How to remove Moen 1222 cartridge with cartridge puller

Buy Moen cartridge puller here: amzn.to/3AEh3Qo
Today we will show you how we removed our Moen 1222 cartridge with the cartridge puller. If you have any questions, leave comments below and we would love to answer them. We cannot be held responsible for any problems during your repairs or installations and cannot guarantee that this fixes your problems. Please take caution and wear appropriate safety gear. If you do not have experience with this type of project, please seek help from a professional. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of the tools, equipment, or from the information from this video is the sole responsibility of the user/viewer and not from Big Al Repairs.
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[@chrissygierek]

Their written instructions were worthless. This video saved me and kept me from having to hire a plumber. Thank you so much!

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@fonzario]

Cartridge that came out of mine had an O ring on the inside end of the cartridge and the ones they had at all the hardware and lumber yards did not have that O ring so the only option I had was to replace the O rings and it did take care of the leak.

[@excelguy3595]

Love this. Those mown cartridges can be tricky

[@BigAlRepairs]

so tricky!

[@lexigone]

The best video to replace Moen shower catridge! Thank you so much!

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thank you for the nice comment! Good luck with future projects!

[@MichaelPatterson-x2i]

Great video. My old cartridge had the "HC" tab down so therefore the new cartridge must be installed the same to have hot and cold on the correct sides. Thanks.

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thanks for the comment! Hopefully the project went ok!

[@lauriehymas4592]

Thank you so much for this video. That is so helpful

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thanks!!

[@theexcelguy101]

Thanks for this video. The cartridge pulled is a lifesaver, especially with the modem 1222 cartridge. Thanks again for posting

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.

[@UnclecoolJ]

I couldn't help notice that the large nut would not get past the tab with the HC on it. Doesn't that prevent it from pulling cartridge out of pipe?

[@ericschmidt6129]

I noticed the same thing. Fortunately, I could pull my cartridge out easily by just pulling on the tool. My faucet was less than a year old so it came out easily. It looks like this particular removal tool is for the cartridge without the tabs, as shown in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jEmH5_jdaHoKM.

[@codetech5598]

Yes, that is strange. I would expect this to work like the standard gear pullers used in auto mechanics, etc wherein tightening the large nut would push a flange and extract the part but as you say the tab is in the way. *But it seems like the puller was an afterthought and the cartridge was not designed to use a puller.* They expected it to just turn 1/4 using the plastic tab and be extracted by your fingers.

[@samarittan9308]

Thanks a lot for the helpful video. You saved me a lot of time and frustration. Subscribed.

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thank you for subscribing! We hope to continue to make more helpful videos. I hope it helped, good luck with future projects!

[@natelambson9677]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. Very helpful in getting the mown cartridge out

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@sjdude12]

Thank you for this. You’re awesome 👏🏼

[@denissmith3658]

Thanks for the clip. This guy is a begginner also like us

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thanks for the comment but what do you mean by this?

[@bertpainter8385]

The puller is not designed to use they way it's intended for the 1222. You have to make modifications if your cartridge is stuck. Like finding a strong large diameter nut just the right size to fit over the white plastic housing and still catch the brass exterior of the cartridge. Or even use a thick pipe wrench and adjust it to do the same. You can use it like a car wheel puller then, without fear of damaging the plumbing pipes attached to the diverter itself. Spray some lube as you ease it out. Then once you can catch a good part of cartridge grab a large plyers and twist it out. Sometimes they still break apart. Just be sure to clean out the inside of diverter good with toothbrush and rinse by opening and closing hot and cold shut off valves. Don't use wire or brass toothbrush. the debris inside that collects over time causes the cartridge to get stuck. Whenever working on plumbing repairs and releases the air in systems use a water source that doesn't have a cartridge or screened faucet, like a outside spicket or maybe a laundry sink with a ball valve type faucet. Clean the screen afterwards ii has one.

