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If you notice water leakage from the spout, get a mixture of hot and cold water, or the water supply isn’t shutting off, get ready for your Moen kitchen faucet cartridge replacement. But before starting, you must know the procedure and have the right tools to avoid any inconvenience.
To replace the Moen kitchen faucet cartridge, gather your supplies, shut off the water supply, remove the faucet, its components, and cartridge, and put the new one in its place, along with all parts back to their position. The whole process is simple and easy, but it is important to know basic things such as the right cartridge for your faucet and the special tools you will need to accomplish the task.
We have elaborated on these aspects to help you do hassle-free cartridge replacement. Read out to learn more.
How to Determine Correct Moen Cartridge?
Whether you want to upgrade the Moen faucet’s interior parts or avoid the issue of water dripping from the spout, you must find the correct Moen cartridge compatible with your faucet. A variety of faucets are already available in the Market; each has its own fitting parts.
To get the right one, you should know the model number of your Moen kitchen faucet. Usually, this information is labeled at the back side of the handle or below the spout. You can order it via online resources or get one from your nearest store. The option for Moen customer service is also always open to help if you do not have the model number.
However, the two most common types of Moen Cartridges can fit into the:
- Single Handle Faucets
- Double Handle Faucets
Moen Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Removal Tools
You can remove the cartridge by unscrewing it after turning off the water and pulling out the retaining clip. For this purpose, stem pliers are helpful, but these tools do not work in some cases, and you need some better options. Instead of pulling out the cartridge, pour vinegar and leave it for an hour. Anything blocking the cartridge from removal will dissolve.
However, the following tools and ways are best to remove the cartridge:
A Cartridge Puller For Easy Removal
Even after applying vinegar, the cartridge doesn’t pull out; use a special cartridge removal tool suggested by Moen manufacturers.
This T-shaped tool can easily fit the steam of the cartridge to unscrew bolts by rotating the handle to make it loose to pull out. If your faucet cartridge is worn out, it might get stuck badly, and the shaft will come out, leaving the sleeves at their location.
You won’t be able to replace cartridges without removing the sleeves.
Remove Cartridge Sleeves If They Are Stuck
- Cut the threads from the inside to remove the cartridge sleeves using a half-inch tap.
- The brass-made sleeve can easily thread on the cartridge.
- Put three-by-half-inch steel bolts into the holes of the stacked one-inch washer and screw them with threads.
- Once the bolt has reached depth, tighten it further, making the cartridge too loose to pull out easily.
Moen Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Replacement – Step-By-Step
Once you know the process of removing the cartridge and have bought a new one that can fit perfectly into your Moen faucet, start preparing for replacement.
Here is how to replace the Moen kitchen faucet cartridge:
Tools Required
You will need the following supplies for the Moen Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Replacement:
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Cartridge Puller
- New Cartridge
- Plumber’s Grease
Step 1: Turn Off The Water Supply
- Turn off the faucet to cut the water supply.
- Shut off both hot and cold valves.
- Keep turning the handles in a clockwise direction till they stop.
If you do not have a shut-off valve beneath your sink, turn off the water supply from the main house valve.
Step 2: Pull Out The Faucet Handle
- Use a screwdriver to remove the handle.
- Once unscrewed, pull out the handle from the faucet.
Step 3: Detach The Faucet Clip
- Detach the small faucet or retaining clip with the help of a utility knife.
- The clip is useful for keeping the cartridge in its place.
- If you want to avoid damage to the finish of your faucet, remove the sleeves by simply pulling. You will get access to the cartridge clip.
Step 4: Remove The Cartridge
You can try any of the methods we already described for removing cartridges. Go with pliers or a cartridge puller to make the cartridge loose in its position and easily pull out.
Step 5: Replace Cartridge With New One
- Take the plumber’s grease and apply it to the O-rings of the new cartridge for better lubrication.
- Put the cartridge inside the faucet, and align it properly to make its clip fit.
- If you find it difficult to align a cartridge, you can get some plastic pieces specially made for it.
- Another way is to use a puller or wrench to slide the clip into its position.
Step 6: Reassemble The Faucet Parts
- Now put everything back as it was before.
- Put chrome sleeves and fix the handle in its position.
- Screw all parts and turn on the water to see if the spout is dripping.
FAQs
How do you remove a Moen faucet handle without visible screws?
Find the caps on one side if there are no screws on your faucet handle. Remove the cap gently, as it can break easily. You can use a flathead screwdriver for this purpose. The screw will be present beneath the cap; unscrew them. Detach the handle and pull it out by hand.
How do I know if my Moen cartridge is bad?
Leakage from the tub spout, shower head, or handle, difficulty opening and closing the valve, difficulty turning the handle, and failure to get too hot or too cold water from the faucet is the clear sign that indicates the cartridge has gone bad and now needs replacement.
Can you clean a Moen cartridge instead of replacing it?
If the cartridge condition isn’t too bad, you can clean it inside a vinegar or citric acid container. Soak the cartridge in the solution for five to seven hours and then rinse it thoroughly. Before putting it back, ensure to dry it.
Wrapping Up
It is good to understand the condition of your faucet cartridge to prepare for its replacement or cleaning. When you notice the signs of a cartridge gone bad, the only great option is to replace it.
Moen Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Replacement is a straightforward process that you can do by simply following these guidelines.
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