Kohler Bathroom Faucet Cartridge: 3 Best Replacements Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Finding the right kohler bathroom faucet cartridge can be frustrating, because Kohler has used several cartridge families over the years and a part that looks similar may not seat correctly in your faucet body. This guide compares three replacement cartridges sold on Amazon US. Our selection criteria were part-number compatibility stated in the listing, valve type (ceramic disc versus pressure balance), material and construction, and patterns that owners commonly report about fit, leak resolution and ease of installation. We did not test these parts ourselves; everything here comes from specifications and published listing details.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP	Replacing a ceramic hot and cold valve in a matching Kohler faucet	Two-pack with brass-body ceramic valve
KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge, Genuine Part GP800881	Owners who want an official Kohler part number	One-piece pressure balance design
Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP & K-GP77005-RP	Budget-conscious repairs on compatible Kohler models	Ceramic valve with 20-tooth spline

Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge for Kohler K-GP77005-RP & K-GP77006-RP

Best for: Replacing a ceramic hot and cold valve in a matching Kohler faucet

This two-pack suits homeowners who have identified a leaking or stiff handle on a Kohler faucet that uses the K-GP77005-RP or K-GP77006-RP cartridge designation. Because you get two cartridges, it can also serve as a spare for the other side of the faucet.

Key specs

• Sold as a 2-pack
• Ceramic valve for hot and cold water
• Brass construction, per the listing name
• Compatible with the K-GP77005-RP and K-GP77006-RP designations

Pros

• Two cartridges in one purchase, useful for both hot and cold sides
• Ceramic valves are commonly associated with smooth handle action and long service life
• Brass body is a durable material choice for a part exposed to constant water flow

Cons

• Listing is a third-party product, so it is not an official Kohler part
• Compatibility depends on matching the exact model number on your faucet

Bottom line: A strong choice for homeowners who have confirmed their faucet uses this cartridge designation and want a spare included.

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KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge, Genuine Part GP800881

Best for: Owners who want an official Kohler part number

Rite-Temp is Kohler’s pressure balance valve line, designed to keep water temperature steady when supply pressure changes, such as when someone flushes a toilet or runs a dishwasher. If your faucet is a Rite-Temp shower or tub-and-shower valve, this genuine part is the most direct match.

Key specs

• Genuine Kohler part, number GP800881
• Pressure balance design
• One-piece construction for simpler installation and maintenance, per the listing

Pros

• Genuine Kohler part reduces guesswork about compatibility
• Pressure balance design helps prevent sudden temperature swings
• One-piece design means fewer loose components during installation

Cons

• Only suitable for pressure balance valves, not ceramic disc faucets
• Sold as a single cartridge, so a second spare must be bought separately

Bottom line: Best for owners whose Kohler valve is confirmed as Rite-Temp and who prefer an OEM part.

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Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP & K-GP77005-RP

Best for: Budget-conscious repairs on compatible Kohler models

This set targets the same K-GP77005-RP and K-GP77006-RP designations as our top pick, making it a lower-commitment option when you are reasonably sure of the match. It is a practical choice for a single-handle repair where you want to replace a worn valve without overspending.

Key specs

• Hot and cold ceramic valve cartridges
• Spline length listed as 20 teeth, which is the detail to match against your old cartridge
• Compatible with the K-GP77005-RP and K-GP77006-RP designations

Pros

• Listing calls out spline tooth count, a useful fit check
• Ceramic valve type matches the common design of these models
• Good option for a repair where the original part is simply worn

Cons

• Third-party part, so fit depends on matching the spline and model number exactly
• Owners often recommend comparing the old cartridge side by side before installing

Bottom line: A sensible pick for a straightforward ceramic cartridge swap if you have counted the spline teeth on your original part.

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Buying Guide

Confirm your valve type: ceramic or pressure balance

Kohler faucets use different internal valves. Ceramic disc cartridges control hot and cold flow with two discs that slide and rotate. Pressure balance cartridges, such as Rite-Temp, balance hot and cold pressure to keep temperature stable. Installing the wrong type will not seat properly, so identify your valve before ordering.

