Pfister Bathroom Faucet Parts: 3 Best Replacements Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Pfister bathroom faucet parts are easy to find, but choosing the right one depends on what is actually failing: the cartridge that controls water flow and temperature, or the drain assembly that holds water in the sink. Readers searching for pfister bathroom faucet parts usually want a dependable replacement that matches their existing fixture. This list compares three replacement parts based on the selection criteria of model compatibility, the component type they replace, the material and finish, and how closely the listing matches the original Pfister part number.

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Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Pfister 9100310 1/4″ Turn Hot Side Plastic Stem Bathroom Faucet Ceramic Disc Cartridge	Fixing hot-side flow or temperature problems	Ceramic disc cartridge with quarter-turn operation
Replacement for Pfister 972098 Push-Seal Drain Assembly (Brushed Nickel)	Replacing a slow or stuck drain in a brushed nickel sink	Push-seal design with brushed nickel finish
Replacement for Pfister 972098A Push-Seal Drain Assembly (Black)	Replacing a drain in a black or matte-finished sink	Push-seal design with black finish

Pfister 9100310 1/4″ Turn Hot Side Plastic Stem Bathroom Faucet Ceramic Disc Cartridge

Best for: Fixing hot-side flow or temperature problems in a Pfister single-handle faucet

This cartridge suits homeowners whose faucet drips from the hot side, delivers weak hot water, or feels stiff when turned. Owners of Pfister faucets that use a quarter-turn ceramic cartridge typically report that replacing only the cartridge is less work than replacing the whole faucet, provided the old part is identified correctly first.

Key specs

• Component: Hot-side ceramic disc cartridge
• Stem material: Plastic
• Operation: 1/4-turn ceramic disc
• Sold as: 1 count, genuine replacement part

Pros

• Ceramic discs resist wear better than rubber washers in many designs.
• Quarter-turn action is smooth when the cartridge is seated correctly.
• Replacing the cartridge avoids removing the whole faucet body.

Cons

• Works only on the matching hot-side application; a cold-side or different Pfister model will need another part.
• Installation requires the correct cartridge orientation and a clean valve seat.

Bottom line: Best for homeowners who have confirmed the failing side is hot and want a like-for-like Pfister cartridge swap.

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Replacement for Pfister 972098 Push-Seal Drain Assembly – Brushed Nickel Drain Plug

Best for: Replacing a slow or stuck drain in a brushed nickel sink

This drain assembly is aimed at sinks where the original push-seal stopper has stopped sealing, sticks in the closed position, or has lost its finish. Owners who match the finish closely often report a cleaner visual result than mixing metal tones in the same basin.

Key specs

• Type: Push-seal drain assembly
• Finish: Brushed nickel
• Designed as a replacement for Pfister 972098 drain assembly

Pros

• Push-seal operation avoids a separate pivot rod on many sinks.
• Brushed nickel finish is a common match for Pfister bathroom fixtures.
• Labeled as a genuine-style replacement tied to a specific Pfister number.

Cons

• Compatibility depends on the drain opening size and the original Pfister number; check the old part before ordering.
• Finish may not match an older or heavily worn faucet exactly.

Bottom line: A sensible pick for owners of brushed nickel Pfister sinks who have confirmed the 972098 part number.

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Replacement for Pfister 972098A Push-Seal Drain Assembly – Black Drain Plug

Best for: Replacing a drain in a black or matte-finished sink

This is the black-finish counterpart to the brushed nickel drain above. It fits homeowners who have a matte black or dark-finished Pfister sink and want the drain to match the rest of the fixture rather than introducing a contrasting metal.

Key specs

• Type: Push-seal drain assembly
• Finish: Black
• Designed as a replacement for Pfister 972098A drain assembly

Pros

• Black finish keeps the drain visually consistent with matte black faucets.
• Push-seal design is straightforward to operate once installed.
• Clearly identified against the 972098A number, which simplifies matching.

Cons

• Black coatings can show wear or scratching sooner than metal finishes if cleaned with abrasives.
• Only suitable where the original part is the 972098A version.

Bottom line: Choose this if your Pfister sink is black or matte-finished and the existing drain is the 972098A model.

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Buying Guide

Identify the exact part number first

Pfister parts are often labeled on the cartridge body or the underside of the faucet. Read the number before shopping, because two parts that look similar can differ in size, finish or function. Manufacturers generally list compatible Pfister numbers on product pages, so match those numbers against what you remove.

