This Instructable hopes to share some of my experience with a leaky Moen kitchen faucet. My hope is that through my experience, if you are ever faced with a similar situation, you will have gained some insight and confidence in fixing this problem as well. I will show you step by step photos as well as my YouTube video which will help guide you through the steps I took (and some of my mistakes). Not all faucets are designed the same way, but the process may be similar and help you even if you have a slightly different faucet.

The original Moen cartridge, the 1200 provided one-handle operation. It was used in all one-handle faucets, except the Posi-Temp shower valve, prior to the introduction of the 1225 in 1981. How it is used: Currently used as a replacement cartridge for older one-handle faucets. Moen Replacement and Repair Parts Faucet Depot is the place for replacement and repair parts for your Moen faucet. Whether you need a replacement knob, handle kit, cartridge, side spray, gasket, lotion bottle replacement or even a new hose, Faucet Depot has the Moen replacement part you need when you need it.

Video and Photos

I've included 2 videos (the ones above) and many many photos (below with each step). The first video shows the actual repair as I talk through it, and it is about 30 minutes. The second video is the entire raw footage with some music thrown in.... but I make it high-speed for fun to show what is involved (about 5 minutes long). Please give me a 'Thumbs Up' on YouTube if you enjoyed them. Thanks!

The photos (which are on all remaining pages of the instructable) are taken from my previous repair of this sink about 4 years before the current repair. It seems to average about 4 years before I have to replace the parts. I will need to open and clean the parts more regularly to maintain them, as I'm sure that will help prolong the lifespan.

Related Articles

• 1 Repair a 7100 Series Moen Faucet
• 2 The Hot Water Is Not Working With the Moen Single Handle Shower Faucet
• 3 Bathroom Faucet Installation Troubleshooting
• 4 Repair a Lever-Type Mixing Faucet

Cartridge valves are one of four types of valves that you'll find inside a faucet, and they are particularly well-suited for shower faucets. A cartridge has holes that regulate water flow and temperature when you turn the handle, and it offers more precise control than other types of faucets. One of the advantages of cartridges is that they are easy to replace, assuming mineral deposits and corrosion don't hamper your efforts.

Accessing the Cartridge

Moen Shower Valve Cartridge Types

No matter what model of faucet you have, it's essential to turn off the water supply before you disassemble it, or you could be scalded. After that, you must figure out how to disassemble it, and that isn't always easy. The cartridge is behind the handle, but the fasteners holding the handle are seldom in plain view. If you can't find a cap hiding a retaining screw, look for an Allen nut in an inconspicuous place, such as under the lever. Once you find the fastener and remove it, the rest is easy. The handle should come off effortlessly.

Removing the Cartridge

In theory, after you remove the temperature limiter -- a notched plastic disk -- from the valve stem and you pull the pin holding the valve with needle-nose pliers, you should be able to pull the cartridge straight out. In reality, the procedure is often complicated by the fact that corrosion and mineral deposits have locked the cartridge in place. You may need a cartridge puller, which is somewhat like a corkscrew for cartridges. Before you pull the cartridge, be sure to note its orientation as you will have to insert the replacement in the same orientation.

Assessing the Need for Replacement

Difficulty regulating temperature or water flow is an indication that you need a new cartridge, but it could also mean the old cartridge is simply blocked by mineral deposits. If it's the latter, you should be able to see the deposits. Soaking the old cartridge in vinegar will probably dissolve them. If you see cracks or gouges, however, it's time for a new cartridge. Leaks are usually caused by worn washers in the valve seat or O-rings around the body of the cartridge. To fix a leak, you usually replace the washers and O-rings -- not the cartridge.

Inserting the Replacement

Cartridges aren't interchangeable among different faucets, so if you decide you need a replacement, you need to know its part number so you can order it from your plumbing supplier or online. That number is usually available on the manufacturer's website in the online version of the owner's manual for your faucet. Installing the new cartridge is the reverse of taking out the old one. If you forgot to note the orientation of the old cartridge, look for an arrow on the front of the cartridge. It should be pointing upward, but it's worth a quick glance at the online owner's manual to be sure.

About the Author

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.

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Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge Replacement Youtube

Moen Shower Faucet Troubleshooting

Delta Shower Faucet