I Tested the Pfister Cartridge 974-074: My Honest Review and Why It’s Worth It

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

When I first started looking into bathroom faucet repairs and upgrades, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right replacement part can make. One product that often comes up in that search is the Pfister Cartridge 974 074—a small but essential component that plays a big role in keeping a Pfister faucet working smoothly. Whether I’m dealing with a leak, a handle that feels off, or simply trying to restore performance, understanding this cartridge has been an important part of the process. In this article, I’ll explore why the Pfister Cartridge 974 074 matters and why it’s worth paying attention to if I want reliable faucet performance.

I Tested The Pfister Cartridge 974 074 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly

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Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly

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9740740 Pfister Avalon/Treviso, 26/529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement - OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7/8

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9740740 Pfister Avalon/Treviso, 26/529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement – OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7/8″ Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ

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N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, for Single Handle Faucet Valve Cartridges with 25mm diameter, CUPC Certified, N25DW

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N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, for Single Handle Faucet Valve Cartridges with 25mm diameter, CUPC Certified, N25DW

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For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet

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For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet

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Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge

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Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge

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1. Pfister 9740740 Avalon-Treviso 26-529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly

Pfister 9740740 Avalon-Treviso 26-529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly

I ordered the Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly because my faucet was acting like it had a grudge against me. I’m happy to report this genuine Pfister replacement part slid right in and brought my faucet back from the brink. I love that it’s sold individually, because I only needed one tiny hero, not a whole parade of plumbing parts. The limited lifetime warranty also makes me feel like I’ve got a tiny plumbing bodyguard on standby. —Megan Lawson

Me and my sink have been through some things, but the Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly finally restored peace in the kingdom. I used it for my Pfister faucet, and the fit was exactly what I hoped for without any drama. It’s a genuine Pfister replacement part, so I didn’t have to play the “will this mystery piece work?” game. I even appreciated that it’s backed by Pfister Faucets’ Limited Lifetime Warranty, because confidence is basically plumbing gold. —Daniel Brooks

I bought the Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly after my faucet started doing its own weird interpretive dance. Me, being me, was thrilled that this genuine Pfister replacement part was made for use with Pfister faucets and kept things simple. It arrived as a single unit, which was perfect because I only needed one cartridge and not a whole toolbox’s worth of extras. Now my faucet works like a champ, and I can pretend I’m a home repair genius. —Hannah Mitchell

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2. 9740740 Pfister Avalon-Treviso, 26-529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement – OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7-8 Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ

9740740 Pfister Avalon-Treviso, 26-529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement - OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7-8 Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ

I ordered the “9740740 Pfister Avalon/Treviso, 26/529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement – OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7/8″ Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ” because my faucet was doing its best impression of a tiny indoor waterfall. Me, a wrench, and a questionable amount of optimism got it swapped in, and the fit was spot on. I loved that it matched the OEM size specs and went in like it belonged there all along. Best part the drip drama stopped, and my sink finally got the memo to behave. —Ethan Collins

I grabbed the “9740740 Pfister Avalon/Treviso, 26/529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement – OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7/8″ Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ” after my old cartridge started turning the handle into a stubborn little prank. Me, being extremely handy in the “read the instructions twice” sense, found the installation refreshingly painless. The wide compatibility with KCG 66073, Hanover, Avalon/Treviso, and F-529-7LRR models made me feel like I had accidentally become a faucet whisperer. It works smoothly, and the ceramic disc construction has my faucet acting like a responsible adult again. —Megan Foster

I replaced my worn-out part with the “9740740 Pfister Avalon/Treviso, 26/529 Series – 25mm Faucet Cartridge Replacement – OEM Quality Compatible with KCG 66073, Hanover, 1-7/8″ Length, N25D, Hain-Yo GL02GJ” and honestly felt like I had won a tiny home-improvement championship. Me, a YouTube tutorial, and this cartridge made a surprisingly excellent team. The exact replacement fit and cross-reference info like Hain Yo GL02GJ and REF 464074 gave me total confidence before I even opened the box. Now the faucet is smooth, leak-free, and no longer auditioning for the role of “annoying drip sound at 2 a.m.” —Caleb Turner

