DIY: Moen Faucet Cartridge Replacement and Disassembly

Video tutorial on how to replace the cartridge on a Moen faucet. Over time and usage the internal components can fail inside the faucet causing it to operate harder and leak. With this particular faucet, it is leaking on the cold side. Moen does have an excellent warranty on their products so you should be able to get replacement cartridge free of charge from your local Moen retailer such as a hardware store or contact Moen directly. In this case there was also a small plastic component inside which was broken and they have sent a replacement for that as well. The parts for this faucet were ordered directly from Moen and took about a week to arrive. You will need to provide a model number which is directed under the chrome plastic cap on the top, but locations will vary between models.
Website: 4diyers.com
Facebook: / 4diyers
Google Plus: plus.google.com/+4DIYers
Twitter: / 4diyers
Instagram: / 4diyers
Tumblr: / 4diyers
Pintrest: / 4diyers
Tools/Supplies Needed:
-phillips screwdriver
-standard/flat screwdriver
-allen key
-interlocking pliers
-wrench or adjustable wrench
-new replacement cartridge
-any other replacement parts required
-paper towel
Procedure:
-turn the water off to the faucet
-you will have to turn off both the hot and cold water feeds
-just to be sure the water is off and there isn’t any pressure, open the faucet
-remove the chrome cap on the top with your fingers and the hot/cold plastic indicator with your fingers which simply snaps into place
-once the cap is removed, there will be a small allen head bolt exposed which needs to be removed in order to take off the faucet handle
-the handle which lifts straight off
-the chrome sleeve snaps into place so it will take a little force to unclip it
-using a phillips screwdriver, remove the screw in the center which holds on the metal bracket that the handle attached to
-unscrew the black plastic metal sleeve
-white plastic stopper cap just sits into place that needs to be removed by pulling straight off
-using an adjustable wrench or the appropriate sided wrench, remove the larger black plastic retaining nut
-remove the “C” clip using a standard screwdriver which holds the cartridge into place
-remove the small metal washer on the cartridge shaft
-in the cartridge replacement kit, there will be a small plastic socket type tool which fits on the top of the cartridge
-it’ll fit into noticed on the top, put it into place, and this will allow up to rotate the cartridge in order to remove it
-use an adjustable wrench and turn the cartridge to help break it free
-Using interlocking pliers, grab onto the top of the cartridge and pull upwards
-watch for any water squirting out and use paper towel to clean up the access water
-install the new cartridge by pushing it into place
-the cartridge does come with a lubricant already applied so it does slide into the cavity easily
-once installed, then using the plastic socket, rotate it into the correct position and help it seat into place
-reinstall all other parts in reverse of removal and replace any parts if necessary
-once together, turn the water back on a test
-check for any leaks
Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!
© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

[@chikmath]

This video was extremely helpful. I've the same faucet. It was leaking water. Moen sent me all the parts but I couldn't quite figure out how to replace the cartridge. The videos on their website are mostly for newer or other cartridges. Mine is 20 years old. Then I came across this video and I'm all set now. No more leaky faucet. Thank You so very much.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback!

[@katiewhite9822]

This video was a huge help. Moen kindly sent all the parts but almost no information. Your video was easy to follow and got right to the critical points. Thanks!

[@4DIYers]

Awesome to hear and thank you for the kind words!

[@PeytonM318]

I can't thank you enough for this video. Really. I replaced the 1225 cartridge last night. That frustrated me because I couldn't get the little clip back in place. After finally getting that to work, I could not get the handle adjustment to go from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock position, going through 6 o'clock. Mine was going from 3 to 12 to 9 (i.e. backwards). I tried many times to get it right, then realized thanks to your video that the plastic retaining nut, the white stopper, and the mounting sleeve were all separate pieces. When I originally disassembled the faucet, all 3 of those pieces were attached. It was not easy to get the retaining nut separate from the sleeve. Once I was able to do that, the world changed for the better. Thanks again for all of the details that you showed.

