By Harper JenningsUpdated November 2026
A kitchen faucet cartridge replacement is usually the fix that stops a dripping spout, a faucet that won’t shut off completely, or water that suddenly runs hot when you want cold. The cartridge is the valve core inside the faucet body that controls flow and temperature, and when its seals or ceramic discs wear out, replacing the cartridge is far cheaper and faster than replacing the whole faucet. This list compares six replacement cartridges on fit, construction, brand compatibility and owner feedback patterns, so you can match a part to your faucet before you order.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallDiameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge ReplacementView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for lead-free plumbing2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge ReplacementView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Moen single-handle faucetsMoen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge 4000View on Amazon - 4
Best for American Standard faucetsAmerican Standard 994053-0070A Bath & Kitchen Faucet Replacement Valve CartridgeView on Amazon - 5
Best for Delta faucetsDELTA FAUCET RP73000 Delta Plumbing Replacement Parts, ChromeView on Amazon - 6
Best for older Moen double-handle faucetsMOEN 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge KitView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement | Single-handle kitchen faucets needing a general-fit ceramic cartridge | 35mm ceramic disc design |
| 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement | Buyers wanting lead-free brass and a spare | Two cartridges with 20-tooth stem |
| Moen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge 4000 | Moen single-handle kitchen faucets | Moen-specific ceramic cartridge |
| American Standard 994053-0070A Valve Cartridge | American Standard bath and kitchen faucets | Brand-matched valve cartridge |
| DELTA FAUCET RP73000 Replacement Parts | Delta faucets with a matching repair part | Delta-designed replacement part |
| MOEN 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge Kit | Older Moen double-handle faucets | Double-handle cartridge kit |
Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement
Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement for Single Handle Kitchen Basin Shower Faucet Part, Ceramic Faucet Valve
Best for: Best overall for a single-handle kitchen faucet that needs a ceramic cartridge.
This is a good fit for homeowners who have already removed their faucet cartridge and measured a roughly 35mm body. Ceramic disc cartridges are generally more resistant to sediment wear than rubber-washer designs, which is why many repair guides recommend them for kitchens.
Key specs:
- Cartridge diameter: 35mm
- Design: single-handle ceramic disc
- Application: kitchen basin and shower faucets
Pros:
- Ceramic discs are widely regarded as durable against mineral wear
- Diameter is listed clearly, making fit checks straightforward
- Works across several single-handle faucet styles
Cons:
- Universal-style fit means you must confirm the stem and spout match
- Owners sometimes note that the included instructions are minimal
Bottom line: A strong choice for anyone with a single-handle kitchen faucet who can confirm the 35mm diameter before buying.
2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement
2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement,1/2" Ceramic Disc Hot/Cold Water Valve Core,Quarter Turn 20-Tooth Stem Kit for Kitchen Sink Bathroom Faucet – Lead Free,Stops Leaks & Restores Flow
Best for: Best for lead-free plumbing and buyers who want a spare on hand.
This two-pack suits people who want a brass valve body with a ceramic disc and a spare for the next repair. The listing describes a quarter-turn stem with a 20-tooth design, which is a common configuration on many kitchen faucets.
Key specs:
- Quantity: 2 cartridges per pack
- Connection size: 1/2 inch
- Material: brass body with ceramic disc
- Stem: quarter-turn, 20-tooth
Pros:
- Two cartridges give you a backup part
- Brass construction is common in lead-free-compliant valves
- Quarter-turn stem matches many widely sold faucet types
Cons:
- Generic compatibility means matching the stem count is essential
- Not a branded OEM part, so brand-specific fit is not guaranteed
Bottom line: Best for DIYers who want a lead-free brass cartridge and a spare, provided they verify the 20-tooth stem.
Moen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge 4000
single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge, keeps hand towels easily accessible and also displays decorative towels Moen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge, 4000
Best for: Best for Moen single-handle kitchen faucets.
Owners of Moen single-handle kitchen faucets often prefer a cartridge labeled for the brand because it reduces guesswork about stem height and fit. This Moen-listed ceramic cartridge is aimed at that exact use case.
