How to Remove a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge (Step-by-Step Guide)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Remove a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Your Moen bathroom faucet is leaking, and you’ve decided to take matters into your own hands. You’ve found a great tutorial online, but it doesn’t quite explain how to remove the cartridge. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge step-by-step. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to make the job easier. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s get started!

How To Remove Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge?

| Step | Action | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the faucet. | Adjustable wrench |
| 2 | Loosen the setscrews that hold the cartridge in place. | Phillips head screwdriver |
| 3 | Pull the cartridge out of the faucet body. | |

Moen bathroom faucets are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are stylish, durable, and easy to maintain. However, even the best faucets can eventually start to malfunction, and if this happens, you may need to remove the cartridge in order to fix the problem.

This guide will show you how to remove a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge in six easy steps. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right replacement cartridge and how to install it properly.

Tools and Materials Needed

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

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Penetrating oil
  • New Moen cartridge
  • Replacement O-rings (if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the cartridge. To do this, locate the shut-off valve for the faucet and turn it clockwise until it is completely closed.

2. Remove the handle(s) of the faucet.

Next, you will need to remove the handle(s) of the faucet. This will expose the screws that hold the cartridge in place. To remove the handle, use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the small tab on the back of the handle. Once the tab is pried up, you can lift the handle off of the faucet.

3. Remove the escutcheon (the decorative cover around the faucet).

The escutcheon is a decorative cover that surrounds the faucet. It is held in place by two screws. To remove the escutcheon, use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the two screws. Once the screws are loosened, you can carefully pry the escutcheon off of the faucet.

4. Remove the cartridge.

Now that you have access to the cartridge, you can remove it. The cartridge is held in place by two screws. To remove the cartridge, use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the two screws. Once the screws are loosened, you can carefully lift the cartridge out of the faucet.

5. Install the new cartridge.

To install the new cartridge, simply reverse the steps above. First, insert the new cartridge into the faucet. Then, replace the escutcheon and tighten the two screws. Finally, replace the handle(s) of the faucet.

6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Now that you have installed the new cartridge, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Tips for Choosing the Right Replacement Cartridge

When choosing a replacement cartridge for your Moen bathroom faucet, it is important to make sure that you get the right one. The wrong cartridge could damage your faucet or even cause a leak.

To choose the right cartridge, you will need to know the following information:

  • The brand of your faucet
  • The model number of your faucet
  • The type of cartridge (single-handle or double-handle)
  • The size of the cartridge (measured in inches)

Once you have this information, you can consult the Moen website or contact Moen customer service to find the right replacement cartridge.

Tips for Installing the New Cartridge

When installing the new cartridge, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. This will help you to avoid damaging the cartridge or the faucet.

Here are a few tips for installing the new cartridge:

  • Make sure that the new cartridge is the right size for your faucet.
  • Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the threads of the cartridge before you install it. This will help to make it easier to screw the cartridge into place.
  • Tighten the screws that hold the cartridge in place until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.
  • Replace the escutcheon and handle(s) of the faucet.

Replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily remove and replace the cartridge on your own.

Here are a few additional tips for maintaining your Moen bathroom faucet:

  • Clean the faucet regularly to prevent mineral buildup.
  • Replace the O-rings on the cartridge every few years.
  • If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to protect your faucet from damage.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your Moen bathroom faucet and keep it working properly for years to come.

How To Remove Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge?

Moen bathroom faucets are known for their durability and ease of use. However, even the best faucets can eventually start to leak or malfunction. If you find yourself in this situation, you may need to remove the faucet cartridge to troubleshoot the problem.

This guide will show you how to remove a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge in just a few simple steps.

What You Will Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Pliers
  • New faucet cartridge (if needed)

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you remove the cartridge.

To do this, locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. It is usually located behind the faucet, near the base of the sink. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

The next step is to remove the handle from the faucet. This will expose the screws that hold the cartridge in place.

To remove the handle, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the decorative cap. Once the cap is removed, you will see two screws underneath. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the screws and remove the handle.

Step 3: Remove the Screws

Now that the handle is removed, you can see the screws that hold the cartridge in place. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the screws and remove the cartridge.

Step 4: Remove the Cartridge

Once the screws are removed, you can carefully pull the cartridge out of the faucet. Be careful not to damage the O-rings or other seals.

Step 5: Inspect the Cartridge

Once the cartridge is removed, you can inspect it for damage. Look for cracks, chips, or other signs of wear and tear. If the cartridge is damaged, you will need to replace it.

Step 6: Install the New Cartridge

If the cartridge is not damaged, you can install the new cartridge by following the steps above in reverse order.

Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply

Once the new cartridge is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble removing the cartridge, there are a few things you can try.

  • First, try using a penetrating oil to loosen the screws. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before trying to unscrew the screws again.
  • If the screws are still stuck, you can try using a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the cartridge. This will help to loosen the adhesive that is holding the cartridge in place.
  • If you are still unable to remove the cartridge, you may need to call a plumber for help.

Tips and Tricks

  • To prevent future problems, it is important to clean the faucet cartridge regularly. You can do this by removing the cartridge and soaking it in a vinegar and water solution.
  • If you notice that the faucet is dripping, you can try tightening the screws on the cartridge. This may help to stop the leak.
  • If the faucet is still leaking, you may need to replace the cartridge.

Removing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily remove the cartridge and troubleshoot any problems.

How do I remove a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle(s) by unscrewing the set screws.
3. Remove the decorative cap by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
4. Use a screwdriver to pry up the cartridge retaining clip.
5. Pull the cartridge straight out of the faucet body.

What tools do I need to remove a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge?

You will need a screwdriver, a set of pliers, and a wrench.

What if the cartridge is stuck?

If the cartridge is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it. You can also try heating the cartridge with a hair dryer to make it expand and easier to remove.

What do I do if I break the cartridge?

If you break the cartridge, you will need to replace it with a new one. You can purchase a replacement cartridge from your local hardware store.

How do I install a new Moen bathroom faucet cartridge?

1. Clean the faucet body with a damp cloth.
2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
3. Insert the cartridge into the faucet body.
4. Replace the retaining clip and tighten it until it is snug.
5. Replace the decorative cap and tighten it until it is snug.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to remove a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge. 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 remove your Moen bathroom faucet cartridge with ease.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Moen bathroom faucet cartridges are held in place by a retaining clip.
  • To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip.
  • Once the retaining clip is removed, you can pull the cartridge out of the faucet body.
  • Be careful not to damage the cartridge or the faucet body when removing the cartridge.
  • If you are having trouble removing the cartridge, you may need to use a pair of pliers to grip the cartridge and pull it out.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you are now able to remove your Moen bathroom faucet cartridge 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.