5 Best Kohler Faucet Valve Cartridge Options for Replacement (2026)

By Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

Finding the right kohler faucet valve cartridge usually starts with a drip, a stiff handle or water that suddenly runs hot when it should run cold. Replacing the cartridge is one of the most common repairs on a Kohler faucet, but only if the new part matches the model. This guide compares five cartridge options sold on Amazon US, judged on fit and compatibility, part authenticity, construction, installation simplicity and how well owners report they hold up over time. Nothing here is based on our own bench testing; the comparisons draw on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge, Genuine Part GP800881

KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge, Genuine Part GP800881, One-Piece Design Simplifies Installation and Maintenance

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Best for: Owners who want a genuine Kohler part with the simplest installation path.

This is the cartridge most homeowners reach for when they want the safest fit. It is sold as a genuine Kohler component, which removes much of the guesswork about compatibility with the original valve.

Key specs

• Kohler part number GP800881
• Pressure-balance design (Rite-Temp family)
• One-piece cartridge construction

Pros

• Genuine Kohler part number reduces fit uncertainty
• One-piece design means fewer loose components to misplace
• Pressure-balance design helps keep temperature steady when someone else uses water

Cons

• Works only with the Rite-Temp valve family, so check your model first
• Compatibility is narrower than universal-style replacements

Bottom line: Choose this if you can confirm your faucet uses a Rite-Temp valve and you want an original Kohler part.

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Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP Faucet Ceramic Valve (2 Pack)

Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP Faucet Ceramic Valve, Hot and Cold Faucet Cartridge Replacement Parts, 2 Pack Ceramic Valve Replacement – Brass

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Best for: Kitchen faucets with ceramic valves that take the K-GP77005-RP or K-GP77006-RP cartridge.

Owners replacing a worn hot and cold pair on a single model number often prefer a two-pack, since both sides wear at similar rates.

Key specs

• Compatible with Kohler K-GP77005-RP and K-GP77006-RP models
• Ceramic valve construction
• Sold as a 2-pack, brass-finished listing

Pros

• Two cartridges let you replace both sides in one job
• Ceramic disc design is widely used for smooth, drip-resistant operation
• Model-specific listing makes matching straightforward

Cons

• Third-party part, so the fit depends on matching the exact model code
• Owners sometimes report a snug fit that needs careful seating

Bottom line: A strong pick for a kitchen faucet with a matching model code where you want both sides replaced at once.

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Hot & Cold Faucet Cartridges Replacements, Ceramic Valve, 20-Tooth Spline Set

Hot & Cold Faucet Cartridges Replacements, Ceramic Valve, Spline Length 20 teeth Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP & K-GP77005-RP

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Best for: Matching a specific spline count when the original cartridge is no longer available.

Spline count is the number that most often causes a replacement cartridge to sit crooked or fail to engage the handle. This set is listed around a 20-tooth spline.

Key specs

• 20-tooth spline listed
• Hot and cold set included
• Ceramic valve construction

Pros

• Spline count is stated clearly in the listing
• Set includes both hot and cold positions
• Useful when you must match an older handle

Cons

• Non-genuine part, so check the listing against your model before ordering
• Owners should count the spline on the removed cartridge to confirm

Bottom line: Pick this when you have counted 20 splines on your old cartridge and need a matched set.

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KOHLER 8304-K-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kit

KOHLER 8304-K-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kit, Shower Valve System, 5.0 GPM, Simple Installation & Maintenance

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Best for: Shower valve systems where the valve body and cartridge need replacing together.

This is a larger job than a faucet cartridge swap. It suits a plumber or confident DIY owner dealing with a shower that has lost temperature control.

Key specs

• Kohler model 8304-K-NA
• Pressure-balancing valve body and cartridge kit
• Rated at 5.0 GPM per manufacturer listing

Pros

• Body and cartridge come together, avoiding a mismatch
• Pressure balancing helps protect against scalding during flow changes
• Genuine Kohler model number

Cons

• More involved than a cartridge-only swap; may require shutting off the main water
• Not a fit for standard kitchen faucet cartridges

Bottom line: The right choice for a shower valve, not a kitchen sink. Consult a licensed plumber if you are unsure about the job.

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Direct replacement for Kohler Cold Faucets Cartridges, K-GP77006-RP(COLD) Ceramic Cartridge

Direct replacement for Kohler Cold Faucets Cartridges, Made of High-Quality Materials and Ceramic K-GP77006-RP(COLD) Faucet Cartridges for Kohler Faucet Ceramic Valve

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Best for: Replacing only the cold side when the hot side still works well.

Single-side replacement saves money on parts, but it only makes sense if the hot cartridge is still sealing properly and the cold cartridge is the one leaking.

Key specs

• Listed for Kohler K-GP77006-RP cold position
• Ceramic valve cartridge
• Single cartridge, not a pair

Pros

• Lets you replace only the failing side
• Model-specific cold-side listing reduces mix-ups
• Ceramic construction is common in modern faucet valves

Cons

• Mixing an old hot cartridge with a new cold one can cause uneven wear over time
• Non-genuine part, so confirm the fit before installing

Bottom line: Best for a confirmed cold-side failure on a K-GP77006-RP faucet.

