How To Take Apart A GROHE Bathroom Faucet

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

GROHE is a German-based company that produces sanitary faucets. They have a plethora of products that range from bathroom faucets to kitchen faucets. The major thing that sets them apart from other faucets on the market is their cartridge-based system. If you own a GROHE faucet, it is imperative that you know how to take them apart to change the cartridge, when needed.

Some GROHE faucets are equipped with a cartridge system. This cartridge system helps regulate water pressure and temperature. To take it apart, there are several steps you need to follow:

  • Turn off the water
  • Remove the Screw
  • Dismantle the Phalange
  • Take out the Cartridge

This process should take about 15 minutes in total.

It is highly recommended to use the manufacturer’s cartridges, and products as these will fit properly. Using the right product will also create a better seal for your faucet. The instructions you will follow may differ depending on the type of GROHE faucet you have. Always check your manual and modify the steps as needed.

Tools And Materials You Will Need

  • 32 mm box spanner or adjustable spanner
  • Screwdriver (Flathead or Philips depending on your faucet)
  • 3 mm allen key
  • New Grohe Cartridge

Having these tools are essential when it comes to taking apart your GROHE faucet. Without them, it’s impossible to do, so make sure you have these on hand before attempting this job.

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The Six Steps To Take Apart Your GROHE Faucet

Step 1: Turn Off The Water

Turning off the water supply to your bathroom faucet is an essential step. If your bathroom was correctly installed, there should be shut off under the sink. However, you can always shut the water off using the main shut off valve to the house.

If the water is not properly shut off before you begin, you will have a mess to clean up. The water runs through the cartridge that you’re about to replace. If the water is not turned off, water will go everywhere!

Step 2: Lift The Lever

Once the water is shut off, you will want to lift the lever of your faucet. This helps release any excess water and pressure that is still in the lines. It will also give you access to the screw for step three.

If you had to turn the water off at the main shut off valve, there would be more water and pressure than if the shut off was under the sink. Make sure to let it drain fully before proceeding.

Step 3: Remove Screw

A star-shaped screw attaches the lever, so once the lever is lifted, you will need to locate a cover for that screw. Using the screwdriver, you will need to remove the cover.

Once the cover is removed, you will be using the 3 mm allen key. Remove the screw by turning the allen key counterclockwise. Make sure to put these small pieces somewhere safe as you will need them for the reinstallation process.

Step 4: Dismantle and Remove the Phalange

With the screw removed, the lever should be loose. Give it a good pull in an upward motion, and it should dismantle the lever from the faucet base. With your screwdriver, you will need to remove the phalange.

Phalanges are not attached by anything but the pressure and are used mainly as a trim piece to cover open areas. This phalange also has the purpose of helping the lever maneuver side to side. This should easily pop off with slight pressure from the screwdriver.

Step 5: Removing the Nut

The last thing that is in between you and removing the cartridge is a nut. Place your 32 mm box spanner or adjustable spanner over the cartridge onto the nut. Using slight pressure, turn it counterclockwise. Doing this should loosen the nut.

Step 6: Take Out The Cartridge

Once everything is removed, your cartridge will be exposed. With a swift upward pull of the cartridge, it should budge pretty easily. Once this is removed, take this time to inspect the basin for any debris or mildew build up.

It’s a great idea to clean the basin while you’re at it. Cleaning this out will help improve water pressure and quality. It will also help the functionality and longevity of your new cartridge.

Installing A New Cartridge

Now it is time to install the new cartridge. Make sure you inspect the new cartridge to ensure that the seals are correctly in place. Insert the cartridge into the basin, lining up the two tabs.

Lining up the tabs will guarantee that the cartridge is placed correctly. Misalignment of the cartridge will result in the failure of the cartridge’s purpose. This could potentially damage your faucet when you reinstall the other parts.

You can expect your GROHE faucet cartridge to last between 20 and 30 years. However, it can get clogged or fail, requiring a cleaning or complete replacement. If you notice that your sink faucet is leaking out of the lever handle, this likely has to do seal problems around the cartridge or the cartridge itself has failed.

Another sign of cartridge failure is the when adjusting the water temperature becomes difficult. Low water pressure is also a strong indication that the cartridge has become clogged, blocking the water flow out of the faucet.

How To Put Your GROHE Faucet Back Together

Step 1: Replace The Nut

Once your new cartridge is in place, you need to replace the nut with the 32 mm box spanner or adjustable spanner. Use moderate pressure to make sure that you do not over tighten the nut. Overtightening, this could break your new cartridge.

Step 2: Insert The Phalange

Remember, this is just a trim piece and is kept on by the pressure of the lever. There is a place for it to sit correctly. Place it into this spot on the top, but remember nothing that secures it until the lever is placed back onto the faucet.

Step 3: Replace The Lever

When you replace the lever, leave it in the ‘on’ position. This is how it was taken off, and this is how it will best be re-secured back to the faucet.

Locate your star-shaped screw and cover and replace the star-shaped screw with the 3 mm allen key turning the key clockwise. Use moderate pressure so that nothing gets budged or broken. Replace the cover for the screw by turning it sideways and snapping it into place.

Step 4: Turn Your Water Back On

Lastly, you need to turn your water back on. Once it is back on, you will need to test the faucet by lifting the lever and rotating it between hot and cold.

If you had to turn the water off at the main shut-off, it might take a minute to come through the faucet. You might also hear some air escaping; that’s normal and should be no cause for concern.

Where To Purchase GROHE Products

You can purchase GROHE products directly from their website. You can also find them at Lowes or Home Depot for $150 to $600, depending on the model. It’s a good idea to purchase an extra cartridge as well, so you know which one you need when it comes to replacement.

Quick Tip: When you need to purchase GROHE products, grab the part number from your particular faucet model and use this to find the exact parts that you need. Or, take a photo of the product you want to replace and bring this to the store with you to match it up.


Related Questions

Where can the model number be found on a GROHE faucet?

If you check around the inner rim of your nozzle, you should find the manufacturer’s information. This is where usually put the model numbers as well. If it is not here, check the stem of your faucet. This part can be found beneath your sink.


Are GROHE faucets worth the money?

Grohe has high standards when creating their products. They also have a wide variety of selection that you can choose from. These are the two most important factors when people look to purchase a new faucet.


How do you clean a GROHE faucet aerator?

To clean a GROHE faucet aerator, only use moist cloth and a small amount of soap. Then, rinse it off and wipe it dry. For lime spots, you can use GrohClean, an eco-friendly cleaning product by the manufacturers of the GROHE faucet. Or, you can avoid lime spots on the fitting entirely by drying it after each use.

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Accuracy Is Important

Whether you’re taking your GROHE faucet apart or reinstalling it, accuracy is the most critical part of the job. You want to make sure you have everything lined up correctly for it to function the right way.

Also, make sure you don’t put too much pressure on your screws as this can break your faucet and the cartridge inside. Other than that, this job is relatively easy to do. If you’re a DIY enthusiast like us, a GROHE faucet would be perfect for you to have in your home as they are DIY friendly!

Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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