[@gregmorg]

Careful. You can't use this tool on the positemp 1222 cartridge the way it's shown in this video. It's made for the old moentron valve. The HC (hot /cold) tab and the bottom tab get in the way and will break the valve if it's partially stuck. If you use the plastic puller that comes with the valve it makes it possible since it elevates the the metal puller. I watched these videos and the valve broke in two inside the valve body. Heap of trouble. Look and the brandon seamons video. You can break off the tabs, top and bottom,and then use his tool since the cartridge doesn't work against the tool.

[@easterlake]

Wish I'd read your comment before. I thought about dremeling off those tabs but didn't and broke the old cartridge. It took about a half hour to chisel it out of the calcium which had essentially welded it in place. I cleaned the inside with steel wool until shiny, lubed and installed the new cartridge, and the shower is now drip free.

[@N4daGainz]

@@easterlakeme too😢 now im fighting the cartridge piece by piece

[@Encourageable]

This is correct. The idea behind the puller is that it braces itself to the brass valve - it can’t do that if the cartridge tabs are in the way. When it’s braced against the brass, using the channel locks to twist it will then extract the cartridge. What the guy in this video did is just used it as a means of “grabbing” the cartridge - which is ok if it’s reasonably loose - but cartridges can get really stuck in there. I would add though that it’s still possible to break the cartridge even without the tabs being in the way. I broke mine. Called two plumbers who never responded so I ended up chipping it out with a hammer and a 1/4” chisel. Took about 10-15 minutes. Once I got past the rubber side seals I was able to pull it out with a needle nose pliers. If you break it I wouldn’t call a plumber - they don’t have any magic way of getting it out. They’ll either chip it out or tell you the valve needs replaced and that will be at least $350. Just take your time and be as careful as possible to not gouge the brass - if you gouge it you will need a new valve and that will be expensive. It can be chiseled out - but just know there is risk involved.

[@sjdude12]

It worked on my 1222 perfectly 😊

[@williamhumber5890]

Ok, glad it wasn't just me. I immediately looked at it when putting this on and thought this can't be right.

[@lindseylambson9669]

Helpful, those dang cartridges. I have had to replace 3 in my lifetime

[@BigAlRepairs]

Thank you! They are so difficult sometimes!

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@BigAl-1]

@dafaqis-is Thanks so much for your suggestion. We are always looking for better ways to do things. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@pavelbuchnevich1229]

Many people, including the person in the video, mistakenly believe that the adjustable nut on the tool is meant to pull the valve out. That's not its intended use. The adjustable nut is designed to secure the tool over the valve, allowing you to use a twist-and-pull motion to remove the valve. The tool has two cutout sections at the end which should be aligned with the top and bottom tabs of the valve. The protruding sections extend beyond the tabs enabling the tool to twist the entire valve body without affecting the metal piece in the middle that rotates freely to open or close the internal valve holes. I have seen a video where the guy made pulling tool using a metal pipe is the same size as the outer brass pipe that the valve goes into. I don't recommend using that tool because you may damage/deform outer brass pipe and may have a hard time inserting a new valve. Or worse, damage the new valve while inserting into the now deformed outer pipe. Just use the tool properly, it will come out with a little bit of elbow grease.

[@BigAlRepairs]

We followed the instructions from Moen. Our valve would not budge so we had to move to step 7. A lot of these cartridges have been in the vavle for 20+ years and can get really stuck. We did as you said and we used a twist and pull motion to remove the cartridge. See 4:04 If you have a video to show it done properly, please link below. Any tips are helpful for viewers! From moen website: 1. Remove retainer clip (#8) from valve body (#7) and pull the cartridge stem (#5) to the full open position. 2. Unscrew the knurled screw (#1) unit it backs out of the recess in the puller (the knurled screw (#1) will not need to be threaded out completely. 3. The hex nut (#3) should be unscrewed so at least one thread is visible at the bottom. Set the tool on the cartridge (#6). Fit the tabs (#4) on the tool between the tabs of the cartridge (#6). 4. By hand, screw the knurled screw (#1) down into the cartridge stem (#5). Turn it until it stops. 5. Screw the hex nut (#3) down until it stops on the valve (#7). 6. Twist the tee handle (#2) by hand. Try to turn and rotate the cartridge body. If it still will not pull, then proceed as in Step 7. 7. Hold the tee handle (#2) to keep it from turning . Tighten the hex nut (#3) with a wrench for two full turns. The cartridge can now be pulled out of the valve body (#7). Clean and flush the valve body before installing the new cartridge, for more information see article Valve Body Cleaning and Flushing.

