Sxtrrdnary RP19804 Shower Cartridge Compatible with Delta 1300/1400 Series Single Handle Tub Bathtub Shower Faucet Replacement for Delta Cartridge Repair Plumbing Parts, RP22734 Bonnet Nut

Why I reached for this cartridge

My upstairs shower had developed the classic Delta Monitor symptoms: a persistent drip, a handle that felt gritty as it moved, and occasional temperature swings when someone flushed a toilet elsewhere in the house. The valve body is an older 1400-series from the early 2000s, so I went looking for a pressure-balancing cartridge that would restore smooth operation without replacing the entire valve. I installed the RP19804 cartridge and lived with it for several weeks before writing this review. It solved the leak, stabilized temps, and brought the handle action back to “new valve” smooth—without a complicated install.

Compatibility and what to check first

The RP19804 cartridge is aimed squarely at pre-2007 Delta Monitor 1300/1400 valves. If your shower is on a MultiChoice Universal valve (Delta’s post-2007 platform), this won’t fit. Before ordering, I recommend:

• Pull the trim and look for the old brass valve body without “Multichoice” markings.
• Compare the existing cartridge profile with RP19804 diagrams online; the older style has a telltale long rectangular body with two large O-rings.
• Confirm your handle style is single-function (older 1300/1400) rather than dual-function (1700/1800), which use different internals.

On my 1400-series body, the RP19804 was a direct match and seated properly under the existing RP22734 bonnet nut.

Installation experience

The packaging claims a “tool-free” install, which is true only in the sense that the cartridge itself slides into the valve body without specialized tools. In real life, you’ll still need:

• A hex key for the handle set screw (often 1/8 inch)
• A Phillips screwdriver for trim screws
• An adjustable wrench or deep socket for the bonnet nut
• Needle-nose pliers for extracting the old cartridge
• Plumber’s silicone grease and a soft brush or cloth

Here’s how my swap went:

1. Shut off water to the shower and open the valve to relieve pressure.
2. Remove handle and trim, then loosen and remove the RP22734 bonnet nut. A strap wrench helps if it’s stuck.
3. Wiggle the old cartridge straight out. Mine resisted; a gentle twist plus steady pull did it.
4. Clean the valve body—this matters. I wiped out mineral debris, polished the bore lightly with a non-abrasive pad, and inspected the sealing surfaces.
5. Lightly grease the new cartridge O-rings with silicone grease.
6. Align the hot/cold orientation (notch and alignment tabs make this straightforward) and push the cartridge fully home.
7. Reinstall the bonnet nut by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then snug it—firm, not gorilla-tight.
8. Reassemble trim and handle.

From start to finish, I spent about 20 minutes including cleanup. No surprises and no special tricks required.

Adjusting the temperature limit stop

This cartridge has a built-in hot-water limit to reduce scalding risk. Out of the box, mine was set conservatively. With the water back on, I ran the shower at maximum hot for a minute and checked temperature. Adjusting the limit stop took seconds: pull the handle, rotate the stop one notch at a time toward hotter, and test again. I settled on a setting that kept peak temp comfortable without letting it creep into “too hot.” If you have kids or elderly users, spend a few extra minutes here—it’s a worthwhile safety feature.

Performance in daily use

• Temperature stability: The pressure-balancing function kept the shower within a couple of degrees even when a toilet flushed or a sink turned on. The ±3.6°F spec feels accurate in practice. I noticed far fewer “cold shots” and essentially no sudden spikes.
• Leak elimination: The drip stopped immediately after installation. After two weeks of use, there’s still no weeping from the spout or behind the trim.
• Handle feel: Operation is smooth and linear. The gritty feel that accompanied the worn cartridge is gone, and the handle returns to off cleanly.
• Noise: Pressure-balanced cartridges can sometimes chatter if there’s debris. I didn’t hear any buzzing or rattling, but I did take care to clean the valve body first. If you do hear noise on first run, shut off water and flush the lines briefly.
• Flow: No perceptible reduction in flow compared to the original cartridge, though setting the hot limit more conservatively will naturally cap perceived heat.

Build quality and materials

The RP19804 uses a brass core with reinforced plastic—about what I expect in a modern cartridge. The seals looked clean and evenly molded, and the alignment tabs were crisp (which matters during insertion). The balancing spool action is quiet and consistent. It’s an aftermarket part, so I inspected tolerances with a skeptical eye; the fit in the valve body was snug without being tight, and the bonnet threaded smoothly with the cartridge properly seated.

Long-term durability is always the open question with cartridges. Based on construction and initial performance, I don’t see any red flags. If your water is hard, build-up can shorten any cartridge’s life; a yearly descale of the shower head and occasional handle exercise helps.

Value

For older Delta Monitor owners, finding a reliable, affordable RP19804 replacement can be the difference between a Saturday tune-up and contemplating a full valve swap. The price point of this cartridge undercuts OEM without feeling disposable. Given the time it saved and the performance I’m getting, it hits a favorable price-to-performance ratio.

What I liked

• Direct drop-in fit for my pre-2007 1400-series valve
• Pressure-balanced temperature control that behaves predictably
• Smooth handle feel with clean on/off detent
• Built-in hot limit stop that’s easy to adjust
• Solid materials and thoughtful machining on critical interfaces
• No leaks, no drips, no chatter after install

What could be better

• “Tool-free” language is optimistic; expect to use basic hand tools
• As with most aftermarket cartridges, there’s minimal guidance included. Clearer instructions—especially on orienting the limit stop—would help DIY users.
• Strictly for pre-2007 1300/1400 valves; it’s on you to verify compatibility before tearing into the wall

Tips for a trouble-free swap

• Shutoffs first, always. If your shower lacks local stops, turn off the house supply.
• Clean the valve bore thoroughly. Most post-install issues come from debris, not the cartridge.
• Lightly grease O-rings with plumber’s silicone grease—never petroleum-based products.
• Hand-thread the bonnet nut before wrenching to avoid cross-threading.
• Adjust the hot limit in small increments and test with a thermometer if you’re unsure.
• If you still have a drip after replacement, inspect the tub spout diverter and, on some valves, the seats and springs inside the body; they can masquerade as a “cartridge problem.”

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with pre-2007 Delta Monitor 1300/1400 single-handle valves who want to eliminate drips and regain temperature stability without opening the wall
• Landlords and facility techs standardizing on a reliable, repeatable fix for aging Delta showers
• DIYers comfortable with basic plumbing tasks who appreciate predictable results

If you have a post-2007 MultiChoice Universal valve or a dual-function trim, skip this and look up your specific cartridge family instead.

Final take

The RP19804 cartridge did exactly what I needed it to do: stop a drip, steady the temperature, and restore a smooth, quiet handle in an older Delta Monitor shower. Installation was straightforward with basic tools, the hot limit is easy to set sensibly, and the build quality inspires confidence. There are flashier ways to “upgrade” a shower, but few that deliver this much improvement for so little time and money.

Recommendation: I recommend this cartridge for anyone maintaining a pre-2007 Delta 1300/1400 valve. It’s a precise fit, provides stable temperature control, and fixes leaks without fuss. Just confirm compatibility up front, take the time to clean the valve body, and you’ll likely enjoy a satisfying, leak-free result.