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If you have a cartridge faucet installed in your kitchen sink, the chances are that it’s a Moen kitchen faucet. Moen, after all, is the biggest name in the industry when it comes to cartridge faucets. The removal and installation of nearly all sorts of Moen kitchen faucets are similar and relatively easy. If you want to remove one, or even install a fresh piece in its place, you don’t need to call in a plumber.
In this guide, we’ll learn how to remove Moen kitchen faucet that has a single handle. What you should know before starting the project is the model number and type of Moen kitchen faucet that you are removing so that you can get the correct replacement part for the faulty one. It’s best if you find a replacement part since then you’ll just be replacing the part that’s faulty instead of the entire faucet. If you can’t get hold of a replacement part, you’ll need to replace the whole unit.
Want to repair your faucet? Jump to possible Repairs.
What you’ll need
Removal of a Moen kitchen faucet is rather simple, and you won’t be needing many supplies at all. Just a couple of tools are required to complete the project. Here’s a list:
- Screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Wrench
Steps to follow to remove a Moen kitchen faucet
If you have a leaky Moen kitchen faucet with pullout spray, the chances are that it’s the sprayer hose that’s causing the leak. In such a situation, the leakage can cause water to collect under the sink. Let’s learn all about Moen single handle kitchen faucet with pullout spray repair.
Whatever the problem might be that needs fixing, the first step that you’ll need to take is to remove the Moen kitchen faucet. By removing it, you’ll have clear access to the internal parts that require a repair.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Turn off water
Locate the water supply under the sink and turn it off. If there are separate supplies for hot and cold, turn both of them off.
Step 2: Drain the pipes
Open the Moen faucet to drain out any water that may still be inside the pipes. The water pipes around the Moen faucet must be empty before you begin disassembling it.
Step 3: Remove the handle
Use a screwdriver to take apart the handle of the faucet. Once the handle is loose, you’ll find a set screw connected to it. Use a wrench to loosen this screw and then pull out the handle.
Step 4: Remove the dome and plastic sleeve
Once the handle is out of the way, you’ll see a dome. It will slide out easily. Next, you’ll find a black jacket that needs to be turned anti-clockwise using a wrench to be removed.
Step 5: Removing the handle mechanism
What lies below the black sleeve that you removed in the previous step is the handle mechanism that controls the water flow out of the faucet. A screw holds this mechanism together. Unscrew it using a screwdriver, and the entire arrangement will come out with it.
Step 6: Remove the ring and washer
Under the handle mechanism, you’ll find a white ring that comes off easily. Just remember the direction is points in so that you can fix it back correctly when you install the faucet back after the repair. Next, there will be a washer that will need to be removed using a wrench.
Step 7: Remove the spout
Once you have removed all the rings and washers that come in the way (remember their directions and their sequence), you will see the water spout. The spout will slide off without any tool. After removing the spout, you’ll see a clip holding the cartridge. the clip can be removed with a screwdriver.
Step 8: Pull out the cartridge
The old cartridge may be removed by holding the stem with pliers and twisting it in different directions until it comes off. You may need a cartridge puller for this step if pliers don’t work.
So, you have learned how to remove Moen kitchen faucet. Let’s see how to repair it.
Possible Moen Kitchen Faucet Repairs
Once the cartridge is out, check it’s condition. If there are cracks on it, you will need to replace it. If there’s just scaling, you can reuse the old one after leaving it in a vinegar solution overnight. Take out the cartridge from vinegar in the morning, and you’ll see that all the scaling is gone now.
If you decide to reuse the same cartridge, do remember to replace all the O-rings on the base of your faucet with new ones. The old ones can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. These O-rings are available from stores in packages, which will also include gaskets and lubricating liquid. Lubricate the new O-rings once you have fixed them in their correct places at the base of the faucet. It’s better to replace all the old gaskets with fresh ones as well.
If, after you have made these replacements and fixed the faucet back together, you still find the same leak, the problem may be in the valve seat. Purchase a new one from the hardware store and follow the same steps to take apart the faulty kitchen faucet. Using a seat wrench, remove the old valve seat and replace it with a new one. Doing so should fix the problem.
Disassemble the Faucet:
If the cartridge does not seal the water in the spout, leaks often occur. The leak could now be caused by worn seals or a completely ruined cartridge. You need to disassemble the faucet to access the cartridge.
To relieve the water pressure, first, turn off the water supply under the sink and open the kitchen tap. Pay attention to the screw cap on the faucet handle. Once this is done, you will need a screwdriver to remove the screw cap.
The screw that holds the handle is hidden under the lid, which bears a Moen logo. It’s time to use a key to loosen the screw and pull the handle. This is easy, but if the handle does not peel off, beat the tie with a hammer to loosen it.
The cartridge holding nut should be removed with locking pliers. To loosen the cartridge, you need to use the screwdriver. After that, you need to remove the cartridge while still hanging on the valve stem.
Because cassettes are often enclosed in older fixtures, you may need to use a cartridge remover to complete the task.