Good picks for this: Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge; KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge

Match the part number and model designation

Look for the number stamped on the old cartridge or in your faucet’s installation manual. Kohler model numbers such as K-GP77005-RP and K-GP77006-RP appear in several cartridge listings, so confirm the designation rather than relying on the faucet series name alone.

Good picks for this: Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge; Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP

Check the spline count

The spline is the set of ridges on the top of the cartridge that engages the handle. A mismatch causes the handle to sit at the wrong angle or spin freely. Count the teeth on your old cartridge and compare them with the listing before you buy.

Good picks for this: Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP; Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge

Decide between genuine and aftermarket parts

Genuine Kohler parts carry the manufacturer’s part number and reduce the chance of a fit problem. Aftermarket cartridges can work well when the designation matches, but they demand more careful measurement. If your faucet is under warranty, a genuine part may be the safer route.

Good picks for this: KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge; Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge

Consider how many cartridges you need

Many single-handle faucets use one cartridge, while dual-handle faucets use two. Some listings include a pair, which is useful if both hot and cold sides are wearing out or if you want a spare on hand.

Good picks for this: Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge; Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP

Think about materials and durability

Brass bodies resist corrosion and handle daily hot-water use well. Ceramic valves are widely used because they resist wear from mineral deposits. If your water is hard, ceramic internals and a brass body can extend the time between replacements.

Good picks for this: Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge; Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP

Plan for installation and maintenance

Turn off the water supply before removing a cartridge, and keep the new part in its packaging until you are ready to install it. Apply a light coat of plumber’s grease to O-rings, and avoid overtightening retaining nuts. Many leaks come from a worn O-ring rather than the cartridge body itself.

Good picks for this: KOHLER Rite-Temp Pressure Balance Cartridge; Faucet Cartridges Set for Kohler K-GP77006-RP

FAQ

How do I know which Kohler cartridge I need?

Remove the handle and look at the cartridge for a stamped model number. You can also check the faucet’s installation guide or the Kohler model number on the faucet body. Match that designation to the listing before buying.

Can I replace a Kohler cartridge without removing the faucet?

In many single-handle designs, you can remove the handle, trim, and retaining nut from the top of the sink and lift the cartridge out. Some models require shutting off the supply lines and disassembling more of the body, so check your model’s guide first.

Why is my faucet still dripping after replacing the cartridge?

Common causes include a worn O-ring on the new cartridge, debris on the valve seat, or a cartridge that is not fully seated. Recheck the orientation and retaining nut, and clean the valve body before reinstalling.

Is a pressure balance cartridge different from a ceramic one?

Yes. Ceramic cartridges control hot and cold flow with ceramic discs. Pressure balance cartridges keep water temperature steady when supply pressure fluctuates. They are not interchangeable.

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

Yes. Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink, then open the faucet to relieve remaining pressure. This prevents water from spraying during removal.

Should I replace both cartridges at once?

If both hot and cold sides are leaking or stiff, replacing both is often sensible, since they tend to wear at similar rates. Buying a two-pack can make this more convenient.

When should I call a professional plumber?

If you cannot identify the valve type, the cartridge is seized, or the leak persists after replacement, consult a licensed plumber. Corroded supply lines or damaged valve bodies may need professional repair.

Conclusion

For most homeowners with a confirmed ceramic Kohler faucet, the Upgraded Faucet Ceramic Cartridge two-pack offers the most practical combination of included spares and matching designations. If you want an official Kohler part and your valve is pressure balance, the KOHLER Rite-Temp cartridge is the more reliable route. The Faucet Cartridges Set is a sensible budget option when you have verified the spline count and model number against your original part. Whichever you choose, identify your valve type and model designation first, since fit is the main factor that determines whether a repair succeeds.

Sources

• Guidance on water conservation and fixture maintenance for household plumbing (epa.gov)
• Safety information on home plumbing repairs and water-related hazards (cpsc.gov)
• Standards and certification information for drinking water fixtures and components (nsf.org)

Related reading

• Kohler Bathroom Faucet Replacement Parts: 3 Best Cartridges Compared (2026)
• Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge: 4 Best Replacements Compared (2026)
• Kohler Widespread Bathroom Faucet: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)

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