Should I Replace My Cartridge or Just Get a New Faucet?

🛠️ Should I Replace My Cartridge or Just Get a New Faucet?

When your faucet starts dripping, leaking, or losing pressure, the culprit is often the cartridge inside. The natural first instinct for many homeowners is: “Can I just replace the cartridge, or do I need to get a whole new faucet?”

At Revelation Plumbing, we get this question all the time—and the answer depends on a few key factors. Let’s break it down and help you decide what’s best for your home (and your wallet).

🔧 What Is a Cartridge and What Does It Do?

Inside most modern faucets, especially single-handle models, there's a cartridge that controls both water flow and temperature. Over time, this part can wear down, leading to:

• Leaks under the handle

• Constant dripping from the spout

• Difficulty turning the faucet on or off

• Irregular water temperature

A cartridge can often be replaced. But is it worth it? Let’s look at why it may or may not be the best choice.

🚩 The Problem with No-Name Faucet Brands

One of the biggest issues we run into when trying to replace cartridges is brand ambiguity. Many faucets sold at big box stores or online marketplaces come from manufacturers you've probably never heard of—brands like:

• Glacier Bay

• AquaSource

• Project Source

• Pegasus

• Kingston Brass

• Vapsint

• VALISY

• WOWOW

• BWE

• Phiestina

• Fapully

  
  

These brands often offer inexpensive options, but they come with a major downside: finding replacement parts is a nightmare.

We regularly run into faucets where:

• The cartridge is discontinued

• Replacement parts are not sold separately

• Customer service is nonexistent

• The brand is simply no longer in business

Even worse? Some cartridges look identical but have slightly different dimensions. You might spend hours hunting down the part, only to find it doesn’t fit. That’s why replacing a cartridge is not always a guaranteed fix.

🆚 Cartridge Replacement vs. New Faucet Installation

Let’s compare the pros and cons:

Option	Pros	Cons
Replace Cartridge	- Lower upfront cost (if the part is available) - Preserves your current setup	- Hard to find parts for no-name brands - Not always a permanent fix - May leak again soon - Doesn’t upgrade aesthetics
Install New Faucet	- Fresh look for your bathroom/kitchen - Higher-quality fixtures - Parts are easier to source - Often comes with warranty - Better long-term reliability	- Slightly higher upfront cost - Requires professional installation for best results

💡 Why We Recommend Faucet Replacement in Many Cases

When Revelation Plumbing installs a new faucet, we’re not grabbing the cheapest model from Home Depot. We use high-quality, professionally rated fixtures from trusted brands like:

• Moen

• Delta

• Kohler

• American Standard

• Grohe

These brands are known for:

• Long-term reliability

• Readily available replacement parts

• Better build materials

• Solid warranties

  
  
  
  

Replacing your faucet is rarely just about “fixing the leak.” It’s an opportunity to upgrade one of the most visible fixtures in your home. Whether it's in your kitchen or bathroom, a modern faucet instantly adds:

• Visual appeal

• Updated functionality (pull-down sprayers, touchless sensors, etc.)

• Higher perceived home value

  
  

🏠 Small Upgrade, Big Impact

Think of a new faucet like fresh paint or new cabinet hardware—it’s a small detail that makes a big impression. For just a little more than the cost of hunting down and swapping out a cartridge, you can:

• Eliminate recurring issues

• Modernize the look of your space

• Boost your home’s resale appeal

• Gain peace of mind with a better-built product

  
  

✔️ Final Verdict: When to Replace vs. When to Upgrade

You might consider replacing the cartridge if:

• You have a well-known brand with an easily available part

• The faucet is less than 5 years old

• You’re not ready to invest in an upgrade

  
  

But you should seriously consider a new faucet installation if:

• Your faucet is from a no-name or discontinued brand

• This isn’t the first time it’s needed repair

• You want to modernize your space

• You’re already paying for a plumber to come out

• You want to increase the longevity and value of your plumbing system

  
  

📞 Not Sure What You Need? We Can Help.

At Revelation Plumbing, we offer honest advice and quality service. Whether you want to replace your faucet or just stop the leak, we’ll help you make the right decision for your home.

Call us today for a consultation, or schedule online for fast, professional faucet repair and installation in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

Let us come to the rescue—your faucet (and your sanity) will thank you.

412-518-7170