O-rings, Gaskets, and O-rings:
After removal, check the cartridge for notches or cracks. You will need to replace the cartridge if such damage is detected. If the cartridge had a collection of dandruff, you should soak it in vinegar overnight to clean it. Replace the O-rings and seals in the valve seats.
These can be removed by inserting a loop into the valve. Since O-rings and flutes are model-specific, they are included in the kits.
If The Leakage Persists Replace The Valve Seats:
If the leak persists, it may be necessary to replace the valve seats because they are notched or worn. After removing the faucet, remove the valve seats with a wrench.
Leakage At the Base:
If your kitchen Moen faucet leaves the handle, there is a good chance that the O rings near the base have been damaged. We remove the handle from the tap and remove the spout. Replace the O rings after adequate lubrication.
Clean the outer body of the valve as well as its inner orifice. For very experienced and qualified professional plumbers, repairing a Moen kitchen faucet is not a big deal, especially if you are using the services of a reputable company.
You will be immediately spared from the hassle of a leaking kitchen faucet using the most modern sanitary instruments and procedures. Before dropping off the faucet sends you over the abyss, call a professional plumber.
Removing and Cleaning the Cartridge:
Turn off the water supply valves before removing the cartridge. Valves should be stored under the kitchen sink in a cabinet. Remove all detergents and stored items from the sink cabinet so that the valves are easily accessible.
Turn off the valve buttons by turning them clockwise. Make sure there is no water in the pipes by opening the faucet. To remove the nut from the handle, detach it with an Allen wrench. To preserve the cartridge, U-shaped clips can be used, depending on the model of the faucet.
Remove the clip to the eye with needle clips if your model has one. It is held in place with a retaining nut if it does not have a retention kit. You can use an adjustable small wrench to loosen and remove the nut.
Other Faucet Repair:
Tap water splashes occasionally instead of flowing directly, with jets of water gushing in all directions. When this happens, something is likely to get caught in the aviator’s network.
Unscrew the aerator to remove it. You may need to start with a key, but once it is loose, you can unscrew it by hand.
Clean the aviator in another sink or soda in the solution of vinegar and water. Return to the original position and tighten it with the key after cleaning.
Tips for Repairing a Faucet
If you wanted to perform a Moen kitchen faucet repair, make sure that the cartridge O-ring is still in good condition. It is placed at the base of the cartridge and can be worn or broken over time, allowing water to escape from the base of the faucet.
Replace the ring or entire cartridge if it looks worn or if your faucet around the base leaks. This tutorial is for a one-handed faucet. If the Moen has two handles, you need to do it for both.
The cost of replacement cartridges is covered by a lifetime warranty on many Moen kitchen faucets.
Moen Kitchen Faucet Parts Diagram
Here is a detailed moen kitchen faucet parts diagram with their part names:
Spout Nut & Retaining Kit:
This is a special part of the faucet that delivers water from the body to the sink. It is spot resistance stainless.
Aerator:
An aerator is impossible to access without any special tool. Mostly aerator is male, which means it contains threads.
Handle Cap Kit:
A handle cap is a decorative cap or a bracket on the faucet that helps to maintain the water pressure.
Retaining Kit & O-Ring:
There is more than one o-ring in a faucet. These are used to prevent water leakage around the spout. To change an o-ring is a very easy task.
Spray Head & Hose:
The water comes out from the spray head passing through a nozzle. The spray makes it easier to clean the objects and sink. Whereas a spray hose is used to easily remove the water and also to divert the water spray.
Lever Handle and Handle Screw:
The Lever handle and handle screw is used to stop the continuous water flowing from the faucet. It is also helpful to control the temperature and pressure of water.
Diverter:
The diverter is used to redirect the water in the faucet from the faucet spout to the faucet sprayer head. It is usually located in the back of the faucet.
Cartridge and Cartridge Nut:
Cartridge in a faucet is a device that helps to control the flow of the water. If there is water leakage you must check the faucet cartridge first.
Gasket Kit:
Every faucet must contain rubber gaskets that help to seal the faucet tightly. It holds back the water and other parts.
Hose Guide:
The hose guide is a simple and inexpensive technique to pull out faucet hoses or pull down from hoses and other items under the sink. It’s simple to set up. The item is delivered fully built.
Hardware Package:
Faucet hardware refers to the many components of a faucet, ranging from handles, nuts, and O-rings to spout kits, washers, and retaining clips. When your faucet breaks, the source of the problem can be anywhere.
Fix it back!
Remember all the steps you followed to remove your Moen kitchen faucet? Now follow them in reverse order, taking care to set everything in the right direction and the correct order. Doing so should fix everything back up, and the leaky kitchen faucet will be repaired!
Conclusion
It may seem a little hard at first, but once you’ve learned how to remove Moen kitchen faucet and completed the project on your own, it will be worth it! A leak-free kitchen faucet without paying a plumber is what you get in return for a little hard work. Isn’t it worth the trouble? You may want to have a look on latest and top rated models from Moen? Have a look on our ultimate guide about moen faucet reviews.
