How to replace a Moen faucet cartridge

One of the most popular faucets is the Moen single handle faucet. They have one style cartridge that fits into a wide variety of bathroom, kitchen, tub and shower faucets.

The most popular Moen cartridge is the 1200 brass style or the 1225 plastic body. You can replace an old cartridge with either model. Another style cartridge from Moen is the PosiTemp. It is also for single handle faucets but has a built in anti-scald feature. It will not fit in the faucets that take a 1200 or 1225 style, so make sure to look at your old cartridge.

The plastic cartridge is the newer style and is considered better for water with high mineral content.

You will need some of the following tools: adjustable wrench, channel-lock pliers, open-ended wrench, flashlight, and screwdrivers.

The first step in replacing a Moen cartridge is to shut off the water supply to the faucet.

To remove the old cartridge, you have to remove the handle from the faucet.

For most bathroom sinks and tub handles, there is a decorative cover on the top of the handle that needs to be pried off with a very small slotted screwdriver. This will give you access to the handle screw. In most cases this will be a Phillips screw. Remove this screw to remove the handle. For kitchen sink handles and some shower handles, there will be a small set screw that has an Allen Screw on the side or bottom. Unscrew this to remove the handle.

Some kitchen faucets will have a series of pieces that need to be removed to get to the cartridge. They can include the handle, handle assembly, retainer ring, pivot nut, and spacers. It is a good practice to lay out each piece in the order you removed it, so reassembly is easier.

Some faucets may also have a retaining nut that needs to be unscrewed to get to the cartridge.

Once the handle is removed and the parts under the handle are removed, you will need to take out the retainer clip. This is a “U” shaped clip that holds the cartridge in place.

In most of the packaging of a new Moen cartridge is a small white plastic tool to help remove the old cartridge. Place the removal tool onto the old cartridge and seat it between the two ears that stick up on cartridge. Use pliers or a wrench to twist the tool and loosen the old cartridge.

Remove the plastic tool and grab the cartridge stem and pull it out of the valve.

To install the new cartridge, pull the stem out so it is in the open position. This makes it easier to push into the valve. Grease up the o-rings with plumbers grease. In old faucets, the buildup of minerals and rust can cut an o-ring if it is not greased up. This will also help add life to the o-rings.

You need to align the ears sticking up on the new cartridge with the slot for the retainer clip. The clip needs to go around the ears to hold them in place. Replace the retainer clip.

Now replace all the parts that were removed and test the faucet.

If the hot and cold are reversed when you use the handle, only remove the handle and spin the stem 180 degrees. Do not remove the clip or cartridge, just spin the stem.