Key specs:
- Brand: Moen
- Type: single-handle ceramic cartridge
- Model reference: 4000 series
Pros:
- Brand-specific fit reduces the risk of mismatch
- Ceramic design matches current Moen single-handle designs
- Simple to identify against your old cartridge
Cons:
- Only useful if you own a compatible Moen faucet
- Older Moen models may use a different cartridge number
Bottom line: The right pick for Moen single-handle owners who want a like-for-like replacement.
American Standard 994053-0070A Bath & Kitchen Faucet Replacement Valve Cartridge
American Standard 994053-0070A Bath & Kitchen Faucet Replacement Valve Cartridge
Best for: Best for American Standard faucets.
This valve cartridge is designed for American Standard bath and kitchen faucets. It suits anyone who has confirmed the part number on the old cartridge or on the faucet body and wants a direct replacement.
Key specs:
- Brand: American Standard
- Part number: 994053-0070A
- Application: bath and kitchen faucets
Pros:
- Part number matches the manufacturer’s numbering system
- Works for both bath and kitchen applications
- Reduces the need to guess stem geometry
Cons:
- Limited use outside American Standard faucets
- Owners should compare part numbers carefully before ordering
Bottom line: A targeted choice for American Standard owners who have matched the part number.
DELTA FAUCET RP73000 Delta Plumbing Replacement Parts, Chrome
DELTA FAUCET RP73000 Delta Plumbing Replacement Parts, Chrome
Best for: Best for Delta faucets.
Delta faucet owners who are repairing a specific Delta model often look for a Delta-designated replacement part. This listing is for a chrome Delta replacement part, which suits repairs where matching finish and fit matter.
Key specs:
- Brand: Delta
- Part number: RP73000
- Finish: chrome
Pros:
- Brand and part number make matching easier
- Chrome finish matches many Delta kitchen faucets
- Suitable for targeted Delta repairs
Cons:
- Only relevant to compatible Delta faucets
- Confirm the part is a cartridge and not a different internal component
Bottom line: Pick this if your faucet is a Delta and the RP73000 number matches your existing part.
MOEN 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge Kit
Moen 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge Kit Fits Most Double Handle Moen Faucets and Tub/Showers
Best for: Best for older Moen double-handle faucets.
Double-handle Moen faucets, especially older models, use separate hot and cold cartridges and can be harder to match by sight alone. This kit is aimed at owners of double-handle Moen fixtures, including some tub and shower applications.
Key specs:
- Brand: Moen
- Model reference: 1224
- Type: double-handle cartridge kit
Pros:
- Designed for double-handle Moen configurations
- Kit format covers the cartridge and related parts
- Model number helps with identification
Cons:
- Narrow fit range outside Moen double-handle faucets
- Older faucets may require checking the valve body before installation
Bottom line: Best suited to owners of older Moen double-handle faucets who have confirmed the 1224 reference.
Buying Guide
Match the cartridge type to your faucet
Kitchen faucets generally use either a single-handle cartridge or a double-handle cartridge set. Single-handle units usually contain one cartridge that controls both flow and temperature, while double-handle faucets use separate hot and cold cartridges. Installing the wrong type will not seat correctly or may leak at once.
Good picks for this: Moen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge 4000, MOEN 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge Kit
Check the cartridge diameter and body size
Many single-handle cartridges are sized around 35mm, but that is not universal. Measure the diameter of the old cartridge with calipers or a ruler across the widest point, and compare it with the listing. Also confirm the height of the stem and whether the cartridge sits flush in the valve body.
Good picks for this: Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement, 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement
Confirm the brand and model number
Brand-specific cartridges reduce fitting problems. Look for a part number stamped on the old cartridge, the faucet body, or in the owner’s manual. Manufacturers such as Moen, Delta and American Standard publish part numbers that help you match parts exactly.
Good picks for this: American Standard 994053-0070A Bath & Kitchen Faucet Replacement Valve Cartridge, DELTA FAUCET RP73000 Delta Plumbing Replacement Parts
Stem count and rotation style
The stem is the part that engages the handle and the cartridge body. Quarter-turn stems commonly have a specific tooth count, often 20 teeth in many generic designs. A mismatch will make the handle slip or fail to move the cartridge properly, so count the teeth on the old stem before ordering.
