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True Value
Project

Remove Bonnet Nut and Old Cartridge — Remove the Retaining Clip or Nut

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Shower Faucet Valve: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 3 of 5

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In this video

With the handle removed, take off the escutcheon plate. This exposes the bonnet nut that secures the cartridge. If the bonnet nut is also corroded and stuck, you will need to cut it as well. Carefully use a hacksaw blade to cut a slit into the side of the bonnet nut, stopping just before you reach the threads of the valve body. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the cut and twist to crack the nut open. Once cracked, you should be able to unscrew it. Then, grip the old cartridge with pliers and pull it straight out of the valve body.

Goal: Laundry Faucet Repair (Cartridge Replacement)

  • When cutting the bonnet nut, be extremely cautious not to cut into the threads of the main valve body, as this will cause leaks and require a more significant repair.
  • Wrapping the end of the hacksaw blade in a towel or toilet paper can create a makeshift, more comfortable handle for tight spaces.

Used in this video

  • Hacksaw (Tool Type: Hacksaw) — Cutting the stuck bonnet nut.
  • Screwdriver (Screwdriver Type: Flathead) — Prying open the cut bonnet nut.
  • Pliers (Pliers Type: Slip-Joint) — Gripping and pulling out the old cartridge.
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FAQs

What are the essential tools I'll need for this shower valve replacement project?

You'll definitely need a screwdriver (a 6-in-1 multi-screwdriver is ideal) and pliers. Depending on how stuck your old cartridge is, a specialized cartridge puller tool might also be necessary. Ensure you have your replacement cartridge on hand before you begin.

What is the most critical safety step I should take before beginning this repair?

The most critical step is to turn off the water supply completely, preferably the main shut-off valve for your home or the specific shut-off valves for the shower. Double-check by running a nearby faucet to confirm the water is off. This prevents flooding and potential water damage.

How difficult is replacing a shower faucet valve for a beginner, and how long should I expect it to take?

This project is rated as 'beginner' difficulty. While it involves several steps, most are straightforward. You should allocate approximately 3 hours, especially if it's your first time or if you encounter a stubborn cartridge.

What should I do if the old shower cartridge is stuck and won't come out easily?

First, ensure all retaining clips or nuts are fully removed. If it's still stuck, you may need a specialized cartridge puller tool, which can be rented or purchased from a hardware store. Applying a penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) and letting it sit might also help loosen it.

Transcript
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There we go. So what do we got now? We shouldn't be able to take this off. Figure out what kind of cartridge it is. Go buy a new cartridge, go buy a new one of these and then never ever ever look at YouTube for advice about taking off things that are corroded. Just use a hacksaw. When it's time to improvise the handheld hacksaw it's important to wrap it first in toilet paper before you wrap it up in one of your wife's nice washcloths so that if it tears anything up it tears up the toilet paper. So okay where's that bonnet nut? Okay I just finished about 10 of the worst minutes of my life going through and as you can see getting through this. I think I've gotten to the point where I'm about to cut through my pipe which of course we don't want that. So other YouTubers say you just jam something down in there and then see there we go look at that. I went into the pipe a little bit there. I hope that doesn't cause a leak later on. There we go.

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