I've done similar cartridge mods myself, and while they usually hold up fine initially, I've noticed subtle issues cropping up later. One time, after modifying a Delta cartridge, everything seemed perfect at first, but after a few months, tenants reported the handle getting stiffer and water flow slightly reduced. Turns out the plastic tabs I'd shaved down were causing slight misalignment over time. Not saying it'll happen every time, but it's worth keeping an eye on—especially if you're dealing with older plumbing setups.
"Turns out the plastic tabs I'd shaved down were causing slight misalignment over time."
Yeah, learned that lesson myself a while back. A couple years ago, I modded an old Moen cartridge to boost flow a bit—worked great at first, but months later, same deal: handle got stiffer and harder to turn. Turns out, those little plastic bits are surprisingly important for alignment. Who knew?
Honestly, after a few rounds of DIY plumbing adventures, I've started leaning towards just replacing cartridges outright or buying ones designed for better flow. Saves headaches and water waste down the line. Plus, it's easier on older plumbing fixtures—trust me, I've got pipes in my house that probably date back to the Stone Age (or at least feel like it).
"Turns out, those little plastic bits are surprisingly important for alignment. Who knew?"
Haha, seriously... I once replaced a cartridge and thought I'd skip the silicone grease step—big mistake. Handle started squeaking like a haunted house door within weeks. Lesson learned: shortcuts usually aren't!
You're spot on about skipping steps—I've learned that one the hard way myself. Those plastic alignment bits might seem trivial, but they're essential for preventing leaks and uneven wear. Silicone grease also helps prolong cartridge life by reducing friction. If you're dealing with frequent squeaks or stiffness, it's worth periodically checking and reapplying grease. A little maintenance now can save you from bigger headaches later... trust me, I've replaced enough faucets to know shortcuts rarely pay off.
Speaking of skipping steps, have you ever had issues with the faucet handle getting stiff even after greasing? I once assumed silicone grease would fix everything, but turns out my cartridge was already slightly warped from previous neglect. Took me forever to figure out why it kept getting stiff again after a week or two. Maybe checking alignment more often would've helped... anyone else experienced something similar?