Good picks for this: 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement, Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement
Material and water quality
Brass bodies and ceramic discs are common in kitchen cartridges. Ceramic discs tend to resist wear from minerals better than rubber washers, which matters in areas with hard water. Brass is widely used in valve bodies, and look for lead-free labeling if you are concerned about drinking-water components.
Good picks for this: 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement, Moen Single-Handle Replacement Ceramic Cartridge 4000
Durability and spare parts
A cartridge is a wear item, and owners often report replacing them every several years depending on water hardness and use. Buying a two-pack gives you a spare, which can save a trip to the store during a future repair.
Good picks for this: 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement, MOEN 1224 Replacement Faucet Cartridge Kit
Installation and maintenance
Turn off the water supply under the sink before removing a cartridge, and keep the old cartridge until the new one is confirmed working. Lubricate the O-rings with plumber’s silicone grease if the instructions recommend it, and avoid overtightening the retaining nut. Consult a licensed plumber if the valve body is corroded or cracked.
Good picks for this: DELTA FAUCET RP73000 Delta Plumbing Replacement Parts, American Standard 994053-0070A Bath & Kitchen Faucet Replacement Valve Cartridge
FAQ
How do I know if my kitchen faucet needs a cartridge replacement?
Common signs include a steady drip from the spout when the handle is off, a handle that feels loose or stiff, water that will not shut off completely, or a sudden change in water temperature. Some of these symptoms can also come from worn O-rings or a corroded valve seat, so check those first.
Can I replace a kitchen faucet cartridge without removing the whole faucet?
In many single-handle faucets, you can remove the handle, the cap and the retaining nut, then pull the cartridge out of the faucet body without removing the faucet from the sink. Double-handle faucets may require more disassembly, so check the manufacturer’s diagram.
Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a cartridge?
Yes. Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink and open the faucet to relieve pressure before removing any parts. This prevents water from spraying when the cartridge comes out.
How do I choose the right cartridge size?
Measure the diameter of the old cartridge and count the stem teeth, then compare those measurements with the listing. Taking the old cartridge to the store or sending a photo of the part number helps avoid mismatches.
Is a ceramic disc cartridge better than a rubber washer cartridge?
Ceramic disc cartridges are generally more resistant to sediment and mineral wear than older rubber-washer designs. They are common in modern kitchen faucets, though the best choice still depends on your faucet’s original design.
Can a bad cartridge cause low water pressure?
A partially blocked or worn cartridge can restrict flow, but low pressure is more often caused by clogged aerators, sediment in supply lines or problems with the water utility. Clean the aerator first, then check the cartridge if the problem persists.
When should I call a plumber instead of replacing the cartridge myself?
Call a licensed plumber if the valve body is cracked or heavily corroded, if you cannot identify the cartridge type, or if shutting off the water supply does not stop the flow. A professional can also check for hidden leaks behind the wall or under the sink.
Conclusion
For most single-handle kitchen faucets, a ceramic cartridge that matches the diameter and stem count is the most practical repair, and the Diameter 35mm Ceramic Faucet Cartridge Replacement is a broad starting point. Moen owners should look at the Moen-specific ceramic cartridge, American Standard and Delta owners should match the brand part numbers, and anyone with an older Moen double-handle faucet will want the 1224 kit. The 2-Pack Brass Faucet Cartridge Replacement suits buyers who want a lead-free brass option and a spare. Confirm the part number against your old cartridge before ordering, and the repair is usually straightforward.
Sources
- Background on drinking water quality, lead and plumbing fixture standards (epa.gov)
- Certification standards for drinking water system components and fixtures (nsf.org)
- Consumer safety information on home plumbing and fixture hazards (cpsc.gov)
Related reading
- Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets: Control, Cartridges, Care
- Replace Kitchen Faucet Cartridge: Step-by-Step Repair Guide
- Price to Replace Kitchen Faucet: 6 Best Replacement Parts Compared (2026)
- Moen Kitchen Faucet Replacement Parts: Find and Install the Right One
- How to Replace a Delta Kitchen Faucet Cartridge in 6 Steps (2026)
About Harper Jennings
Harper focuses on practical advice for kitchen faucets & sinks: what matters before you buy, what to skip, and how to get more out of what you already own.