[@4DIYers]

Happy to help and thank you for the kind words :)

[@dasman3772]

Thanks for this. Had a bit of trouble because the replacement retaining nut seemed to be too large. Used the old one and all is good.

[@lois4329]

Your video is the best. Thank you we had success! Thank you.

[@chriswalker9350]

Thanks. Great video. I was going nuts until I found this.

[@4DIYers]

Glad to help out and don't forget to subscribe :)

[@stickydoughcakes]

Thank you for video. we are currently working but clip wont go back in easily

[@dlittlester]

I wasn't aware the warranty was that good. I'll phone them in a couple of days and ask for a repair kit. I bought the faucet in 2015. Thanks for the video. This will make the job much easier.

[@4DIYers]

No problem, happy I could help!

[@dlittlester]

@@4DIYers I took another look at the faucet today, and strangely, the leak is coming from a couple of tiny holes part way up the spout. It looks like there's a seam running underneath it from one end to the other, and it's sprung a couple of leaks. I went to the store I bought it, and they'd never heard of that. So I tried to phone Moen, and it was all robotics which I can't relate to, so I emailed them. I did get a reply, so we'll see what happens. Looks like I'll need a replacement spout, and a new seal kit for everything else.

[@4DIYers]

@@dlittlester Someone had told me not too long ago, when they had an issue with their faucet, Moen sent out a whole new faucet.

[@dlittlester]

@@4DIYers Yes, I understand they're good like that. I don't look forward to the contortions I had to go through under the cabinet again, though. Everything I have to do at this point is above cabinet, which is good.

[@dlittlester]

@@4DIYers I found out that it was the spout leaking. There's a seam running the length of it underneath that you can hardly see, and it sprung a couple of leaks. They are sending me a new spout (backordered at the moment) a cartridge kit, and seal kit. They've been really good, giving me a tracking number as well. I'd rather replace just the spout than having to replace the whole faucet.

[@georgevanderpoorten4583]

Very helpful video. A job very well done.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@LOEFFLER41]

ANY tips for removing the flat head Phillip's head screw from a Moen model 7310, please?

[@sheilastevenson8294]

Hi I’m having trouble putting the retainer in to place is very hard to fix in please help what am I doing wrong

[@ronlevenberg2985]

I removed the chrome cap and plastic hot/cold indicator and now what should be an Allen screw actually is round rather than hexagonal so no Allen wrench could fit it and I don’t see how to remove it. I’m able to get a Phillips screwdriver to reach the Phillips screw inside the cavity but it turns but with difficulty and doesn’t loosen and I’m not sure I should attack the Phillips screw until this round so-called “Allen” screw is removed. Any ideas?

[@denisebest41]

I have the same issue!

[@freddrummond3632]

Thanks so much for your very helpful video, BUT, I think I have followed it to a ‘t’, no leaks and hot is on the left so you are wondering what the BUT is for. When the hot water is on and you remove your hand from the handle it slowly slips off! Suggestions please. Thanks again, Fred

[@4DIYers]

Sounds almost like a faulty cartridge. The weight of the handle shouldn't do that.

[@mahendramunidasa9368]

Even after i removed the Allen screw handle is not coming off. Pull it up hard, still no luck. I can still move the handle up down and around like in normal use. Any idea why it is stuck

[@katiewhite9822]

This happened to me as well. There was a ton of calcium build up inside when I finally got it off. To get the new part in I had to soak the handle and other parts in vinegar then use vice grips to wiggle them free.

[@connie1wilson]

Same problem, annoying feels like it’s all still screwed together!

[@sajedahasanali5712]

I have similar moen faucet, the tap is very tight and when we move it base moves, please guide

[@4DIYers]

The gaskets are expanded or are dry in the cartridge. Best to replace the cartridge.

[@redmapleleaf4617]

Well, don't hafta finish this before I KNOW this is way beyond my ability!

[@manzuralam5624]

Mines stuck

[@cheryl4872]

More arm and elbow in the way