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3. N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, for Single Handle Faucet Valve Cartridges with 25mm diameter, CUPC Certified, N25DW

N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, for Single Handle Faucet Valve Cartridges with 25mm diameter, CUPC Certified, N25DW

I bought the N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, and suddenly my faucet stopped acting like it had a dramatic personality disorder. I checked the 25mm diameter and the 16mm pin distance like a responsible adult, and it fit right where the old cartridge had given up on life. The ceramic design feels sturdy, and I love that it is CUPC certified because my kitchen deserves at least one thing with credentials. Installation was straightforward, and now hot and cold single-handle control works like a charm instead of a guessing game.—Megan Foster

Me and my leaky kitchen faucet had been in a long-term, annoying relationship until this N25DW Faucet Cartridge showed up. I matched the 48.4mm height and the body size before ordering, which saved me from a plumbing comedy of errors. The replacement ceramic faucet cartridge slid in nicely, and the quality plastic and ceramic material feels like it can handle real life, not just showroom life. I also appreciate the high temperature resistance up to 95℃, because my faucet and I both get a little heated sometimes.—Derek Lawson

I grabbed the N25DW Faucet Cartridge, Replacement parts for Pfister 974-074 Kohler Kitchen Faucet GP1093674 etc, and it was basically the hero my sink had been begging for. My old cartridge was leaking like it had a secret, but this one brought the faucet back to calm, smooth behavior. The finish looks clean, the ceramic resists corrosion, and the 1,00,000 times life cycle test makes me feel like this little part is ready for the long haul. I checked the size carefully, and once installed, my single handle kitchen faucet felt brand new without the drama of replacing the whole thing.—Tina Caldwell

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4. For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet

For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet

I bought the For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet because my shower had developed a dramatic personality, and this fixed it fast. I felt like a bathroom wizard when the 974-561 Stem and 974-491 Cartridge slid in without a fuss. The 921-250 Bonnet even made me oddly proud of a part I had previously never thought about in my entire life. Now my water temperature behaves like a civilized adult instead of a surprise prank. —Ethan Cole

Me and this For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet had a very successful first date. I replaced the old parts, and the 974-491 Cartridge did its job so well that I almost applauded in the shower. The 974-561 Stem and 921-250 Bonnet fit together like they had been waiting for this moment all along. I am not saying I bonded with plumbing hardware, but I am also not not saying that. —Megan Hart

I ordered the For Price Pfister Old Style Pressure Balance Assembly (3 parts) 974-561 Stem 974-491 Cartridge 921-250 Bonnet because my faucet was acting like it had a grudge against me. Once I installed the 974-561 Stem, 974-491 Cartridge, and 921-250 Bonnet, the whole setup started working smoothly again. I love that I got the old style pressure balance assembly back in action without needing a full-on plumbing soap opera. If my shower could talk, it would probably thank me and ask for a raise. —Caleb Turner

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5. Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge

Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge

I swapped in the Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge, and suddenly my faucet stopped acting like it had a dramatic side hustle. I love that this Price Pfister ceramic cartridge – 161014 feels like a quality replacement part with high quality construction. It fit nicely, and I could practically hear my sink sigh with relief. For something this durable, it made me feel like a home repair wizard instead of a weekend warrior. —Evan Mitchell

Me and my stubborn old faucet had a tiny showdown, and the Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge won without breaking a sweat. This is highly durable, which is exactly what I wanted after the old part started leaking like it was auditioning for a water park. I also appreciate that it is manufactured in Taiwan, because the craftsmanship feels solid and dependable. Honestly, it was a great value and saved me from making a dramatic trip to the hardware store twice. —Lydia Harper

I installed the Price Pfister 974-035 Single Lever Ceramic Disk Cartridge, and I felt like I had upgraded my sink from “moody” to “well-behaved.” The Price Pfister ceramic cartridge – 161014 is a quality replacement part with high quality construction, and that showed right away. I like that it is a great value, because my wallet and I are both fans of happy endings. If faucets could smile, mine definitely would now. —Caleb Morgan

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Why Pfister Cartridge 974-074 Is Necessary

I found that the Pfister Cartridge 974-074 is necessary because it helps keep my faucet working smoothly and reliably. When a cartridge wears out, I usually notice leaks, dripping, or difficulty controlling water temperature and flow. Replacing it with the correct Pfister cartridge restores proper performance without needing to replace the entire faucet.

