FAQs of Replacement Cartridge

1. Can we mix and match different cartridge models to meet the MOQ?

Plumberstar can support the combination of different types of valve cores to meet the minimum order quantity requirement. Valve cores of different calibers and different structural types can be freely combined in the same order to reach the agreed minimum order quantity.

During the production and delivery process, we will classify and label each type of valve core. They are packaged independently, and the delivery list is sorted by model. This facilitates your warehousing, management, and subsequent distribution. This mixed batch policy applies not only to standard valve core models but also to customized valve core products with specific specifications. Moreover, the same preferential quotations and delivery cycles as those for single-model orders will be provided. This effectively reduces your procurement costs and inventory pressure. It makes your procurement of valve core products more flexible and efficient.

2. What is your acceptable quality limit (AQL) for a batch of replacement cartridges?

The acceptable quality level (AQL) for our replacement valve core batches complies with the ISO 2859-1 standard. The core AQL standards are as follows: for all outgoing replacement cartridges, the AQL value for critical defects and major defects is 0.65, and for minor defects, it is 1.0. This is higher than the industry’s common AQL benchmark of 1.0/2.5.

For critical defects such as ceramic valve core seal failure, shell cracking, inability to adjust water temperature/flow, as well as issues like slight water leakage at the seal, unsmooth operation, and dimensional deviations affecting installation, the strict AQL 0.65 standard is implemented. Once a single critical defect is found in the sample, the entire batch of products will be directly judged as unqualified. And a full inspection and rework will be conducted.

For small issues that do not affect use, such as light surface scratches or slight color differences on plastic parts, we follow the AQL 1.0 standard. This means the product can be accepted as long as the sealing and main functions work well.

The sampling amount is chosen by batch size. For example, from a batch of 2,000 valve cores, we check 80 pieces; from a batch of 10,000 pieces, we check 200 pieces. All AQL inspection results, defect records, and rework information are saved with the batch number. This allows full tracking later, and we can provide these records to customers for incoming inspection or project approval when needed.

3. How to replace the Replacement Cartridge?

Plumberstar replacement cartridges for tub and shower faucets are easy to change. The basic steps are simple: First, turn off the water and release the pressure. Then take apart the faucet and replace the old cartridge. And finally, put everything back together and test it. This cartridge fits most common single-handle and double-handle tub and shower faucets on the market. Specifically, you can follow the video tutorial to operate.

Helpful tips:

• If the old cartridge is hard to remove because of limescale, add a little descaling liquid and let it soak for 5–10 minutes. This will make it easier to take out. Do not hit it with hard tools.
• Before replacing, check the size of the old cartridge, such as the diameter, height, and how it is fixed. Choose the same type of Plumberstar cartridge to make sure it fits well.
• During daily use, clean the small filter at the water inlet from time to time. This helps stop dirt from blocking the cartridge and makes it last longer.

From Moen

4. Can you manufacture cartridges that are compatible with our existing faucet housings?

Of course. If you have drawings of the faucet body, you can send them to us. If you do not have drawings, you can also send us a real sample. Both ways are fine.

We will copy the key parts of the original valve core, such as the position points, fixing grooves, spline number, and thread size. This helps make sure the new valve core can fit into your faucet body easily and stay firmly in place. The use, feeling, and function will be the same as the original one.

Before making a large quantity, we will first make a sample valve core. We will test it on your faucet body to check the fit, sealing, and working performance. Then we will send the sample and a clear test report to you. Only after you confirm everything is OK will we start mass production.

5. Can you provide details on carton dimensions and weight for a typical order of 1,000 cartridges?

We use standardized five-layer reinforced corrugated cartons for replacing valve cores. 1000 regular valve cores in a full order are packed into 2 standard outer cartons (500 pieces per carton). For customized, special-shaped valve cores, adjustments will be made according to the actual size and synchronized in advance:

1. Core parameters of a single carton (500 valve cores):
• Outer carton size: 45cm × 30cm × 35cm (L×W×H)
• Gross weight: 12.5kg per carton
• Net weight (only 500 valve cores): 11kg per carton
• Inner packaging: Each valve core is individually wrapped in an OPP transparent bag + shockproof paper card, 50 pieces per inner box (separated by hard cardboard to prevent collision and wear during transportation), 10 inner boxes per carton, placed in layers with no gaps

2. Total parameters for 1000 pieces in a full order:
• Number of outer cartons: 2
• Total gross weight: 25kg
• Total net weight: 22kg
• Total outer carton volume: ≈0.0945m³

A 20-foot container can hold approximately 1800 cartons, and a 40-foot high cube container can hold approximately 4000 cartons. This size is a universal standard size for international logistics. It can directly meet the receiving requirements of Amazon FBA, overseas warehouses, and customers’ own warehouses. If small cartons are needed (such as 200 pieces/300 pieces per carton), a free customized carton splitting plan can be provided. Only the outer carton size will be adjusted, while the protection standards remain unchanged.

