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Install New Cartridge — Prepare and Install New Cartridge

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

How to Identify and Replace Your Delta Monitor Shower Cartridge (Old vs. New) · Step 5 of 7

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Before installing the new cartridge, apply a liberal amount of silicone-based plumber's grease to all the O-rings. This lubricates them, ensures a good seal, and protects them from damage during installation. Align the new cartridge so the two ears are on the top and bottom, which allows the retaining clip to fit. Pull the stem out slightly to allow air to escape, then push the cartridge firmly and straight into the valve body until it is fully seated.

Goal: Place the new cartridge in the valve body

  • Do not use petroleum-based grease like Vaseline, as it can damage the rubber O-rings. Use only silicone-based plumber's grease.
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FAQs

How do I confirm if I need the older gray RP19804 or the newer white RP46074 Delta cartridge before I start disassembly?

While some Delta handle styles can offer clues, the most reliable method is to remove the handle and trim plate to visually inspect your existing cartridge. Note its color (gray or white) and any distinguishing markings or numbers to ensure you purchase the correct replacement part.

The project lists several tools; which are absolutely essential for a successful cartridge replacement, and can I use basic alternatives?

You'll primarily need slip-joint pliers or Channel Locks for gripping the bonnet nut and a Phillips head or flat head screwdriver for the handle and trim screws. While specialized tools are listed, basic versions of these are often sufficient. Ensure your chosen pliers can provide a secure grip without damaging plastic components.

What should I do if I can't locate my main water shut-off valve, or if the water doesn't completely stop flowing after I turn it off?

First, check for an individual shut-off valve to your bathroom or shower, often found behind an access panel. If no such valve exists and the main shut-off is inaccessible or faulty, it's best to contact a professional plumber to avoid water damage and ensure a complete water stoppage before proceeding.

I've replaced the cartridge and reassembled everything, but the shower still drips, leaks, or has reduced flow. What could be the issue?

Double-check that the new cartridge is fully seated and properly oriented; the 'H' and 'C' markings usually align with the hot and cold lines. Ensure the bonnet nut is tightened securely, but not overtightened, and verify that all O-rings are in place and adequately lubricated with plumber's grease.

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I always recommend putting plumbers grease on the new cartridge. Anywhere you have O-rings, you want to use a silicone-based grease. And especially if you have an older home like this, the buildup of minerals can actually leave little hard particles, and when you shove in the new cartridge, you can actually nick this, and I've had it happen in the past where I didn't grease it up, you'll actually get a nick and it will leak. So the grease does a couple of things. It helps protect and waterproof these O-rings, and then it helps slide it in much easier. And you would not want to use Vaseline or anything petroleum-based because it will actually damage the O-rings, anything rubber. So use a good quality plumbers grease on everything, and it will help you slide it in and help protect the O-rings. So when we install the new cartridge, we're going to be holding it in with this retaining clip, and these two ears, these two extensions here, the clip grows right around it. So we're going to have to make sure that we put the new one in, where these two tabs are on the top and the bottom in this case, because the clip goes down around it. So all I'm going to do is just push it straight in, and it's good to, actually when you're putting it in, make sure the stem is pulled out that way the air passes through it. If the stem were pushed in, it's harder to push in. So the stem is out. Now if you're having a hard time pushing it in, you can also use that tool, put it on here and tap it in gently.

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