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Like any other top-notch faucet, Moen shower valves can also go bad due to faults in some parts. Instead of hiring a plumber to resolve the issues, you can troubleshoot your Moen shower valve yourself. Most of the time, the problem is minor and easy to fix within minutes. However, sometimes, the issue gets complicated and requires proper instructions for troubleshooting.
Usually, the Moen shower valve doesn’t work due to cartridge, stem, or core issues. This results in several other issues, such as hot water blockage due to buildup, leakage, pressure loss, and a stuck handle that prevents the shower from turning on.
In this guide, we have elaborated on the Moen shower valve troubleshooting guide to help you fix everything at home without trouble.
Installing the Moen Shower Valve may be the issue, and you face trouble. Learn more about Moen Shower Valve Installation.
Moen Shower Valve Troubleshooting – Fix Common Problems
Here, we have enlisted some common problems with the Moen shower valve and step-by-step guidelines to fix them.
Low Water Pressure
You will notice reduced or no water pressure in your shower, commonly due to clogging inside the valve. The pressure fluctuation is a major concern regarding pleasant showers.
Solution
You can fix this issue by replacing the valve’s wear and tear or removing the shower valve’s cloggings.
Leakage From Moen Shower Valve
A leaky shower valve is frustrating and causes water wastage and increases water bills. The constant leaks result in mold growth behind the wall and cause damage due to water.
Solution
You might notice leaks due to improper installation that you can fix by reinstalling the shower valve. Another way to fix it is by replacing a damaged stem or core.
Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn On
Your Moen shower faucet may not turn on due to a damaged valve, faulty cartridge, or loose attachments. There is also the possibility of issues with gaskets and seals of faucets that require proper installation.
Solution
If the issue is with the cartridge, repair or replace it. You can also add lubricant (Silicone grease) to the inside and outside of the cartridge area.
Clean the mineral deposits or limescale buildup if it’s not turning on due to clogging.
If any part, such as the stem or cartridge, is broken, replace it.
For more extensive Moen shower valve issues that require replacement, explore our detailed guide on ‘Moen Shower Valve Replacement.’
Moen Shower Valve Doesn’t Deliver Hot Water
A cold shower will interrupt your hot shower if the hot shower valve isn’t functioning. This happens due to a fault in the scald-guard feature in the Moen shower valve. Issues with cartridges can also lead to this situation.
Solution
You can fix it by adjusting the scald-guard feature, and if it doesn’t work, replace the cartridge. Here are the steps you can follow to resolve the problem:
- Turn on the hot water line valve of your Moen shower.
- Remove the valve handle cap using a screwdriver and loosen the handle with an Allen wrench to remove it.
- Detach the escutcheon from the valve for removal.
- Check the position of the Posi-Temp valve to keep it 1/4 turn horizontal.
- Replace the handle and run the faucet to test.
If your Moen shower valve lacks a scald-guard feature or Posi-Temp, you may need to replace its plastic scald-guard limiter and handle.
- Remove the cartridge from the faucet assembly and clean it properly.
- Clean the inner side of the cartridge and its spool.
- Put them back and run the faucet to hear the rattling sound.
You can also replace the scald-guard limiter and handle of the Moen shower faucet.
Moen Shower Faucet Handle Stuck
An issue with the shower valve also makes it hard to turn the handle. Rust or internal damage to the cartridge makes the stem hard to turn and leads to a stuck handle.
Solution
By adding a lubricant to the cartridge, you can make it easy for the stem to rotate. If the issue doesn’t resolve, you can replace the cartridge.
Leaks In Shower Head
Improperly sealed valves also cause a dripping or leaking shower head.
Solution
The best way to resolve this issue is to replace the Moen shower valve.
How To Troubleshoot Moen Pressure Balance Valve Problems?
The pressure balancing valves are designed to keep the balance between hot and cold water pressure and prevent the risk of a sudden surge in hot and cold water.
You can fix this issue by following these guidelines:
- Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet through the main house shut-off valve.
- Cover the drain with a rag or towel and unscrew the handle using an Allen wrench.
- Detach the handle assembly (handle adapter and chrome sleeves) with Philips Screwdriver.
- Unscrew the cartridge retaining clip using needle nose pliers.
- Detach the cartridge with the cartridge puller.
- Clean the inside of the valve and attach a new cartridge.
Remember to lubricate the rubber parts of the cartridge using silicone grease.
For assistance in identifying your Delta shower faucet model, check out our comprehensive guide on ‘How to Identify Delta Shower Faucet Models.’
How To Troubleshoot Moen Shower Valve Not Mixing Properly?
Sometimes, the Moen shower valve doesn’t mix hot and cold water properly. You may get too hot or too cold water instead of a proper mixture for a comfortable shower. Here is how you can troubleshoot it:
- Check Thermostat
If the thermostat isn’t working, you may notice this issue. You can check it by unplugging and plugging it back in or hiring a plumber to fix it.
Instead of the thermostat, sometimes clogging inside the shower arm also prevents water from mixing.
- Adjust Timer
Your shower faucet will have an adjustable shower head to adjust pressure by turning screws. Turn them clockwise to increase flow and counterclockwise to reduce the flow.
A damaged or broken timer won’t let water mix, and you must replace it.
- Replace Cartridge
A faulty cartridge is a significant reason for many issues with a shower faucet. You can replace it and install a new cartridge in its place.
- Replace Diverter
A diverter is present at the end of the spout, which can easily get clogged due to soap and shampoo. You can fix it by unscrewing the diverter and replacing it with a new one.
- Check Plumbing
If all parts are in a good state, check the house’s plumbing. For this purpose, you must pull the faucet away from the wall and see if there are corroded areas. There can be rust inside the hose, which you can eliminate by replacing the hose with a new hose kit assembly.
To better understand your Moen shower valve issues, check out our article on ‘What Is The Flow Rate of Shower Head‘ for insights into water flow and pressure considerations.
FAQs
Why Is There No Water Coming From My Shower Valve?
Blockage inside the tank or pipes prevents water from entering the shower valve. Limescale buildup or mineral deposits could gather inside the pipe surface, providing water to the shower head.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Faulty Shower Valve?
A leaky or dripping shower valve, even from a closed faucet, is the main sign of a faulty shower valve. A faulty shower valve also makes it difficult to turn on the water, causing the shower handle to get stuck.
What Causes A Moen Cartridge To Go Bad?
If the rubber O-ring inside the shower valve or faucet is damaged due to drying out, the passage in cartridges will get clogged. You can lubricate these O-rings with Silicone grease of Plumber’s putty.
Wrapping Up
Troubleshooting the Moen shower valve is a straightforward task if you know the root cause of the problem. You need to know the issue to find a suitable solution.
However, the issue often lies inside the cartridge and other parts of a faucet. You can replace faulty parts or adjust the hot and cold shower valves to fix everything.
