How to Identify Your Delta Faucet Cartridge or Stem
Most Delta faucet repairs come down to a small set of parts: one of two shower cartridges, one of two two-handle stems, a pack of seats and springs, and sometimes a ceramic stem or a handle extender. The hard part is knowing which one is in your faucet before you take it apart. This guide walks through each one, how Delta tells them apart, and the FourHome replacement for each.
Step 1: find the model or series
Delta says the model name is usually on the escutcheon plate (the round trim plate on the wall) or on the drain cap. On older faucets you may see "MASCO" on the aerator instead. If the original parts are still inside, the seats are stamped "Delta" and two-handle stems are D-shaped. If you still have the owner's manual, check it: Delta prints a line for you to write the model number.
No model number? You can still match the part by what you see once the handle is off. The sections below cover what to look for. If the old part carries a number this guide does not cover, our sister site Stems & Cartridges keeps a Delta part number index with the length, broach and type of each stem and cartridge.
Single-handle tub and shower: RP46074 or RP19804?
Delta built two generations of single-handle Monitor shower valves, and they take different cartridges. Delta's own instruction is simple: look at the cap on the cartridge.
| RP46074 | RP19804 | |
|---|---|---|
| Valve series | MultiChoice 13/14 Series | Monitor 1300/1400 Series |
| When it was built | After around 2006 | Before around 2006 |
| Cap color | Grey | White (blue and white body) |
| Overall height (Delta) | 4-7/16 in. | 4-1/8 in. |
| FourHome replacement | Replacement for Delta RP46074 | Replacement for Delta RP19804 |
Delta is clear that these two cartridges are not interchangeable. The cap color is the fastest check. Delta's own dates for the changeover read March 2006 in one place and April 2006 in another, so treat the year as a hint and the cap color as the answer.
Which symptom points where: Delta's manual for the 13/14 series says a drip should be fixed with new seats and springs (RP4993) and O-rings first, and the cartridge replaced if that does not stop it. If the shower cannot hold a steady temperature, Delta points straight to the cartridge. For the full walkthrough, see Delta Shower Faucet Dripping? The 20-Minute Fix.
Two-handle faucets: RP1740 or RP25513?
Delta two-handle kitchen and bath faucets use a stem assembly under each handle, plus a seat and spring below each stem. The two stem assemblies people confuse are the RP1740 and the RP25513. Delta lists both at an overall height of 1-7/8 in., so size alone will not settle it. The handle style will.
- RP1740: Delta describes it as plastic, for faucets with knob handles, like the clear acrylic, crystal-looking handles. Delta also points to it for older two-handle faucets with screws coming through the top of the handle. FourHome replacement: Replacement for Delta RP1740 Stem Kit (also as a 2 pack).
- RP25513: Delta describes it as brass, for faucets with metal lever handles, and it comes with the RP24097 quarter-turn stop. FourHome replacement: Replacement for Delta RP25513 Stem Kit (also as a 2 pack).
Delta's own guidance for a dripping two-handle faucet is to replace the seats and springs first. If it still drips, replace the stems.
Seats and springs: RP4993
Delta says normal wear on the seats and springs is the usual cause of a leak from the spout on a two-handle (non-cartridge) faucet. The RP4993 is a rubber seat that rides on a small spring under each stem. When you install new ones, Delta says the spring goes in bigger side down, with the seat over the small end. Delta notes the RP4993 does not fit its DST models. FourHome replacement: Replacement for Delta RP4993 Seats and Springs, 24 Pack.
Ceramic disc stems
Some two-handle lavatory and kitchen faucets use a quarter-turn ceramic disc stem instead of a stem with a rubber seat. Delta's own ceramic stem for its Victorian two-handle faucets is the RP47422, sold as a hot and cold pair, and Delta says it is not interchangeable with the RP1740. Glacier Bay and other brands also use ceramic disc stems in two-handle faucets. If your stem turns a quarter turn from off to full on and has a ceramic disc at the bottom, compare it against the FourHome ceramic stem for Delta, Glacier Bay and Luxtra two-handle faucets and measure before you order.
Handle screws and extenders: RP12631
Delta sells the RP12631 as "Screws & Extenders." It is a plastic extender that fits between the stem and certain handles, and Delta ties it to handles such as the H28, H41 and H25. Delta lists it as the same part as the RP18627. FourHome replacement: Replacement for Delta RP12631 Stem Extender (also as a 2 pack).
Quick match checklist
- One handle on a tub or shower: pull the handle and check the cartridge cap. Grey is RP46074, white is RP19804.
- Two handles, dripping spout: start with RP4993 seats and springs.
- Two handles, still dripping: knob handles take RP1740, metal lever handles take RP25513.
- Quarter-turn handles with a ceramic disc at the bottom of the stem: you have a ceramic stem, not an RP1740.
- Still not sure: use our Stem and Cartridge Finder or the cross-brand identification guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will an RP46074 fit a Monitor 1300/1400 valve?
No. Delta states the RP46074 and RP19804 cartridges are not interchangeable. A grey cap means RP46074, a white cap means RP19804.
Why does my Delta two-handle faucet drip from the spout?
Usually worn seats and springs. Delta recommends replacing the RP4993 seats and springs first, and the stems only if it still drips.
What is the difference between RP1740 and RP25513?
Both are two-handle stem assemblies about 1-7/8 in. tall. Delta describes the RP1740 as plastic, for knob handles, and the RP25513 as brass, for metal lever handles with a quarter-turn stop.
Where is the model number on a Delta faucet?
Delta says the name is usually on the escutcheon plate or the drain cap. Keep your owner's manual too, because it has a space to write the model number.
FourHome is not affiliated with or endorsed by any faucet manufacturer. Brand names and part numbers are used only to identify compatibility.