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A dripping faucet that won’t stop — even when fully closed — almost always means the cartridge is worn. Cartridges are the valve mechanism inside single-handle faucets that controls flow and temperature. The right replacement cartridge stops the drip permanently. The hard part is identifying which cartridge your faucet uses. Here’s how to figure it out and what to buy.
Shower valve instead of a sink? See shower cartridge replacement.
| Product | Best For | Price tier |
|---|---|---|
| Moen 1225 Cartridge | Best for Moen Faucets | Mid |
| Delta RP50587 Valve Cartridge | Best for Delta Faucets | Highest |
| Kohler GP1016515 Valve | Best for Kohler Faucets | Lowest |
Best for Moen: Moen 1225 Cartridge
Check the Moen 1225 Cartridge price on Amazon →
The Moen 1225 has been in service since 1981, but it covers a closed window rather than the whole range. Moen’s own cartridge guide lists it for one-handle kitchen faucets launched before 2009 and one-handle lavatory faucets launched before 2011; newer Moen one-handle faucets are built around the 1255 Duralast cartridge instead. Check how old your faucet is before you order. The 1225 does also fit one-handle non-pressure-balanced tub and shower valves, and Moentrol valves. Most Moen faucets carry Moen’s Lifetime Limited warranty, so if yours drips, call 1-800-BUY-MOEN before buying anything.
- ✅ Fits Moen one-handle kitchen faucets launched before 2009 and lavatory faucets before 2011
- ✅ Most Moen faucets carry a Lifetime Limited warranty
- ✅ Genuine Moen OEM part
- ❌ Only for Moen faucets
- ❌ Newer Moen one-handle faucets take the 1255 Duralast, not this
- ❌ Not for Posi-Temp or ExactTemp valves — Moen’s listing excludes both
Best for Delta: RP50587 Cartridge
Check the Delta RP50587 cartridge on Amazon →
Delta’s own part for single-handle kitchen and lavatory faucets. Buying the genuine Delta cartridge is the whole point here — it is the part the faucet was built around, so there is no guesswork about seat depth or handle travel. Note this is the sink part; a tub or shower valve takes a different cartridge, covered in our shower cartridge guide.
- ✅ Genuine Delta part
- ✅ For single-handle kitchen and lavatory faucets
- ❌ Wrong part for a tub/shower valve
Best for Kohler: GP1016515 Valve
Check the Kohler GP1016515 valve on Amazon →
The genuine Kohler valve kit for various single-control faucets. Kohler suggest fitting their GP30420 O-ring kit at the same time — worth doing while the faucet is apart, since the O-rings are the other thing that weeps.
- ✅ Kohler genuine part
- ✅ Fits various single-control Kohler faucets
- ❌ Check your model before ordering — Kohler use several valve types
How to Identify and Replace a Faucet Cartridge
- Turn off both supply valves under the sink.
- Remove the handle — usually a set screw under a decorative cap.
- Note the cartridge orientation (photograph it before removal).
- Pull the cartridge straight out with pliers or a cartridge puller tool.
- Take the old cartridge to a plumbing supply store to match it exactly, or identify the faucet brand/model and order the OEM replacement.
- Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation. Replace the retaining clip if present.
- Reassemble and test.
Tip: Cartridge orientation matters — installing it 180° off will make hot and cold reversed. Mark the front of the cartridge before removal.
FAQ
How do I know which cartridge my faucet takes?
Look for a brand name on the faucet body or handle. If you can’t find it, remove the cartridge and take it to a plumbing supply store — they can usually match it from the physical part.
My faucet still drips after a new cartridge. What’s wrong?
Either the cartridge is installed incorrectly (check orientation) or the valve seat is damaged. A damaged seat will cut through cartridges — have a plumber resurface or replace the seat.
Bottom Line
If you have Moen faucets, call Moen’s warranty line first — the cartridge is free. Moen sends the part; it will not pay a plumber to fit it. For other brands, buy the OEM cartridge for your specific faucet model. Third-party cartridges are cheaper but often fail sooner than OEM parts.
A cartridge is a cheap fix and worth trying first. But if you’re on your second one, or the finish is pitting and the base is weeping, you’re maintaining a faucet that’s done — our kitchen faucet picks are an affordable upgrade.
Got the right cartridge? Follow our step-by-step how to replace a faucet cartridge guide to install it.
The tool that decides how this goes: a seized Moen cartridge will not come out with pliers, and levering on it can crack the housing. Danco Moen cartridge puller.
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