A Delta single handle shower that drips, runs, loses hot water, or drifts in temperature needs a new cartridge. The part depends on when the valve was installed and whether it has one control or two. Get this right before ordering; the four cartridges look similar and are not interchangeable.
Before you start. Shut off the water at the house main (shower valves rarely have their own shutoff), then open the valve to confirm the water has stopped. You will need a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench or pliers, and for most handles a hex key (an Allen wrench, sold as an inexpensive set at any hardware store). If a shutoff valve will not turn or starts to drip, or anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Not sure this is your faucet? See how to identify your Delta cartridge without a model number, or how to find your brand and model.
Which shower cartridge
| Cartridge | Valve | Installed | Cap color | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP19804 | Monitor 1300 / 1400, one handle | Before March 2006 | White | 4 1/8 in |
| RP46074 | MultiChoice 13 / 14 (R10000 body), one handle | March 2006 and later | Grey | 4 7/16 in |
| RP32104 | Monitor 1700 / 1800, separate volume and temperature controls | Before March 2007 | White | 3 9/16 in |
| RP46463 | MultiChoice 17, separate volume and temperature controls | March 2006 and later | Grey | 3 3/4 in |
If you cannot tell from the install date, pull the handle and trim and look at the cartridge cap. White is Monitor, grey is MultiChoice. RP19804 at DeltaFaucet.com. RP46074 at DeltaFaucet.com. Delta RP19804 cartridge on Amazon
Tools
- Phillips screwdriver (clear knob handles) or hex key (lever handles, set screw on the side)
- Adjustable wrench for the brass bonnet
- Thermometer and a cup for setting the temperature limit
- Silicone grease
Shut off the water at the house main unless the valve has its own stops. Open the tub spout to drain. Cover the drain.
Steps (Monitor 1300 / 1400 and MultiChoice 13 / 14)
- Remove the handle: pry the cap and remove the Phillips screw on a knob, or loosen the side set screw on a lever.
- Behind the handle is a plastic rotational limit stop on a splined stem. Mark its position on the raised rib before pulling it off, so you can start from the same setting.
- Pull off the sleeve. Slide its O-ring forward but not off over the brass.
- Unscrew the brass bonnet nut by hand or with the wrench. Do not pry on anything.
- Push the handle back onto the stem temporarily, turn it counterclockwise, and lift. The cartridge comes out of the two notches in the body.
- Install the new cartridge with the raised stop on its cap toward the hot supply, normally the left. If your supplies are reversed, the stop goes to the right.
- Refit the bonnet and sleeve. Remove and discard the black retention plug on the new cartridge’s stem.
- Set the rotational limit stop. Start where you marked it. Run the water with the handle at full hot and read the temperature in a cup. Each tooth you move the stop counterclockwise lowers the maximum by about 6 degrees F. Delta’s target is no more than 120 F; many local codes say 110 F.
- Confirm cold water flows first when the handle starts to open. Reinstall the handle. Flush for a minute, including 30 seconds through the showerhead.
Hot and cold reversed
Pull the cartridge and rotate it 180 degrees so the raised stop faces the other side. On the RP32104 you flip the cap 180 degrees so the HOT SIDE marking is on the right.
Delta pageIdentify your cartridgeStart hereWhen to call a plumber
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