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Buying Guide

Confirm the model code and cartridge type

Kohler uses model codes such as K-GP77005 and K-GP77006 on many faucets, and the code is usually printed under the spout, on the valve body or in the original manual. Pull the old cartridge and read any markings on its cap or base before ordering. Matching the code matters more than matching the brand name on the box.

Good picks for this: Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP; Direct replacement for Kohler Cold Faucets Cartridges

Check the spline count

The spline is the set of ridges on the stem that engages the handle. Counting them is simple: remove the handle, look at the cartridge stem and count the teeth. A mismatch can leave the handle loose or stuck in an odd position. A 20-tooth spline is one count to verify on your original part.

Good picks for this: Hot & Cold Faucet Cartridges Replacements, 20-Tooth Spline Set

Genuine part versus replacement part

Genuine Kohler parts carry the manufacturer’s number and generally eliminate fit questions. Aftermarket cartridges can work well, but owners often report that they need a bit more care during seating. If you want the lowest risk, start with the genuine Kohler part for your valve family.

Good picks for this: KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge, Genuine Part GP800881

Single cartridge versus a pair

Hot and cold sides wear at different rates, but they often age together. Replacing both sides at once keeps the wear even and saves a second disassembly later. Replacing only one side is reasonable when the other side still seals cleanly. Mixed-age cartridges can behave slightly differently under the same handle movement.

Good picks for this: Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP (2 Pack); Direct replacement for Kohler Cold Faucets Cartridges

Faucet type: kitchen, lavatory, tub or shower

A kitchen faucet cartridge is not interchangeable with a shower valve kit. Shower valves control temperature and flow inside the wall and usually need a valve body. Confirm whether you are working on a sink faucet or a shower valve before you buy anything.

Good picks for this: KOHLER 8304-K-NA Rite-Temp Pressure-Balancing Valve Body and Cartridge Kit

Construction and durability

Ceramic disc cartridges are common because they resist wear and provide smooth, drip-resistant operation. One-piece designs reduce the number of loose parts. Manufacturers typically specify the valve material and flow rating, so check those details against your current part.

Good picks for this: KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge; Hot & Cold Faucet Cartridges Replacements

Installation and care after replacement

Turn off the water supply under the sink, open the faucet to relieve pressure and keep the old cartridge until the new one is confirmed working. Apply a light coat of plumber’s grease to O-rings if the manufacturer recommends it, and avoid overtightening the retaining nut. Consult a licensed plumber if the valve body is corroded or the water supply valves will not shut off fully.

Good picks for this: Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP; KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge

FAQ

How do I know which kohler faucet valve cartridge I need?

Look for the model code printed on the faucet or in its manual, then match the cartridge listing to that code. If the code is missing, remove the old cartridge and compare its height, diameter and spline count to the listing.

Can I replace a Kohler cartridge without shutting off the water?

No. Shut off the supply valves under the sink and open the faucet to drain the lines before removing the cartridge. Otherwise water will spray when the retaining nut comes loose.

Do I need to replace both hot and cold cartridges at once?

Not always, but replacing both keeps wear even and saves a second job later. If only one side leaks and the other still seals, replacing a single side is a reasonable choice.

What is the difference between a cartridge and a valve body?

The cartridge is the moving insert that controls flow and temperature. The valve body is the housing it sits in, usually inside a wall or behind a shower. Shower repairs sometimes need both; sink repairs usually need only the cartridge.

Why does my new cartridge still drip?

Common causes include a cartridge that is not fully seated, a damaged or missing O-ring, debris in the valve seat or a model mismatch. Recheck the seating and clean the seat before ordering another part.

Is a genuine Kohler cartridge better than an aftermarket one?

A genuine part generally removes fit uncertainty. Aftermarket cartridges can perform well when the model code and spline count match, but owners often report more care is needed during installation.

Conclusion

For most owners, the KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge (GP800881) is the most reliable starting point if your valve is in that family, since the genuine part number removes much of the fit guesswork. If you have a K-GP77005-RP or K-GP77006-RP kitchen faucet, the two-pack ceramic cartridge suits a full hot-and-cold replacement. The 20-tooth spline set fits when you have counted the teeth on your original part. The Kohler 8304-K-NA kit is for shower valve systems, and the single cold-side cartridge fits a confirmed cold-side failure. Verify your model code and spline count first, and consult a licensed plumber for valve body work.

Sources

• Guidance on household water use and fixture leaks that waste water (epa.gov)
• Plumbing product standards and certification information for faucet and valve components
• Background on water temperature and scald prevention in building plumbing systems (ashrae.org)

Related reading

• Kohler Faucet Valve Repair: 4 Best Kits Compared (2026)
• Moen Faucet Valve Cartridge: Step-by-Step Replacement Guide (2026)
• Kohler Simplice Pulldown Kitchen Faucet Review: Features and Performance
• Kohler Simplice Kitchen Faucet: Features, Fit and Fixes for Owners
• Kohler Purist Lav Faucet: Install, Adjust and Fix It Step by Step
• Kohler Purist Bath Faucet: Install, Fix and Maintain It Step by Step

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.