Quck answer
To change a Belanger shower faucet cartridge, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the set screw or popping off the cap and unscrewing the handle.
3. Use pliers or a cartridge removal tool to loosen and remove the cartridge retaining nut.
4. Pull out the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.
5. Reinstall the cartridge retaining nut and tighten it securely.
6. Reattach the faucet handle and tighten it back into place.
7. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for any leaks.
Note: It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help if you’re unsure about the process.
Many homeowners in the US may not be familiar with the Bélanger brand because it is a Canadian company. Bélanger has been a partner of Keeney, a New Hampshire-based company, since 1995. Keeney, originally a manufacturer of radiator air valves since 1923, now also produces faucets. Together, these two companies supply plumbing products throughout North America. Bélanger’s shower valves are both stylish and practical.
Inside the valve housing, a Bélanger faucet is similar to faucets from well-known manufacturers like Moen, Kohler, or Delta. It contains a cartridge that regulates water flow and temperature. When the seals wear out or the ports become clogged with scale, it is necessary to repair or replace the Bélanger shower faucet cartridge. The process is similar to that of most other faucet brands.
1. Removing the Handle
At times, seemingly simple tasks can be confusing, and this is often the case when it comes to removing a shower faucet handle, especially the lever-style handle commonly found on Bélanger shower faucets. When looking at the handle from the front, there appears to be no setscrew, and it is evident that the handle cannot be unscrewed. The trick is to look underneath the handle, where a setscrew can be found. It is an Allen screw, so an 1/8-inch Allen key (hex wrench), or more accurately, a 3 or 3.5-millimeter one since it is made in Canada, can be used to remove it. The handle should then easily come off.
2. Replacing the Cartridge
Once the handle has been removed, the cartridge needs to be released. Before doing this, ensure that the water supply to the bathroom is turned off to avoid an unexpected shower. You may see a metal sleeve directly behind the handle, which can be unscrewed by hand if you wear a rubber glove or with adjustable joint pliers if necessary. If you want to protect the finish, wrap the rubber glove around the sleeve before gripping it with the pliers.
Following the sleeve, there is often a temperature-limiting ring and a handle adapter, which should easily slip off the valve stem. To remove the cartridge, unscrew the retaining nut holding it using the pliers. The cartridge should then be able to be pulled straight out. It is important to remember to turn off the water supply before this step to avoid a shower.
When installing the new cartridge, ensure that it is identical to the old one (you may need to order a cartridge from the company). Apply plumber’s grease to the cartridge O-rings, align the mark on the cartridge with the one on the valve housing to ensure it is straight, and push in the cartridge. To reassemble the faucet, follow the steps for disassembling it in reverse order.
How to Remove a Stubborn Shower Faucet Cartridge
An old cartridge can sometimes become stuck due to mineral deposits, making it resistant to extraction even with the use of pliers. Heating the cartridge with a hair dryer to soften the rubber O-rings or soaking it in vinegar to dissolve the minerals may help. To use vinegar, spray it directly from a plant sprayer at full strength.
If everything else fails, it is recommended to utilize a cartridge puller, which is a specific tool designed to securely grasp and rotate the cartridge for removal. It may be necessary to conduct some investigation in order to locate a suitable cartridge puller, as there are no universally compatible cartridges or cartridge pullers. However, a Moen cartridge puller is frequently effective. In the event that the appropriate tool cannot be found, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional plumber.
