How to Replace a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge | Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Replace a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Your Moen bathroom faucet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. It’s the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you see before you go to bed at night. But what happens when your faucet starts to leak or drip? If you’re not a plumber, you may be tempted to call a professional. But before you do, there’s a good chance that you can fix the problem yourself by replacing the faucet cartridge.

A faucet cartridge is a small, cylindrical device that sits inside the faucet body. It’s responsible for regulating the flow of water and controlling the temperature. When a cartridge wears out, it can cause a number of problems, including leaks, drips, and temperature fluctuations.

Replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. So if your faucet is acting up, read on to learn how to fix it!

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:

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

    Step Instructions Image
    1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
    2 Remove the handle(s) from the faucet.
    3 Remove the old cartridge from the faucet body.
    4 Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body.
    5 Replace the handle(s) on the faucet.
    6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

    How to Replace a Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

    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 your Moen bathroom faucet is leaking or dripping, it’s likely that the cartridge needs to be replaced.

    Replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge.

    Gather the necessary tools and materials

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

    • Adjustable wrench
    • Flathead screwdriver
    • Penetrating oil
    • New Moen cartridge
    • Replacement washers (if needed)

    Shut off the water supply to the faucet

    Before you can begin replacing the cartridge, you will need to shut off the water supply to the faucet. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Turn off the main water supply valve to the house. This is usually located near the water meter.
    2. Locate the shut-off valve for the faucet. This is usually located behind the faucet or under the sink.
    3. Turn the shut-off valve clockwise to the off position.

    Remove the old cartridge

    Once the water supply to the faucet is turned off, you can begin removing the old cartridge. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Locate the cartridge housing. This is usually located behind the faucet or under the sink.
    2. Remove the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
    3. Pull the cartridge housing out of the faucet.
    4. Remove the old cartridge from the cartridge housing.

    Install the new cartridge

    To install the new cartridge, follow these steps:

    1. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
    2. Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge housing.
    3. Replace the screws that hold the cartridge housing in place.
    4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

    Test the faucet

    Once the new cartridge is installed, turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

    If the faucet is still leaking or dripping, you may need to adjust the packing nut. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Locate the packing nut. This is usually located under the faucet handle.
    2. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the packing nut clockwise to tighten it or counterclockwise to loosen it.
    3. Test the faucet to make sure the leak is gone.

    Replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace the cartridge and get your faucet back in working order.

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

    • If you are having trouble removing the old cartridge, you can try using a penetrating oil to loosen it.
    • Be careful not to damage the O-rings when installing the new cartridge.
    • If the faucet is still leaking after you have replaced the cartridge, you may need to replace the O-rings or the faucet seat.

    By following these tips, you can easily replace a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge and get your faucet back in working order.

    3. Remove the old cartridge

    To remove the old cartridge, you will need:

    • An adjustable wrench
    • A flathead screwdriver

    1. Turn off the main water supply valve to the house. This is usually located near the water meter.
    2. Remove the escutcheon plate from the faucet. This is the decorative cover that hides the screws that hold the faucet in place.
    3. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the screws that hold the faucet in place.
    4. Pull the faucet straight out of the sink.
    5. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the old cartridge out of the faucet body.
    6. Remove any old washers from the faucet body.

    4. Install the new cartridge

    To install the new cartridge, you will need:

    • A new cartridge
    • A flathead screwdriver
    • A pair of pliers

    1. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body.
    2. Replace the washers, if needed.
    3. Use the flathead screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the faucet in place.
    4. Replace the escutcheon plate.
    5. Turn on the main water supply valve to the house.
    6. Test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

    Replacing a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 15 minutes. By following these steps, you can save yourself the time and money of calling a plumber.

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

    • Make sure to turn off the main water supply valve to the house before you begin.
    • Use the correct tools for the job. A good adjustable wrench and a flathead screwdriver will make the job much easier.
    • Be careful not to damage the faucet body or the new cartridge.
    • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to consider hiring a professional plumber.

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

    There are a few signs that your Moen bathroom faucet cartridge may need to be replaced. These include:

    • The faucet is leaking from the base or spout
    • The faucet is dripping even when it is turned off
    • The water pressure is low
    • The faucet is difficult to turn on or off

    If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced as soon as possible.

    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 usually a round or rectangular-shaped cover with a screw in the center.
    3. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw and remove the cover.
    4. The cartridge should now be visible. Use a pair of pliers to grip the tabs on the sides of the cartridge and pull it straight out.

    How do I install the new cartridge?

    1. Make sure the new cartridge is the correct size and type for your faucet.
    2. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the cartridge.
    3. Insert the cartridge into the housing and turn it clockwise until it is snugly in place.
    4. Replace the cover and tighten the screw.
    5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it to make sure it is working properly.

    What if I can’t find the right cartridge for my faucet?

    If you can’t find the right cartridge for your faucet, you can contact Moen customer service for assistance. They can help you identify the correct cartridge and order it for you.

    How often should I replace my Moen bathroom faucet cartridge?

    The average lifespan of a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge is about 10 years. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of the cartridge, such as the amount of use, the quality of the water, and the hardness of the water. If you notice any of the signs listed above, it is a good idea to have the cartridge replaced as soon as possible.

    Can I replace the cartridge myself?

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

    In this blog post, we have discussed how to replace a Moen bathroom faucet cartridge. We have provided step-by-step instructions, along with pictures and videos, to make the process as easy as possible. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to replace your Moen bathroom faucet cartridge with confidence.

    Here are the key takeaways from this blog post:

    • Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and materials.
    • Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
    • Remove the old cartridge by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
    • Clean the faucet body and seat.
    • Install the new cartridge by screwing it clockwise into the faucet body.
    • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a qualified plumber.

    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.