[@jayvila1337]

😆 🤣 😂 i seriously thought i had a puller tool, it was my sons skateboard chuck tool 😆 🤣

[@antny189]

Any reason why my leak would have gotten slightly worse after cartridge replacement? I followed multiple videos and instructions just fine, my new cartridge is in fact pushed in all the way as my retainer clip seats back in nicely. But what was a minor drip is now a more steady light stream. What could have happened? Nothing leads me to believe I could have damaged anything in the process either.

[@BigAl-1]

Anthony, that is a great question. My guess is that the new cartridge is faulty. Maybe exchange the product and see if it will work. Please give us an update and let us know how you solved the problem. Good luck!

[@antny189]

@@BigAl-1 thanks for your response. It was in fact the cartridge. I had Moen replace it for me, sent me a 1222b cartridge (same thing as 1222). Before putting in the new cartridge again I made sure to gently clean brush the inside of the valve with a toothbrush and vinegar, then flushed it out with water. I think it definitely was a bad cartridge. All good now!

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks for the update. I’m glad you figured it out.

[@BigAl-1]

Best of luck with your next DIY project.

[@KhalidAli-lb2lc]

Thank you so much

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@Buddygold9509]

My puller came with a metric M5-0.8 puller screw. My cartridge has imperial 8-32 threads. Trip to the hardware store to get an 8-32 x 2-1/2”. Worked fine but a pain to have to leave and get a screw. Out of all the screws a have in my shop, a 2-1/2” was not one of them. Frustrating because a trip to the hardware store for me is a 1hr round trip.

[@BigAl-1]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m glad things finally worked out. Good luck with your next DIY project and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@Buddygold9509]

@@BigAl-1done.

[@davidrogers7137]

What’s the clue for needing to replace? I have a shower that will make more rushing sounds when the mix is 50/50 but no excessive rushing sound when directed to hit or cold. Is this an indication of a cartridge that would benefit from replacing?

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks for the question. We replaced it because our faucet was leaking. I would imagine that your problem could also be associated with the cartridge but I’m not 100% sure. Please let us know what you find out and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@davidrogers7137]

@@BigAl-1 I decided to leave as is. I think o was perhaps being overly cautious. My first bathroom remodel. Once I put on the cover and a shower head the different pressure noises seem not so concerning.

[@BigAl-1]

@@davidrogers7137 Thanks so much for the update! That is probably a good decision. Sometimes replacing the valve can be very difficult. Best of luck with your next DIY project.

[@bigmike6853]

These cartridges can be difficult. I pulled one with this puller but the back of it broke off and was quite the project getting it out lol. Some come out easy and some don't. The puller does work but sometimes the cartridges break anyway.

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks Mike for your insight. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@Zombieland318]

The pulley sucks

[@BigAl-1]

@@Zombieland318 Just curious to know what is you will us to remove the cartridge if you can’t get the pulley to work. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@miralikhan7877]

Will this work on 1224 type cartridges....mine are still stuck...in the kitchen faucet....cheers from Canada.

[@BigAlRepairs]

The 104421 Moen Cartridge Puller can be used to remove single handle cartridges 1200, 1225 and 1222. solutions.moen.com/Article_Library/Using_a_104421_Cartridge_Removal_Tool

[@jrock-xs9vp]

Great video thanks

[@BigAl-1]

Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs

[@musk-eteer9898]

watch your vid to see what does the puller looks like so i can head out to home depot and purchase one, my 1222 won't budge with plier.

[@mh2024]

i’ve done a lot of replacements like this

[@BigAl-1]

@ m h. How did your replacements work out? Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@lizascandles]

Awesome

[@DavidReed-l9h]

The HC tab was in the way and it broke the cartridge in the pipe, had to break it out piece by peice. finally got it but what a pain.