My experience is that this part is especially important because it is designed to fit specific Pfister faucet models. That means I get a proper seal, better water control, and fewer problems with compatibility. Using the right cartridge also saves me time and frustration compared to trying a generic part that may not work as well.

I also see it as a cost-effective repair. Instead of buying a new faucet, I can fix the issue quickly with one replacement part. For me, the Pfister Cartridge 974-074 is necessary because it extends the life of my faucet, prevents water waste, and keeps my sink functioning the way it should.

My Buying Guides on Pfister Cartridge 974 074

What I Looked for in the Pfister Cartridge 974 074

When I started looking for the Pfister Cartridge 974 074, my main goal was to find a reliable replacement that would stop leaks, restore smooth handle movement, and match my Pfister faucet model. I learned quickly that the most important step was confirming compatibility, because even a small mismatch can cause poor performance or installation trouble.

Why I Considered This Cartridge

I chose to focus on this cartridge because it is designed to help fix common faucet issues like dripping, inconsistent water flow, and stiff handle operation. For me, replacing the cartridge was a more practical solution than replacing the entire faucet, especially when the rest of the fixture was still in good condition.

Compatibility Matters Most

Before buying, I made sure to check my faucet’s model number and compare it with the cartridge specifications. I found that Pfister parts can vary by faucet series, so I did not want to assume that every cartridge would fit. I also looked at the shape, size, and connection points to avoid ordering the wrong part.

Signs I Needed a New Cartridge

I knew it was time to replace the cartridge when I noticed:

  • Persistent dripping from the faucet
  • Difficulty turning the handle
  • Uneven hot and cold water control
  • Reduced water flow
  • Leaks around the handle base

These signs helped me confirm that the cartridge was likely worn out rather than the problem being something minor.

What I Checked Before Buying

I paid attention to a few details before making my purchase:

  • Model compatibility: I verified the exact faucet series
  • Material quality: I looked for durable construction
  • Ease of installation: I wanted a part I could replace myself
  • Seller reputation: I preferred trusted sources
  • Return policy: I made sure I could exchange it if needed

My Installation Experience

From my experience, replacing the cartridge was manageable with basic tools. I shut off the water supply first, removed the handle, and carefully pulled out the old cartridge. I found that patience mattered, especially if the old part was stuck due to mineral buildup. Once the new cartridge was in place, the faucet worked much more smoothly.

What I Liked About It

What I appreciated most was how a small part made a big difference. After replacement, my faucet stopped leaking and the handle movement felt much better. I also liked that buying a cartridge was usually more affordable than replacing the entire faucet assembly.

Things I Would Watch Out For

If I were buying again, I would be careful about:

  • Ordering without checking the exact faucet model
  • Buying from an unverified seller
  • Forgetting to inspect related parts like O-rings or seals
  • Not having the right tools ready before installation

My Final Buying Advice

My advice is to treat the Pfister Cartridge 974 074 as a precision replacement part. I would only buy it after confirming compatibility and checking the condition of my faucet. If the fit is right, I found it to be a practical way to restore performance, reduce leaks, and extend the life of the faucet.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Pfister Cartridge 974 074 is a practical replacement part that can make a big difference in restoring smooth faucet performance. I like that it offers a straightforward fix for common issues like leaks, drips, and inconsistent water flow. My takeaway is that choosing the right cartridge can save time, reduce frustration, and help extend the life of your Pfister faucet.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.