How to replace cartridge and balancing spool in the CO02
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This article will explain how to replace the cartridge and balancing spool for the CO02. |
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Symptoms: |
These symptoms might be resolved by replacing the Cartridge (5) only first. If they persist, proceed to replacing the Balancing Spool (7). (see Legend for parts)
- Dribbling or leaking constantly from the spout
- Handle has become harder to move
- Leaks through the handle
- Flow from spout reduced even when aerator is removed
- Flow reduced from 1 side, hot or cold.
This symptom requires to replace Cartridge and Balancing Spool
- Experiencing temperature fluctuation
Legend: |
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Preparation: |
Important: Turn off the water supply at the faucet before starting. You can either turn off the main supply to the house or close the shut-off valves under the tub if equipped with them. Then open the faucet again to empty it of residual water. Failure to do so could result in flooding or injury.
Recommended Tools:
Replacing Cartridge only
- 2.5mm Allen key
- Cartridge Nut Removal tool #530-320 (9) (or adjustable wrench)
- Needle nose pliers
- Flashlight might be useful
Cleaning the inside of the faucet body (may require 2 people)
- Soft nylon bristle brush (ex: toothbrush or bottle brush)
- Towels
- Large bowl
Additional tools if replacing cartridge and balancing spool
- Test Plug (8) to remove Inner Brass Sleeve (6)
- Silicone or plumber grease
Modified Test Plug: |
To access and remove the balancing spool (7) the Inner Brass Sleeve (6) must be removed. We do not recommend using pliers, hooks or any other sharp tools to remove the inner sleeve as it can damage the inside of the faucet body.
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We recommend that you get from your local plumbing retailer
Instruction:
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a) Original 1-1/2" Test Plug with wing nut
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b) Modified Test Plug with new washer
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Instructions: |
Note: As a precaution, make sure the tub drain is in the closed position to avoid loosing any parts.
Step A: Removing Handle, Dome, Cartridge Nut and Cartridge. |
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1) The water being turned off, lift the Handle lever to access the 2.5mm set screw. Loosen it until you can pull out the Handle. |
2) Pull out Dome Assembly. It is held in place with a rubber o-ring. |
3) Unscrew the Cartridge nut with the Cartridge Nut Removal Tool or with an adjustable wrench. |
4) Pull out cartridge (5) by hand or with pliers. Using a flashlight, look inside the faucet. At this point, you see the beige or white top of the balancing spool and verify that no seals have been left behind. |
Step B: Removing the Inner Brass Sleeve (6) and Balancing Spool (7) |
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First, you need to remove the Inner Brass Sleeve because the Balancing Spool has a larger diameter and will not pass through it. We do not recommend using pliers, hooks or any other sharp tools to remove the inner sleeve as it can damage the inside of the faucet body or the Sleeve itself. The Inner Brass Sleeve is not screwed in the body, but has a sealing o-ring around the bottom that could stick into the body, making it more difficult to remove. |
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5) Insert the Test Plug (8) into the faucet's Inner Brass Sleeve. Twist the wing nut so that it expands the rubber against the inside of the Inner Brass Sleeve. It must be a VERY tight fit. Then using the wing nut as a handle, pull (and wiggle if necessary) to remove the Inner Brass Sleeve. |
6) Pull out the balancing spool with pliers. Using a flashlight, verify the inside of the faucet to make sure there are no seals left behind. At this point you should see the brass-colored bottom of the faucet.. |
Step C: Cleaning and flushing the inside (may require 2 people) |
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7) Prepare the area by wrapping a towel around the base of the faucet and have a large bowl ready. Gently scrub the inside walls of the faucet with a nylon bristle brush to remove any mineral build-up |
8) To flush debris or mineral build-up, water will need to flow through the faucet body. One person will position a large bowl upside down over the faucet to redirect the water back into the tub. A second person will need to turn the water back on slightly to allow a small flow of water to go through the system. |
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Step D: Installing new parts |
If you are reinstalling the cartridge only, proceed to step 11
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9) Insert the new Balancing Spool inside the faucet body aligning the pins on the bottom of the Balancing Spool with the holes on the faucet seat bottom |
10) Apply silicone grease on the o-ring on the Inner Brass Sleeve. Insert the new Cartridge in the Inner Brass Sleeve and using it as a tool, push the sleeve as far down as it will go. The Sleeve has a lip inside to prevent the cartridge from passing through. Pull out cartridge and check with a flashlight that the sleeve is sitting flush on the balancing spool. |
11) Insert the Cartridge aligning the pins on the bottom of the cartridge with the holes on the top of the balancing spool. Test this by trying to rotating the cartridge. If it rotates, that means pins are not aligned in the holes.
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Step E: Reinstallating Cartridge nut, Dome and Handle |
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12) Screw by hand the Cartridge Nut (4) firmly and rotate additional 1/4 turn with the Cartridge Nut Removal Tool (9) or an adjustable wrench. Do not over tighten. |
13) Press in the Dome and o-ring Assembly over the Cartridge Nut. The notch in the Dome should be positioned in the front of the faucet to allow the Handle to be lifted up. |
14) Put the Handle back on the white square stem of the Cartridge, lift the lever to access the 2.5mm Screw and tighten it. Be careful, if water supply is turned back on, water will run out of the spout when you lift the handle. |
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