Moen Faucet Cartridge Identification Chart

Moen faucet cartridges are identified by handle movement and the exposed retainer or cartridge nut, not by a single universal “size.” For common shower valves, a rotate-only Posi-Temp handle points to a 1222 cartridge, while a handle that pulls out and rotates points to a 1225 cartridge; the physical retainer confirms the choice. Use this chart to narrow down the part, inspect it safely, and avoid ordering a noninterchangeable cartridge kit.

How Moen Cartridge Identification Works

A faucet cartridge sits inside the valve body and controls water flow and temperature. The trim you see, handle, spout, escutcheon plate, and finish, can look similar across several Moen valve designs, so it is not enough to identify a cartridge by the faucet’s apparent model.

The most reliable match uses at least two clues: handle operation plus the installed cartridge’s retainer, nut, or physical shape.

A faucet’s apparent model may not reliably identify its cartridge type. Installation year can help narrow the possibilities, but it should not be the deciding factor when Moen uses more than one cartridge in the same faucet style.

For bathroom sink faucets, start by counting handles and noting whether the faucet is a 4-inch centerset model. For tub and shower faucets, first determine whether the handle only rotates or whether it pulls outward before rotating.

How to Identify the Right Moen Cartridge

Match the handle movement, retainer style, and visible part details to identify the correct Moen cartridge before ordering.

Step 1: Shut Off Water and Prepare the Faucet

Turn off the water supply shutoff valves before removing a handle or inspecting a cartridge. Moen requires the water supply valves to be turned off before cartridge identification work.
Open the faucet or shower valve briefly to release remaining pressure and confirm that the water is off.
Put a towel in the sink basin or tub to protect the finish and catch a small screw or clip.
Take a clear photo of the faucet, handle, and any visible markings before disassembly.

Step 2: Match the Handle Style to the Cartridge Chart

Use this chart to narrow the cartridge candidates before taking anything apart.

Faucet or Handle Clue	Likely Cartridge or Service Kit	What Confirms It
Tub or shower handle rotates only and does not pull or push	1222	Confirm it is a Posi-Temp-style rotate-only handle.
Tub or shower handle pulls outward for flow, then rotates for temperature	1225	Look for a U-shaped copper clip across the top of the cartridge. Moen lists a 360-degree version for 4400 and 4500 Series valves and a 180-degree version with a top-mount handle.
Single-handle 4-inch centerset bathroom faucet with a knob handle	1255, 160657, or 150257 Duralast service kit	Compare the installed cartridge retainer nut. Each kit uses a different nut style.
Single-handle bathroom faucet with a cartridge nut visible after handle removal	202233 or 212555	Read the small component number on the rim above the nut’s hexagonal protrusion.
Two-handle 4-inch centerset bathroom faucet made from 2015 onward	1224 or 1234	Inspect the installed cartridge visually; the two cartridges are not interchangeable.
Recently introduced Moen cartridge-nut design	1269	Moen introduced the 1269 cartridge in 2025; use the installed nut and cartridge details to verify it.

Do not choose a cartridge by measuring its diameter with a ruler or caliper. Moen part numbers identify the valve design and sealing arrangement; a similar-looking cartridge can still be the wrong replacement.

Step 3: Remove the Handle Only Far Enough to Inspect

Many Moen handles use a small access hole for the handle screw. If your handle has that access hole, insert a 3/32-inch hex wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screw.

Pull the handle straight off after the screw is loose.
Set the handle and screw aside where they cannot fall into the drain.
Look for the retainer directly over or around the cartridge. A U-shaped copper clip is a key clue for a 1225 shower cartridge. A hexagonal nonmetallic black nut identifies certain newer bathroom-faucet cartridge assemblies. Identify a Duralast cartridge kit by its exact retainer-nut style, not just the cartridge body.
Take a close photo before loosening a nut, clip, or cartridge.

Do not force a stuck handle, clip, or nut. Forcing the valve can damage the stem or the valve body behind the wall or countertop.

Step 4: Record the Exact Part Before Ordering

Write down every clue you found: faucet type, handle movement, retainer style, cartridge number if visible, and any number molded into the cartridge nut.

