How to Replace a GROHE K7 Cartridge and Fix Handle Leaks (46374 Cartridge), by Kitchen Faucet on YouTube. 2 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Turn off the hot and cold valves under the sink and open the faucet to release pressure. Lay a towel down and put a small bowl under the pipes to catch drips.
Pry off the index cap on top of the handle with a flat-head screwdriver if your model has one, then loosen the small set screw with the 3mm Allen wrench.
Lift the lever handle straight off the body and set it aside. Unscrew the cover ring or shroud to expose the cartridge retaining nut.
Fit the 32mm socket wrench over the retaining nut and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Keep the nut and any washers in order.
Pull the old cartridge straight up and out of the faucet body. Note how its lugs sit in the notches so you can match the new part.
Wipe the inside of the body clean and pick out any limescale or grit. A thin smear of plumber's grease on the new O-rings helps it seat.
Push the new GROHE 46374 cartridge in with its lugs lined up with the notches. It should sit flat and flush, not rock from side to side.
Screw the retaining nut back on by hand, then snug it with the 32mm socket. Do not overtighten it or the cartridge can bind.
Refit the cover ring and the handle, then tighten the set screw with the 3mm Allen key. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Run hot and cold water for a few seconds, then check under the sink and around the base for drips. Tighten the nut slightly if you see any.
Tips and common mistakes
Take a photo of the old cartridge before you lift it out so you know which way the lugs face.
Buy the exact 46374 cartridge for the K7, since pattern parts often start leaking again within weeks.
If the retaining nut will not budge, soak it with a little white vinegar to break down limescale instead of forcing it.
Let the water run for a few seconds before you fit the new cartridge so grit does not damage the seals.
Questions
How do I know the cartridge is the problem?
If the faucet drips from the spout when it is closed, or leaks around the base of the handle, and the supply connections under the sink are dry, the cartridge is the usual cause.
Do I need to shut off the main water supply?
Usually not. Closing the two angle valves under the sink is enough, but shut off the main if those valves are seized or do not fully stop the flow.
Can I use a different cartridge in a GROHE K7?
Stick to the 46374 part listed for the K7. Other cartridges can have different lug positions and will not seal properly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
