Step-by-step instructions
Is anything more annoying than a leaky faucet? Maybe not; But it's also well within your power to fix it yourself with Danco. Read on, to find out how.
Tools and supplies required: Flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, wrench, seat removal tool (optional)
1
First, determine the source of the leak. If water is leaking from underneath the handle onto the counter, the stem of whichever handle is leaking needs to be replaced.
If water is dripping from the faucet, turn off the hot water supply valve under the sink. If water is still dripping, you need to replace the cold stem (right handle). If the water stops dripping when you turned off the hot water valve, you need to replace the hot stem (left handle). Once you’ve determined the trouble stem, turn off the water supply.
2
Remove the Handle by lifting off the Index Cap with a flathead screwdriver. Next, Remove the handle (so the stem is visible) by loosening the Set Screw by the screw counter-clockwise. Set aside the Handle, Set Screw and Handle Button to reinstall at the end of the project.
3
If you have a plastic stem, unscrew the top cap and pop out the stem. If you have a brass stem, remove the stem by using a wrench and rotating it counter clockwise until it threads out entirely. Take a look at the Washer which is located on the lower end of the Stem. If the Washer is squeezed flat or has a groove worn in it, a Washer Kit coupled with a new Faucet Seat will likely solve your problem. When replacing the faucet seat, you can remove and replace the seat with an Allen wrench or a seat removal tool. Turn the seat counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten.
Once removed, you will need to take your stem to your local home improvement store and use the Perfect Match locator system from Danco or use the online Stem Finder. This system makes it easy to find your replacement.
4
Once you have purchased your new stem, you can install it into your faucet
- Install a brass stem by rotating clockwise until it threads entirely and tighten with a wrench.
- Install a plastic stem by placing the stem into the handle base and screw on the top cap.
5
Now is a great time to upgrade your faucet’s appearance with universal metal handles.
How to install the new universal handles
- Place the handle adapter over the stem and tighten
- Place the new handle on the adapter and insert the handle screw into the washer then into the handle and tighten.
- If your new handle has an index button, place it on the handle.
Finally, turn the water back on to ensure the leak is fixed.
Jim W –
This is not the correct replacement part for Pfister # 910-031. Now I have to go back to Home Depot to return it.
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning Jim,
Thank you for your feedback. We know it can be a frustrating situation when your DIY installation does not work as you expected. We will send over your concern to our Engineering Team to retest the product to make sure it is a match to the Pfister #910-...Read More
Stripes –
Instructions for installing 3G – 3C YouTube video does not correctly show bathroom sink parts. The video goes deeply into descriptions that do not matter then glibly skips over without a close-up of instructions such as seat replacement – C to remover. My bathroom sink ...Read More
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning,
Thank you for your candid feedback. Since the launch of our website we have been working on adding and editing videos and installation instructions. Thank you for letting us know that this is one product that needs editing in its How To Center. We will get ...Read More
Paul –
I have replaced four of these stems and now need to start again replacing as they never seem to seal properly. The o-ring that is provided is not the correct one, seems to be oversized. It does not fit into the bottom seating area. It is only a matter of luck if it seals. ...Read More
Danco (store manager) –
Good Afternoon Paul,
We are sorry to hear that your DIY experience did not go as planned. We know it can be frustrating when a product does not perform as it is intended to. We have recently made improvements to the bottom seals on these stems. If you could contact our e...Read More
Georgeny –
Tried as replacement for 910-031 gave up after three that all leaked in under a month. Pure junk!!!
Danco (store manager) –
Good Afternoon Georgeny,
We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. When changing these stems, it is critical that you clean the faucet body to remove any mineral buildup that could damage the new stem upon installation. It is also important not to over tig...Read More
Chris –
I replaced a 3G-3H hot stem in the guest bathroom sink a little over 6 months ago. It worked very well. The local water company, recently, has had to do work on some water mains in our area. Our hot water hose and valve on the sink became clogged with little bits of concrete....Read More
Peter MacDonald –
The 3G-3H is the worst replacement part I have ever dealt with, lasts about 6 months and the leak returns, I’ve changed it 4-5 times already, replaced it again last week and this one is already leaking ! good thing I bought two this time, faucet is only 6 years ol...Read More
Beth –
I actually did not do the sink repair, but watched a plumber replace the hot and cold stems, so I might be able to handle this repair at some later time. (This was done 4/24/2018). Little did I know that my faucet would be leaking within 60 days of the repair (and the plumbin...Read More
Danco (store manager) –
Good Morning Beth,
Thank you for choosing Danco products. We apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. Could please call 800-523-5135 option #2 during our business hours (Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm CST) so we can better assist you to with the issue you...Read More
Beth –
I didn’t do my faucet repair, but paid a plumber over $200 to do it. He replaced the hot and cold stems in my kitchen faucet with Danco parts (I saved the packages and watched him so I might be able to do it sometime in the future). Little did I know that 60 days after...Read More
L. Fer Juarez –
After two DIY projects ( Faucet in kitchen and master bathroom) and fail couple times. Just realized that the key to successfully replace the 3G-3H part is based on the tightening of the valve itself into the faucet. It has to be tighten all way UNTIL it feel that its ABOUT t...Read More
J mac –
Junk. Bought three in two in the last three months. One assembly fell apart or removal from the container. Cheap and frustrating. Then the site doesn’t show you how to put the assembly back together once it fell apart.
Mike –
Bought this at Lowes because it was the only thing they had for my kitchen faucet that matched the part numbers. The box clearly says 3G-3H. So its the hot side. Installation was a chore. The old valve came apart and had the be pried out with a small screw driver. When pu...Read More
Mike –
Bought this from Lowes. Old one came apart and had to be pried out with a small screw driver. New one came apart as well when I lifted it up (it didn’t feel like it was sitting correctly). Had to reassemble it without any clear idea how it was supposed to go back toge...Read More
Rolf Agather –
As of 6/23/2019, these replacement stems DO NOT WORK. I purchased 910-031 and 910-032 at home depot for hot and cold water repair of a price pfister bathroom faucet.
The replacement nylon washer that is supposed to seal the collar of the brass nut allows water to seep ou...Read More
Walter DiBacco –
To date, I have purchased and replaced both the Hot and Cold sides twice. The units last 2-3 months and then start leaking. Last time, Lowes replaced the Hot and Cold at no charge however, the Hot is now leaking again. The quality of this product is extremely poor and Danco sh...Read More
Danco (store manager) –
Hi Walter,
Thank you for bringing these issues you have had to our attention. I have forwarded your complaint to our Engineering team for them to run some testing and review.
dennis –
Save your money. Absolute junk. Cartridge fell apart when removing from package. No diagram included to figure out how to reassemble all the little pieces. Was replacing this in first place because the identical one I put in a year ago was already leaking. Went to website but ...Read More
Michelle –
No stars!!!! My hot water side for this valve was leaking. As Mike stated above, had the same issue. Fell apart in trying to get the valve in. I have no idea how the plastic white valve part functions. It does not fit well at all.
Robert –
Bought this at Amazon because it was the only thing they had for my kitchen faucet that matched the part numbers. The box clearly says 3G-3H. So its the hot side. Installation seemed like it was going to be easy ,,it was not. The old valve came apart and had the be pried out w...Read More