For the 202233 and 212555 service kits, remove the handle and read the tiny component number on the rim above the hexagonal protrusion:

Component number 1000149 identifies the 202233 version.
Component number 200485 identifies the 212555 version.

These service kits and their cartridge nuts are not interchangeable. Order the exact kit that matches the installed nut rather than choosing one because it looks close in a product photo.

If you were only identifying the cartridge, reinstall the handle, tighten its screw, turn the shutoff valves back on, and test the faucet for normal operation and leaks around the handle.

Special Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge Cases

Special bathroom faucet cartridges require verification of the installed retainer nut, component number, or cartridge design.

Duralast 1255, 160657, and 150257 Kits

Moen’s single-handle 4-inch centerset knob faucets can use a Duralast cartridge packaged under three different service-kit numbers: 1255, 160657, and 150257. The cartridge retainer nut supplied with each kit is different.

Replace the supplied nut at the same time as the cartridge. A cartridge number alone is not enough for this group.

202233 and 212555 Cartridge Nuts

The 202233 and 212555 cartridges can appear very similar from above, but the cartridge-nut component number separates them. The identifying number is printed in very small type on the rim above the nut’s hexagonal raised area.

Once you have confirmed the correct nut, use Moen installation tool 118305 or a 7/8-inch socket to remove the cartridge nut when performing the replacement.

Cartridge 1269

Moen introduced cartridge 1269 in 2025, so a newer faucet can make it a possibility. That date is only an initial clue; identify the installed cartridge and nut before ordering.

For a verified 1269 cartridge, remove its cartridge nut with installation tool 228305, which is included with the cartridge, or with a 25 mm socket. This tool setup is specific to the 1269 cartridge-nut design.

Two-Handle 4-Inch Centerset Faucets

Beginning in 2015, Moen used both 1224 and 1234 cartridges in two-handle 4-inch centerset faucets.

The two cartridges are not interchangeable. Remove one handle at a time so you can keep the hot- and cold-side parts organized during inspection and reassembly.

Confirm the Cartridge Before You Buy It

Use this quick check before ordering a Moen cartridge or service kit:

Water was shut off before the handle was removed.
You identified the faucet as a sink, tub, or shower faucet.
You recorded whether the shower handle rotates only or pulls out and rotates.
You checked the retainer clip or cartridge-nut shape.
You photographed or wrote down any molded or printed component number.
You selected the matching nut along with a Duralast or newer cartridge service kit.
You visually matched 1224 and 1234 rather than using faucet age alone.

Keep the old cartridge and nut until the new part is installed and the faucet has been tested.

When to Stop and Call a Plumber

Call a plumber if the shutoff valves will not fully stop the water, the valve body behind the wall is leaking, the cartridge is broken off inside the valve, or the cartridge will not come out without significant force.

A cartridge replacement is usually a simple repair, but a damaged valve body can require opening a wall or replacing plumbing connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine my faucet cartridge size?

Do not determine a Moen cartridge by physical size alone. Identify it by faucet type, handle operation, retaining clip or nut, and any cartridge or component number. Two cartridges can be similar in diameter but use different seals, stems, or retainer systems.

How do I know if I have a Moen 1222 or 1225?

A 1222 cartridge is used with a Posi-Temp shower handle that rotates only. A 1225 cartridge is used when the handle pulls outward for water flow and then rotates, and it commonly uses a U-shaped copper retaining clip. Confirm the actual handle action before ordering.

What cartridge does a Moen T4111 use?

Identify the cartridge by the installed valve’s handle operation and visible cartridge details. The trim number identifies the visible handle and plate, not necessarily a cartridge marking, so confirm that the handle rotates only and does not pull outward.

Are Moen 1200 and 1225 cartridges the same thing?

No. Confirm the cartridge and retaining arrangement in your valve before buying a replacement. They are related, but use the cartridge and retaining arrangement in your valve to confirm the correct replacement before buying.

Where can I find my Moen faucet model without paperwork?

Look on the underside of the faucet, around the decorative escutcheon plate, on the original receipt, or on the product box if you still have it. A model number can help narrow the search, but the installed cartridge, retaining clip, or cartridge nut is the final confirmation. Once those details match, order the exact cartridge or service kit rather than relying on the faucet’s appearance alone.