Good picks for this: Pfister 9100310 Hot Side Cartridge, Replacement for Pfister 972098A Drain Assembly

Know whether you need a cartridge or a drain

A dripping or hard-to-control faucet usually points to the cartridge. A sink that drains slowly, or a stopper that will not hold water, points to the drain assembly. Diagnosing the failing component saves an unnecessary order.

Good picks for this: Pfister 9100310 Hot Side Cartridge, Replacement for Pfister 972098 Drain Assembly (Brushed Nickel)

Match the finish to the fixture

Brushed nickel and black finishes are different materials and do not blend well when mixed in one sink. For drains, pick the finish that matches the faucet and sink hardware. Cartridges are usually sold as internal parts, so finish matters less there.

Good picks for this: Replacement for Pfister 972098 Drain Assembly (Brushed Nickel), Replacement for Pfister 972098A Drain Assembly (Black)

Check which side of the faucet is failing

Single-handle cartridges control both hot and cold, and a hot-side failure may only show up as weak or wrong-temperature water. Turn the handle through its range with the water on and note which side is affected before ordering a hot-side part.

Good picks for this: Pfister 9100310 Hot Side Cartridge

Measure drain fit and stopper style

Drain assemblies must fit the sink’s drain opening and the stopper style. Push-seal designs suit sinks without a pivot rod; measure the drain hole diameter and inspect the existing stopper before buying. Compare the part number, not just the appearance.

Good picks for this: Replacement for Pfister 972098 Drain Assembly (Brushed Nickel), Replacement for Pfister 972098A Drain Assembly (Black)

Consider durability and materials

Ceramic disc cartridges generally resist wear better than older rubber-washer designs, which is why owners often prefer them for regular use. Plastic stems keep weight down but benefit from careful installation so they are not overtightened.

Good picks for this: Pfister 9100310 Hot Side Cartridge

Plan for care after installation

Flush supply lines before reinstalling a cartridge, and avoid abrasive cleaners on black or brushed finishes. Periodic cleaning of aerators and drain stoppers helps replacement parts last longer. Shut off water before every repair.

Good picks for this: Replacement for Pfister 972098A Drain Assembly (Black), Replacement for Pfister 972098 Drain Assembly (Brushed Nickel)

FAQ

How do I know which Pfister part I need?

Remove the faulty component and read any number stamped on it. Match that number to the product listing. If the number is worn off, take the part to a hardware store or compare the shape and dimensions carefully before buying.

Can I replace only the cartridge without replacing the whole faucet?

In many Pfister single-handle faucets, yes. The cartridge is a separate internal part. Confirm the exact model first, because some designs use different cartridges for hot and cold sides.

Why does my Pfister faucet drip after I changed the washer?

A dripping faucet may point to a worn cartridge or a seat that is not properly sealed. Check the cartridge orientation and seating during reassembly. If the drip continues, the cartridge may need replacing.

Are drain assemblies interchangeable between finishes?

Not always. A brushed nickel and a black drain may fit the same opening but look different. Choose the finish that matches your sink hardware and confirm the Pfister number.

Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a part?

Yes. Shut off the supply valves under the sink and open the faucet to relieve pressure before removing any component. This prevents water from spilling into the cabinet.

When should I call a plumber?

If the valve body is corroded, supply lines are damaged, or the part number cannot be confirmed, consult a licensed plumber. Persistent leaks behind walls or under the sink should also be checked by a professional.

Conclusion

For a hot-side flow or temperature problem, the Pfister 9100310 cartridge is the most direct choice, provided the failing side has been confirmed. For a slow or stuck drain, match the finish of your sink: the brushed nickel 972098 replacement suits nickel sinks, while the black 972098A replacement suits matte black fixtures. Always verify the original Pfister number before ordering, since compatibility depends on it. For more guidance, see Pfister Kitchen Faucet Parts: Identify, Order and Replace the Right Ones and Bathroom Tub Faucet Dripping: How to Find and Fix the Leak.

Sources

• Water conservation guidance and how household leaks waste water (epa.gov)
• Consumer safety information for household plumbing and bathroom fixtures (cpsc.gov)
• Standards and certification information for drinking water components (nsf.org)

Related reading

• Price Pfister Bathroom Faucet Replacement Parts Review (2026)
• Moen Bathroom Faucet Replacement Parts: Identify, Order and Swap Them (2026)
• Moen Bathroom Faucet Parts: Identify, Order and Replace Them Yourself

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