How to Replace a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Replace the Cartridge in a Moen Bathroom Faucet

Your Moen bathroom faucet is dripping, and you’re tired of it. You’ve tried tightening the handles, but that hasn’t worked. You’ve even tried replacing the washers, but the leak persists.

The problem is likely with the cartridge, a small, cylindrical part that sits inside the faucet and controls the flow of water. If the cartridge is worn out or damaged, it can cause the faucet to leak.

Replacing the cartridge is a relatively simple task, and it can be done in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process, step-by-step.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right cartridge for your faucet and how to avoid future leaks.

So if you’re ready to put an end to that pesky leak, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Flathead screwdriver
2. Remove the handle covers. – Small flathead screwdriver – Pliers
3. Remove the screws holding the cartridge in place. – Phillips head screwdriver – Tape measure
4. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet body. – Penetrating oil – Rag
5. Install the new cartridge. – New cartridge – Grease
6. Replace the handle covers. – New handle covers – Screwdriver
7. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. – None – None

How to Replace the Cartridge in a Moen Bathroom Faucet?

Tools and Materials Needed

To replace the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A basin wrench
  • A new Moen cartridge
  • Teflon tape
  • Penetrating oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

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 housing. It is a cylindrical-shaped part that is usually located behind the handle.
4. Remove the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
5. Use a basin wrench to grip the cartridge and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.
6. Apply a thin layer of Teflon tape to the threads of the new cartridge.
7. Insert the new cartridge into the housing and turn it clockwise to secure it in place.
8. Replace the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
9. Reattach the escutcheon.
10. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble replacing the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet, here are a few things you can check:

  • Make sure that you have the correct size cartridge for your faucet.
  • Make sure that you are turning the cartridge in the correct direction.
  • Make sure that the cartridge is properly seated in the housing.
  • If you are still having trouble, you may need to contact a professional plumber.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.

How to Replace the 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 you’re experiencing problems with your Moen bathroom faucet, such as a leaky faucet or a dripping handle, it may be time to replace the cartridge.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet.

Tools and Materials

To replace the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new Moen cartridge
  • Penetrating oil (optional)

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

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 is turned off, you can begin removing the faucet.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

The next step is to remove the handle of the faucet. To do this, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the decorative cap that covers the screw. Once the cap is removed, you can use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the screw that holds the handle in place.

Tip: If the screw is stuck, you can apply a little penetrating oil to help loosen it.

Step 3: Remove the Escutcheon Plate

The escutcheon plate is the decorative cover that surrounds the faucet. To remove the escutcheon plate, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Once the escutcheon plate is removed, you will be able to access the cartridge.

Step 4: Remove the Old Cartridge

The old cartridge is held in place by a retaining clip. To remove the old cartridge, you will need to use a pair of pliers to pry off the retaining clip. Once the retaining clip is removed, you can pull the old cartridge out of the faucet.

Step 5: Install the New Cartridge

To install the new cartridge, you will need to reverse the steps you took to remove the old cartridge. First, insert the new cartridge into the faucet. Then, replace the retaining clip and secure it with a pair of pliers. Finally, replace the escutcheon plate and the handle.

Step 6: Turn On the Water

Once the new cartridge is installed, you can turn the water supply back on. Be sure to check for leaks around the faucet. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections until the leak stops.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble replacing the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure that you have the correct tools and materials. Second, follow the steps carefully and make sure that you are using the correct torque when tightening the connections. Finally, if you are still having trouble, you can contact Moen customer service for assistance.

Additional Tips

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

  • If the cartridge is stuck, you can try heating it up with a hair dryer to loosen it.
  • Be careful not to drop the cartridge into the sink. If you do, you can fish it out with a magnet.
  • Make sure that the new cartridge is the same size and type as the old cartridge.
  • If you are still having trouble, you can contact Moen customer service for assistance.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the faucet. By following the steps in this guide, 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 difficult to turn on or off.
  • The water pressure is low.
  • The faucet is making a whistling or gurgling 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 from my Moen bathroom faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the cartridge housing. It is usually located under the handle of the faucet.
3. Remove the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
4. Pull the cartridge housing out of the faucet.
5. Remove the old cartridge from the cartridge housing.

How do I install the new cartridge in my Moen bathroom faucet?

1. Make sure that the new cartridge is the correct size for your faucet.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
3. Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge housing.
4. Replace the cartridge housing in the faucet.
5. Secure the cartridge housing with the screws.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What are the common problems with Moen bathroom faucets?

The most common problems with Moen bathroom faucets include:

  • Dripping faucets
  • Difficulty turning the faucet on or off
  • Low water pressure
  • Whistling or gurgling noises

These problems can usually be fixed by replacing the cartridge.

How can I prevent problems with my Moen bathroom faucet?

There are a few things you can do to prevent problems with your Moen bathroom faucet:

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris.
  • Use a soft cloth to wipe down the faucet after each use.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners on the faucet.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet when it is not in use.
  • Replace the cartridge every 5-10 years.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your Moen bathroom faucet.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to replace the cartridge in a Moen bathroom faucet. We have provided step-by-step instructions, as well as images and videos to help you understand the process. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet with ease.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Before you begin, make sure that you have the proper tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet before you begin.
  • Remove the old cartridge by carefully unscrewing it.
  • Clean the faucet body and seat before installing the new cartridge.
  • Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
  • Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body and tighten it until it is snug.
  • Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure that it is working properly.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace the cartridge in your Moen bathroom faucet with ease. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.