatively easy, and most homeowners will opt to replace the cartridge on their own.

Signs It Is Time to Replace a Faucet Cartridge

When a faucet handle is leaking, even when the handle is in the "off" position, it may be due to the deterioration of the cartridge. Additionally, if the faucet handle is difficult to move, the cartridge may be at fault. By following the steps below, homeowners can quickly replace this piece, restoring their faucet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Ceramic Disk Cartridge

Prior to changing the ceramic disk cartridge, be sure that the water to the faucet is turned off.

1. Remove the cap of the faucet handle. These caps often read “hot” or “cold” and rest snugly in their mount. To remove, use a box cutter or similar tool. Place the blade of the box cutter behind the cap, wiggle it into place, and gently pull the tool forward, popping the cap off the front of the faucet handle.
2. Behind the cap is a screw. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the screw.
3. Gently pull the handle off the faucet once the screw has been loosened.
4. Next, remove the cartridge bonnet nut. This can usually be done by hand, simply twisting the nut to loosen. If necessary, an adjustable wrench can be used to create a firmer grip.
5. With the bonnet nut removed, the cartridge should now be visible. Using an adjustable wrench unthread the cartridgeWiggle the cartridge to remove it. If the cartridge is firmly in place, insert a screwdriver behind the cartridge and gently push to loosen the unit. Be careful not to damage the faucet finish when doing so.
6. Take the new cartridge and thread by hand, then tighten using an adjustable wrenchline it up with the two slots on the sides of the valve body for the cartridge. Push into place.
7. Once the cartridge is in place, screw the cartridge bonnet nut back into place.
8. Next, line up the handle onto the stem of the cartridge.
9. Using the Phillips head screwdriver, retighten the handle’s screw. Be careful not to overtighten. Overtightening can strip the screw.
10. Finally, line up the decorative cap, ensuring that any writing is right-side up with the faucet in the "off" position and snap back into place.

Bonus Tip: Keep a small box handy to place parts in as they are removed and reinstalled. This can prevent the loss of items during the process of replacing the ceramic disk cartridge.

How to Find the Right Faucet Cartridge Replacement

While most faucet cartridges look similar in their design, they are not all interchangeable. It is important to consult the original installation guide and parts specification sheet that came with a faucet to determine what part model is the correct replacement for a given faucet cartridge.

From here, those who have purchased a Kingston Brass faucet can search through the cartridge section to locate the matching part.

Check Out These Wall-Mount Faucet Upgrades

In most cases, swapping out a ceramic disk cartridge will quickly fix any issues with a quality wall-mount faucet. However, for homeowners looking to replace an outdated wall-mount kitchen faucet or who are interested in installing their first wall-mount faucet, Kingston Brass offers numerous stunning options.

Need help picking one out? Choose one of the following based on the style of the kitchen and the overall theme of the room.

• 
  For the traditional-style home: The Kingston Brass Wilshire wall-mount bridge kitchen faucet with a sprayer in antique brass is an ideal match for a traditional-style home. This faucet features elegant lines with stately acrylic handles. The piece carries enough style to act as a centerpiece in the kitchen, making it a good choice for open, spacious kitchens. The antique brass finish will match well with other warm tones and works well with large farmhouse-style sinks.
• For the modern-style home: The Kingston Brass vintage adjustable center-wall-mount kitchen faucet in oil-rubbed bronze features the beautiful lines of a traditional style of faucet and vintage "hot" and "cold" handles. But what makes this faucet truly stand out is the beautiful oil-rubbed-bronze finish. This dark finish is the perfect pick for a modern theme, pairing well with everything from Scandinavian styles to minimalist designs.
• To match any room tone: The Kingston Brass Heritage wall-mount bridge kitchen faucet in polished chrome will gleam and glisten from across the room. With its highly polished finish and stately design, it is the ideal pick for a kitchen that features numerous colors, tones, and hues. The chrome will pair well with almost any style, making it a versatile pick.
• For the perfect contrast to bold colors: The Kingston Brass Heritage wall-mount bridge kitchen faucet with a sprayer in oil-rubbed bronze lacks no extras. With the mountable sprayer and unique horizontal profile of this piece, this faucet makes a statement on its own. The dark oil-rubbed-bronze finish is the perfect accompaniment for kitchens that feature bold, bright colors.

Shop Kingston Brass for a Quality Faucet Upgrade

From the unique and stunning wall-mount faucet design to traditional centerset kitchen faucets, Kingston Brass offers a wide variety of options to match any homeowner’s preferences. Each product is designed with premium materials and provides a stunning finish that will add extra style to the home. Not only can homeowners discover the perfect new faucet upgrade, but Kingston Brass offers an array of kitchen sinks as well. Swap out outdated pieces for a fresh new look with their premium picks.

Browse the extensive online catalog of Kingston Brass products and find the right kitchen upgrade today.