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How We Source Our Cartridges

When you order a cartridge from CartridgeID, you'll always know exactly what you're getting — genuine OEM or quality aftermarket. Both have a place in the plumbing trade. Here's how we think about it, and how we make sure you know which is which.

How products are labeled on every page, in your cart, and on every invoice: Genuine OEM, or Aftermarket Replacement.

Two paths to the right part

Genuine OEM. The original cartridge manufactured by the brand (Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, Grohe, and others) or their authorized contract manufacturers. Backed by the manufacturer's warranty. Sourced through legitimate wholesale distribution channels.

Quality aftermarket. A replacement cartridge manufactured by a third-party producer (Danco, Sayco, Lasco, and other reputable makers) designed to fit the same valve body and perform the same function as the OEM. We only source aftermarket from manufacturers we trust, with quality standards that perform comparably to OEM in real-world use. We do not sell unknown-origin, generic, or commodity aftermarket cartridges sourced from unverified suppliers.

When we recommend OEM

We default to genuine OEM when:

  • The fixture is still under the manufacturer's warranty
  • The valve body is older or unusual and OEM is the only guaranteed fit
  • The customer specifically requests genuine OEM
  • The aftermarket equivalent is unproven for that specific part

When we recommend quality aftermarket

We default to quality aftermarket when:

  • The fixture is out of warranty
  • The cartridge is a common commodity part where established aftermarket equivalents exist
  • The customer is doing high-volume replacement and the savings are material
  • The OEM is discontinued and no longer manufactured (aftermarket is sometimes the only option)
  • The customer is budget-conscious and the aftermarket fits the use case

How every product is labeled

Every product on CartridgeID is clearly marked with its source type. You'll see this label:

  • On the product page next to the product name
  • In your cart at checkout
  • On every line item of your order confirmation email
  • On your invoice

There is no ambiguity. If you want genuine OEM, the product will say "Genuine OEM." If you're buying our aftermarket option, the product will say "Aftermarket Replacement." If you can't tell, ask us — we'll always confirm before you pay.

Your right to specify OEM

If you specifically require genuine OEM for a project — whether for warranty preservation, customer-facing brand consistency, specification compliance, or any other reason — let us know when you submit your ticket or contact us before placing an order. When OEM is available for the part you need, we'll source it for you. When OEM is no longer manufactured or has extended lead times, we'll let you know your options.

Quality standards for our aftermarket

We do not sell unknown-origin aftermarket cartridges. Every aftermarket SKU in our catalog comes from a manufacturer we've evaluated for:

  • Dimensional accuracy against OEM specifications
  • Material composition (we prioritize brass-core, lead-free construction where applicable)
  • Real-world performance feedback from plumbers using them in the field
  • Manufacturer reputation and reliability

If we wouldn't install it in our own home, we don't list it.

Warranty considerations

Genuine OEM cartridges carry the original manufacturer's warranty (typically lifetime against defects, varies by brand). Quality aftermarket cartridges typically do not carry the OEM brand's warranty, but are backed by CartridgeID's 30-day return policy and our own quality standards. If an aftermarket cartridge from us fails prematurely, we make it right.

For fixtures still under manufacturer warranty, using an aftermarket cartridge may technically void the warranty. We default to OEM in those cases, and will always disclose this trade-off if it applies to your specific order.

Trademarks and brand names

Manufacturer names — Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, Grohe, and others — appear on our product pages and in our materials for the limited purpose of identifying which OEM part our aftermarket replacements are compatible with, or which OEM brand we are sourcing genuine product from. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these manufacturers. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The full list of lines we cover is on our brands we cover page.

Questions?

If you're ever unsure whether a specific product is genuine OEM or aftermarket, or whether OEM is available for the part you need, contact us before you order:

Our contact page lists every way to reach us. We'd rather take an extra minute to confirm than have any customer surprised by what arrives.

— Cody Anchondo
Founder, CartridgeID

For the legally binding version of our sourcing policy, see Section 22 of our Terms of Service. To see how a part gets matched before it is sourced, read our cartridge identification process.