[@BigAlRepairs]

cartridges are always a pain

[@alejandrovasquez9218]

Got worried when he used the channel locks the wrong way. Looks like it turned out alright in the end anyway.

[@BigAlRepairs]

He is left handed so it makes it tricky for him

[@Bdavie69]

I noticed that also. My Dad was a stickler about that. I personally would use a crescent adjustable wrench

[@robertmunguia250]

Lost the retainer clip in between the wall. Now I had to make one. lol cartridge was super stuck. New one didn’t want to go all the way in.

[@BigAlRepairs]

cartridges can be such a pain. I hope you were able to figure something out. Make sure the valve is cleaned out and remove any debris

[@eldismemushi]

Not useful, that puller tool is for old moen cartridges that can go inside puller tool. In new cartridge the white plastic doesn’t allow to tight the puller and remove. I have to break it piece by piece and remove it with screwdriver.

[@pavelbuchnevich1229]

I agree, the puller tool could've been better designed. I ended up making my own puller tool using a metal pipe large enough for the cartridge to fit into, a long bolt with same thread that fit into the screw hole with an open ended nut and washer. Metal pipe should be large enough to fit over the cartridge but smaller than the valve. So, you put the metal pipe over the cartridge then cover with washer. Thread in the open ended nut on to the bolt all the way then insert into washer hole. Screw into the cartridge metal piece all the way then start undoing the nut so it goes towards the washer. As you turn the nut, it will slowly pull the cartridge into the metal pipe. So make sure the metal pipe is long enough to fit the entire cartridge in there. But usually, you only need to pull the cartridge half way out to start pulling by hand. Works well if you have a very stubbornly stuck cartridge and it avoids putting stress on your plumbing pipe/fixture.

[@eldismemushi]

@@pavelbuchnevich1229 that’s good idea, I will try next time

[@BigAlRepairs]

it worked for us as you can see in the video, it fit into the threading fine

[@garykrell2058]

I've seen another guy demonstrating one he made like your talking about that has two parts that used for a 1225 and posi-temp.goes inside of tool about 160.00 .but if it pulls out the center of cart. You still have to cut it out😮

[@danarello2563]

@@pavelbuchnevich1229 Thanks for sharing, but I would need a visual to make the tool you are describing.

[@Learner1985]

I broke the old cartridge trying to pull it out, now what! Drill?

[@Genaro-bj5qd]

I bought the tool but did not work like in the video so i used some pliers and pulled It out oh well i Guess It only works on some cartridges

[@bradgrant9698]

Those cartridges are "MFer's" to remove, even with that tool...

[@Preppy_212]

Mine snap every time, and I'm left chiseling away on the piece that is stuck fml

[@BigAl-1]

I’m sorry things did not turn out the way you wanted. Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your next DIY project.

[@catfood9707]

Well i failed horribly. Also if you drill it out don't drill at the left edge or the right edge. If you do the drill will deflect into the valve side and then it will leak

[@BigAl-1]

Catfood, Thanks so much for your suggestion. I’m sorry it did not work out well for you. Please give us an update. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@catfood9707]

@@BigAl-1 learned it the hard way. Only fix for me is to cut out a hole in the wall and replace the valve.

[@BigAl-1]

@@catfood9707 I’m so sorry. Best of luck with your repair.

[@juanojeda5548]

That tool doesn't work cartridge broke took 1 hour to remove it with flat screwdriver

[@BigAl-1]

Juan I’m sorry it did not work out for you. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.

[@alexzrock11]

That puller is not for that cartridge

[@BigAlRepairs]

What makes you say that? It is sold by Moen and states that cartridge on the puller listing: "Moen 104421 Cartridge Puller for 1200, 1222 and 1225 Single Handle Cartridges, Plumbing Tool for replacing Sink Faucet Cartridge" Moen website: Moen Cartridge Puller For 1200, 1222 And 1225 Single-Handle Cartridges. www.moen.com/products/Moen/Moen-Cartridge-Puller-for-1200-1222-and-1225-Single-Handle-Cartridges/104421