How to Change a Cartridge in a Moen Bathroom Faucet | The Home Depot

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How to Change a Cartridge in a Moen Bathroom Faucet

Your Moen bathroom faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. It’s the one you use to brush your teeth, wash your face, and take a shower. But what happens when the faucet starts to leak or drip? If you’re handy, you can probably fix it yourself by replacing the cartridge.

A cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that sits inside the faucet and controls the flow of water. It’s made of a hard material, such as plastic or metal, and it’s usually held in place by a set screw. When the cartridge wears out, it can cause the faucet to leak or drip.

Changing a cartridge is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing a cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, along with photos and illustrations.

So if your Moen bathroom faucet is giving you trouble, don’t despair. With a little bit of time and effort, you can probably fix it yourself.

Step Instructions Images
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle from the faucet.
3 Remove the old cartridge from the faucet.
4 Install the new cartridge in the faucet.
5 Reattach the handle to the faucet.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How to Change a Cartridge in a Moen Bathroom Faucet?

Moen bathroom faucets are known for their durability and long lifespan. However, even the best faucets can eventually wear out and need to be replaced. If your Moen bathroom faucet is leaking or not working properly, you may need to replace the cartridge. This is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • New cartridge
  • Replacement washers (if needed)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the handle covers. There are usually two screws on the front of the faucet that hold the handle covers in place. Remove these screws and set the covers aside.
3. Remove the cartridge. There is usually a screw on the back of the faucet that holds the cartridge in place. Remove this screw and carefully pull the cartridge out of the faucet.
4. Clean the faucet seat. The faucet seat is the flat surface inside the faucet where the cartridge sits. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.
5. Apply penetrating oil to the faucet seat. This will help to loosen the old gasket and make it easier to remove.
6. Install the new cartridge. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size for your faucet. Insert the cartridge into the faucet and tighten the screw to secure it in place.
7. Replace the handle covers.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure that it is working properly.

Replacing a cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money by doing the job yourself.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet:

  • If the cartridge is stuck, you can try using a heat gun or hair dryer to warm it up. This will help to loosen the old gasket and make it easier to remove.
  • Be careful not to damage the faucet seat when removing the old cartridge. The faucet seat is a critical part of the faucet and it must be in good condition for the faucet to work properly.
  • Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size for your faucet. If the cartridge is too small, it will not fit properly and the faucet will not work properly. If the cartridge is too large, it will not seal properly and water will leak from the faucet.
  • Replace the handle covers carefully. If the handle covers are not installed properly, they may not seal properly and water will leak from the faucet.

By following these tips, you can successfully replace a cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet and keep your faucet working properly for years to come.

How To Change A Cartridge In A Moen Bathroom Faucet?

Moen bathroom faucets are known for their durability and long lifespan. However, even the best faucets eventually need to be repaired or replaced. One of the most common repairs is to replace the cartridge. The cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that contains the valves that control the flow of water. When the cartridge wears out, it can cause the faucet to leak or not work properly.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

3. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can be done by turning the shut-off valves located under the sink. Once the water supply is turned off, you can begin removing the faucet handles.

4. Remove the handle(s) from the faucet.

Moen bathroom faucets typically have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. To remove the handles, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver.

First, locate the small setscrews that secure the handles to the faucet body. These setscrews are usually located on the underside of the handles. Use the screwdriver to loosen the setscrews and remove the handles.

Once the handles are removed, you will be able to access the cartridge.

5. Remove the old cartridge.

The cartridge is located in the center of the faucet body. It is held in place by a retaining clip. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a pair of pliers.

First, grasp the retaining clip with the pliers and gently pry it up. Once the retaining clip is loose, you can remove the cartridge.

The cartridge is a small, cylindrical part that is made of plastic or metal. It contains the valves that control the flow of water.

6. Inspect the old cartridge.

Before you install the new cartridge, it is important to inspect the old cartridge to see if there is any damage. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.

To inspect the cartridge, look for cracks or other damage. If you see any damage, you will need to replace the cartridge.

7. Install the new cartridge.

Once you have inspected the old cartridge and determined that it needs to be replaced, you can install the new cartridge.

To install the new cartridge, first place it in the center of the faucet body. Then, secure the cartridge in place with the retaining clip.

Once the cartridge is installed, you can replace the handles.

8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Once the handles are replaced, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

If the faucet is not working properly, you may need to adjust the valves in the cartridge.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet. By following these steps, you can easily replace the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet and restore it to its original working condition.

How do I know if my Moen bathroom faucet needs a new cartridge?

There are a few signs that your Moen bathroom faucet may need a new cartridge. These include:

  • The faucet is dripping even when it is turned off.
  • The faucet is not turning on or off smoothly.
  • The water pressure is low.
  • The faucet is making a rattling or grinding noise.

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced.

How do I remove the old cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet) by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
3. Locate the cartridge. It is a small, cylindrical-shaped piece of plastic or metal that is located inside the faucet body.
4. Use a pair of pliers to grip the cartridge and turn it counterclockwise.
5. Remove the cartridge and discard it.

How do I install the new cartridge?

1. Make sure the water supply to the faucet is turned off.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
3. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body.
4. Turn the cartridge clockwise until it is snugly seated.
5. Reattach the escutcheon.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What is the difference between a Moen 1225 cartridge and a Moen 1222 cartridge?

The main difference between a Moen 1225 cartridge and a Moen 1222 cartridge is the size of the water inlet ports. The 1225 cartridge has larger water inlet ports, which allows it to handle higher flow rates. The 1222 cartridge has smaller water inlet ports, which makes it more suitable for low-flow applications.

Can I use a Moen 1225 cartridge in a Moen 1222 faucet?

No, you cannot use a Moen 1225 cartridge in a Moen 1222 faucet. The 1225 cartridge is too large for the 1222 faucet.

Where can I buy a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge?

You can buy Moen bathroom faucet cartridges at most home improvement stores. You can also purchase them online from Moen’s website or from other retailers.

Changing a cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily and safely remove the old cartridge and install a new one. This will help to ensure that your faucet is working properly and that you are getting the most out of your water.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
  • Clean the faucet seat and O-ring.
  • Install the new cartridge by screwing it clockwise until it is snug.
  • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet.

By following these steps, you can easily and safely change the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet. This will help to ensure that your faucet is working properly and that you are getting the most out of your water.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.