How to Replace a Moen Faucet Cartridge in 6 Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

Moen Faucet Cartridge Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Moen faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. It’s used for everything from washing your hands to brushing your teeth. But what happens when the faucet starts to leak or drip? If you’re not a plumber, you might be tempted to call for a professional. But replacing a Moen faucet cartridge is actually a fairly simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few minutes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of replacing a Moen faucet cartridge, from start to finish. We’ll provide detailed instructions and images to help you every step of the way. So if you’re ready to save some money and learn a new skill, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. – Adjustable wrench – Flathead screwdriver
2. Remove the handle(s) from the faucet. – Pliers – Tape measure
3. Remove the old cartridge. – Cartridge puller – Penetrating oil
4. Install the new cartridge. – New cartridge – Teflon tape
5. Replace the handle(s). – Screwdriver – Penetrating oil
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. – None – None

Tools and Materials You Will Need

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

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Replacement cartridge
  • Screwdriver
  • Rags

Steps to Remove the Old Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle(s) from the faucet. This may require a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
3. Locate the cartridge housing. It is usually located behind the handle(s).
4. Use a penetrating oil to loosen the cartridge.
5. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the cartridge counterclockwise until it is removed.
6. Clean the cartridge housing and the threads of the new cartridge.
7. Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the new cartridge.
8. Insert the new cartridge into the housing and turn it clockwise until it is snug.
9. Replace the handle(s) on the faucet.
10. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

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

How To Replace A Moen Faucet Cartridge?

Moen faucets are known for their durability and dependability, but even the best faucets can eventually start to leak or malfunction. If you’re experiencing problems with your Moen faucet, you may need to replace the cartridge. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Tools Needed

To replace a Moen faucet cartridge, you will need the following tools:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rags

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

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.

Step 2: Remove the Handle Covers

Moen faucet handles are typically held in place by screws. To remove the handle covers, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew the screws. Once the screws are removed, you can lift the handle covers off of the faucet.

Step 3: Remove the Cartridge

The cartridge is located inside the faucet body. To remove the cartridge, you will need to use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cartridge in place. Once the screws are removed, you can lift the cartridge out of the faucet body.

Step 4: 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 body. Then, replace the screws that hold the cartridge in place. Finally, replace the handle covers.

Step 5: Turn on the Water Supply

Once the new cartridge is installed, you can turn on the water supply to the faucet. Check the faucet to make sure that it is working properly. If the faucet is still leaking or malfunctioning, you may need to repeat the steps above.

Replacing a Moen faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following the steps above, you can easily fix a leaky or malfunctioning faucet and restore it to its original working condition.

How do I know if my Moen faucet cartridge needs to be replaced?

  • There is a leak at the base of the faucet. This is a common sign that the cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced.
  • The faucet is dripping even when it is turned off. This can also be caused by a worn-out cartridge.
  • The faucet is difficult to turn on or off. This could be a sign that the cartridge is stuck or damaged.
  • The water pressure is low. A worn-out cartridge can restrict the flow of water, resulting in lower water pressure.

What tools do I need to replace a Moen faucet cartridge?

  • A flat-head screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A new Moen faucet cartridge

How do I remove the old cartridge?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Locate the cartridge housing under the sink. It is typically a round or rectangular metal box with a screw on the front.
3. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the screw on the front of the cartridge housing.
4. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws on the sides of the cartridge housing.
5. Carefully pull the cartridge housing out of the faucet.
6. Remove the old cartridge from the cartridge housing.

How do I install the new cartridge?

1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
2. Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge housing.
3. Align the tabs on the cartridge with the slots in the cartridge housing.
4. Press the cartridge down until it is seated in the housing.
5. Replace the cartridge housing in the faucet.
6. Secure the cartridge housing with the two screws on the sides.
7. Replace the screw on the front of the cartridge housing.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

What if I have trouble replacing the cartridge?

If you are having trouble replacing the cartridge, you can call a licensed plumber for help.

How often should I replace my Moen faucet cartridge?

Moen faucet cartridges typically last for 5-10 years. However, the lifespan of a cartridge can vary depending on the usage and maintenance of the faucet. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced.

Replacing a Moen faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily and safely remove and replace your old cartridge with a new one. This will help to ensure that your faucet is working properly and that you are getting the best possible performance out of it.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure that you have the proper tools and materials on hand.
  • Turn off the water supply to the faucet and drain the water from the lines.
  • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing the retaining nut and pulling the cartridge out of the faucet body.
  • Clean the faucet body and install the new cartridge.
  • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily and safely replace your Moen faucet cartridge. This will help to extend the life of your faucet and ensure that you are getting the best possible performance out of it.

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.