How to Change a Moen Shower Faucet Cartridge

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How to Change a Cartridge in a Moen Shower Faucet

Your Moen shower faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your bathroom. It provides you with hot and cold water for bathing, washing your hair, and shaving. But what happens when the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet starts to leak? Or when the water flow becomes weak?

If you’re faced with either of these problems, you may be wondering how to change the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing a cartridge in a Moen shower faucet.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future problems with your Moen shower faucet. So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about changing a cartridge in a Moen shower faucet.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screws.
3 Remove the cartridge by unscrewing it from the body of the faucet.
4 Install the new cartridge by screwing it into the body of the faucet.
5 Replace the handle by screwing it back onto the faucet.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How to Change Cartridge in Moen Shower Faucet?

Moen shower faucets are known for their durability and dependability, but even the best faucets can eventually wear out. If your Moen shower faucet is leaking or not working properly, you may need to replace the cartridge. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Tools and Materials Needed

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

Steps to Remove the Old Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Locate the cartridge housing under the handle of the shower faucet. It is typically a round or rectangular-shaped metal box with a screw in the center.
3. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the cartridge housing.
4. Use the adjustable wrench to turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it is loose.
5. Remove the cartridge from the housing.
6. Inspect the old cartridge for damage. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
7. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the new cartridge.
8. Insert the new cartridge into the housing.
9. Turn the cartridge clockwise until it is snug against the housing.
10. Replace the screw in the center of the cartridge housing.
11. Turn on the water supply to the shower.

Steps to Install the New Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Locate the cartridge housing under the handle of the shower faucet. It is typically a round or rectangular-shaped metal box with a screw in the center.
3. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw in the center of the cartridge housing.
4. Use the adjustable wrench to turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it is loose.
5. Remove the cartridge from the housing.
6. Inspect the old cartridge for damage. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
7. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the new cartridge.
8. Insert the new cartridge into the housing.
9. Turn the cartridge clockwise until it is snug against the housing.
10. Replace the screw in the center of the cartridge housing.
11. Turn on the water supply to the shower.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen shower faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily restore your Moen shower faucet to working order.

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

  • Make sure to turn off the water supply to the shower before you begin.
  • Use a penetrating oil to loosen the old cartridge if it is stuck.
  • Be careful not to damage the new cartridge when you are installing it.
  • Replace the old washers if they are damaged.
  • Turn on the water supply to the shower and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

How To Change Cartridge In Moen Shower Faucet?

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

Tools and Materials

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

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Penetrating oil
  • New cartridge
  • Teflon tape

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the shower

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the shower. This can be done by turning the shut-off valve located behind the shower. Once the water is turned off, you can begin removing the faucet.

Step 2: Remove the handle covers

The next step is to remove the handle covers. These are typically held in place by a screw or two. Once the screws are removed, the handle covers can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver.

Caution:

Be careful not to damage the shower valve body when removing the handle covers.

Step 3: Remove the cartridge

Once the handle covers are removed, you can access the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped piece of plastic or metal that is located in the center of the shower valve. The cartridge is held in place by a retaining clip. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the retaining clip. Once the retaining clip is removed, the cartridge can be pulled out of the shower valve.

Caution:

Be careful not to damage the cartridge when removing it.

Step 4: Install the new cartridge

To install the new cartridge, simply reverse the steps above. First, insert the new cartridge into the shower valve. Then, replace the retaining clip and tighten it with a flathead screwdriver. Finally, replace the handle covers.

Caution:

Be sure to tighten the retaining clip securely so that the cartridge does not leak.

Step 5: Turn on the water supply to the shower

The final step is to turn on the water supply to the shower. Once the water is turned on, you should check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the cartridge has been successfully replaced.

Replacing the cartridge in a Moen shower faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following the steps above, you can easily fix a leaky or malfunctioning faucet and extend its lifespan.

How do I change the cartridge in my Moen shower faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle by unscrewing the setscrew(s) underneath.
3. Remove the old cartridge by carefully pulling it out of the valve body.
4. Inspect the old cartridge for damage or wear.
5. If the old cartridge is damaged, replace it with a new one.
6. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
7. Insert the new cartridge into the valve body.
8. Replace the handle and tighten the setscrew(s).
9. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

What tools do I need to change the cartridge in my Moen shower faucet?

You will need the following tools to change the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new cartridge
  • Plumber’s grease

How long does it take to change the cartridge in my Moen shower faucet?

The process of changing the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet should take about 15 minutes.

What is the most common reason for a Moen shower faucet cartridge to fail?

The most common reason for a Moen shower faucet cartridge to fail is wear and tear. Over time, the O-rings on the cartridge can become damaged or worn, which can cause the cartridge to leak.

Can I change the cartridge in my Moen shower faucet myself?

Yes, you can change the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it is best to hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.

What are the benefits of changing the cartridge in my Moen shower faucet?

Changing the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet can have a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved water flow
  • Reduced leaks
  • Longer life of your shower faucet

    Changing the cartridge in a Moen shower faucet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily and safely replace your old cartridge with a new one.

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 before you start work.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing the retaining nut.
  • Clean the faucet body and install the new cartridge.
  • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily and safely change the cartridge in your Moen shower faucet.

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.