hansgrohe 88500000 Cartridge, 4X3X6, Chrome

I needed this because my ceramic plates apparently decided they didn’t want to fully close any longer. Slow drip.I’ve seen the thermostat module on sale separately as plastic. I didn’t need that, but bought the complete assy anyway. This works perfectly, and no more leak.Hansgrohe really doesn’t have any kind of warranty. I tried to get them to replace a shower head started blasting water thru the sides. No matter the problem, they will claim normal wear and tear which is not covered. Hence, no warranty. Don’t buy Hansgrohe for the warranty. I had a hose delaminate… normal wear and tear. Shower head, shower handle leaking out the sides ( after a few years) normal wear and tear. Thermobalance cartridge leaking, normal wear and tear.This thing is a bit tricky to install because you need to slide a sleeve over an o-ring while compressing. I suggest using some grease to help prevent cutting the o-ring.

Please read the review by Upton O’Goode. It was very good but maybe over simplified.Please note: before you begin you will need a large flat screwdriver to shut off the stops in the rough (last picture). You will need a 3mm Allen wrench to remove the handle (clockwise to loosen), remove drain cover and plug with paper towels to prevent losing screws down the drain (photo 1) a towel to lay on the floor and maybe a small towel to stuff around the rough if the box isn’t installed (mine was missing) to prevent losing screws inside the wall.The new unit looks great but I had to figure out that the sleeve that holds the retainer plate that attaches the cartridge to the rough (using three Phillip screws) [see last photo] will need to be pulled off the old cartridge. Once you do this you need to slide retainer plate on new cartridge hen slide the sleeve over the new cartridge. The new cartridge had a white insert behind the “O” ring that prevented me from sliding the trim ring over the cartridge (see my thumb on photo 6). Once I removed that, the sleeve went right on.Advditionally, the new cartridge has a black assembly with ports and a blue gasket (see picture 5). My old unit only showed two white ceramic discs after I pulled the cartridge- the black piece was stuck. I had to gently remove the black insert from the rough using needle nose pliers. There is a new one on the new cartridge. Remove the handle using 3mm Allen. Remove trim (Velcro holds it onto the escutcheon). Remove 4 screws to remove escutcheon. Remove 3 screws that hold the retainer plate. I googled Hansgrohe 06624000 thermobalance rough and found an installation guide at faucets.com that was helpful.The new unit looks great but I had to figure out that the sleeve that holds the retainer plate that attaches the cartridge to the rough (using three Phillip screws) [see last photo] will need to be pulled off the old cartridge. Once you do this you need to slide retainer plate on new cartridge hen slide the sleeve over the new cartridge. The new cartridge had a white insert behind the “O” ring that prevented me from sliding the trim ring over the cartridge (see my thumb on photo 6). Once I removed that, the sleeve went right on.Additionally, the new cartridge has a black assembly with ports and a blue gasket (see picture 5). My old unit only showed two white ceramic discs after I pulled the cartridge- the black piece was stuck. I had to gently remove the black insert from the rough using needle nose pliers. There is a new one on the new cartridge. Align the tabs on new unit, insert and replace components in reverse order. Amazon sadly limits my input so good luck! It will work.

The product fit perfectly and works well. I was disappointed that there were not more reviews, or question/answers.I had some problems installing it, sadly all my fault. These comments are to help anyone elseGet an installation manual from [...]You will need to remove some parts from the existing cartridge.- the Chrome sleeve, and retainer plate. The Chrome sleeve might need some persuasionWhen placing the Chrome sleeve onto the new cartridge, note that the sleeve has a beveled inside edge on one end.Place that on first to help go over the O-ringI took the old handle assembly, and simmered it in vinegar for about an hour. Mine had a lot of calcium buildup that made turning the temperature control knob difficult. It turns freely now. I used some cable ties to keep the temperature know depressed, so that the vinegar could get in.When putting the handle on, It was difficult to tell that the temperature knob was seated. I kept thinking It wasn'tThere is not much resistance to turning it.There are NO -Zero- instructions for installation packaged with the cartridge.Still 5 Stars because it worked so well when the installation was done

Good

This was the perfect replacement cartridge for my 2000's vintage Hansgrohe thermobalance shower valve. After more than 10 years of service, it had started a very slow, intermittent leak.To replace, all I needed to do was:Turn off the water supply and release the pressure in the system.Temove the control handle (allen key).Take off the decorative trim (velcro).Unscrew 7 screws holding the retaining plates on (Philips screwdriver).Slip off a decorative collar (by hand).Pull out the old cartridge and put in the new one (by hand).And then reverse the previous steps.A plumber might have charged $300.

We were having an issue where the hot water pressure was extremely low in our shower. Called up customer service and they recommended a new cartridge. Installing the new cartridge did resolve the issue and we had great water pressure immediately. Unfortunately that lasted about 15 months and after 2 years we're back to the same problem. At least the first cartridge lasted 10 years before going bad. At this point we either need to keep buying cartridges every few years or remodel the shower and replace the valve. Not great options.

Very well made. Easy to install. Instructions that come with it are very bad. Get them on the Hans Grohe website and you'll be fine.

Hansgrohe one on one customer service is excellent. The cartridge was just right. I wish the printable instruction booklet was more consumer friendly, e.g., simpler and expanded explanations.