6. Do you offer shipping insurance options for high-value Replacement Cartridge orders?

Yes. Even if you do not choose the CIF or CIP trade terms, we can still provide you with transportation insurance. This transportation insurance is more suitable for higher-value replacement filter orders. It can protect your order from potential risks such as loss, damage, theft, or breakage that may occur during international transportation. Moreover, we can customize the insurance coverage and liability limits according to the actual value of the order. We can offer the following three types of insurance:

1. Basic Insurance

• Coverage: Compensates for total loss of the entire order during transportation, such as loss of goods, complete damage caused by serious accidents like freight container overturning, fire, flood, etc.
• Coverage Limit: 100% of the declared commercial value of the filter order.
• Cost: Free for orders with a declared value of ≥ 5,000 USD; for orders with a declared value of < 5,000 USD, the cost is 0.15% of the declared value.
• Applicable to situations where the risk of partial damage is low.

2. Standard Insurance

• Coverage: Compensates for total loss and partial damage. This includes ceramic disc cracking, valve core housing deformation, seal damage, product damage caused by packaging breakage, and theft of part of the order. For replacement filters, our coverage also includes damage to precision-matched structures.
• Coverage Limit: 100% of the declared commercial value + actual freight + customs clearance fees.
• Cost: 0.3% of the total insured value (declared value + freight).
• Applicable Scenarios: It fully covers the typical risks in filter transportation.

3. Premium Insurance

• Coverage: All coverage of Standard Insurance + extended risks, including compensation for delayed delivery, damage from customs seizure, and damage caused by rough handling in transshipment warehouses. For custom precision filters, it also includes damage to brand laser engraving/printing and dimensional deviations caused by transportation vibrations.
• Coverage Limit: 120% of the total insured value.
• Cost: 0.5% of the total insured value.
• Applicable Scenarios: Ultra-high-value original equipment manufacturer (OEM) custom filter orders, precision custom filters with special structural requirements, or urgent air/express orders with strict delivery times.

7. Do you have warehousing options available if we need to delay shipment for the Replacement Cartridge?

Yes, we can provide warehousing solutions for replacement filter orders that require delayed shipment. Our warehousing services offer two options: short-term temporary storage (1-3 months) and long-term bulk storage (more than 3 months). We can store your finished filter orders in our factory warehouse or in the warehouses of our cooperating international freight forwarders.

1. Factory Warehouse Storage

Storage location: Our dedicated sealed warehouse for plumbing components (Taizhou, China – our production base, close to Ningbo Port), equipped with constant temperature and humidity control (18-25°C, humidity 40-60%), and designed to be dust-proof, moisture-proof, and rodent-proof – optimized specifically for replacement filters (to avoid ceramic plate cracking, brass oxidation, and seal aging caused by environmental changes).

Storage period: Supports infinitely flexible delays (from 1 week to more than 12 months), with no minimum or maximum time limits. You can notify us of the shipment at any time.

Cost: All replacement filter orders are free for the first 3 months. After 3 months of storage, a nominal management fee of $50 per pallet per month will be charged (1 pallet can hold approximately 40 standard filter cartons/20,000 pieces).

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for customers who need flexible long/short-term delays, plan to ship in batches, or have not yet confirmed the final destination/freight forwarder.

2. Port Warehouse Storage

Storage location: Cooperative bonded/non-bonded warehouses located in Ningbo/Shanghai/Guangzhou ports, all providing integrated customs clearance and logistics services.

Storage period: Supports short-term/medium-term delays (1 week to 6 months). Suitable for customers with a confirmed shipping window and port-centric logistics plans.

Cost: A comprehensive fee of $80 per pallet per month. However, this fee covers all port-related pre-shipment services.

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for customers who have confirmed the shipping port/freight forwarder, plan to ship by sea/air. And need quick port loading after a delay – saving transportation time from the factory to the port and simplifying the customs clearance process.