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Moen has marked his name by providing a variety of kitchen and bathroom fittings. Its quality is proof of its increasing popularity in commercial and residential areas. They also have repair kits to make the plumbing tasks more straightforward. No matter what you do, these fittings tend to create problems after a particular time. Such issues include dripping water, low pressure, or malfunctioning of temperature control.
When these issues start occurring, it might seem drastic for most people to repair them without help. Surprisingly, it is an uncomplicated job to do after inspecting the main reason for the problem. You only need basic knowledge of the type of faucet you have and the right tools. And you are ready to complete the job flawlessly.
When do you need to repair the faucet?
Let us have a look at possible issues you might need repairing.
Leaking faucet aerator
If the faucet leaks from the nozzle, then the clogged aerator might be causing the issue. Cleaning or replacing can fix this issue in no time.
Leaking around the handle and at the base of the spout
The damaged and old cartridge can make the water leak around the handle and at the bottom of the faucet. This guide will help you fix this problem without any help.
Malfunctioning of temperature control
Wear and tear of the cartridge can lead to malfunctioning of temperature control. Leakage and damaged internal parts make the hot water mix with the cold water line and vice versa.
Difficulty in turning the handle
This problem might occur due to a worn-out cartridge. You just have to change the cartridge with a new one.
Low pressure
All of the above reasons can result in low water pressure. Fixing these issues might revive the water pressure.
How to fix it?
Fixing these issues is an easy task and, when you have a single-handle faucet, it will take less time to repair the faucet. Once you know the procedure for disassembly, you can fix all of the issues stated previously. After disassembling, you can replace the aerator, O-rings, gaskets, and cartridge effortlessly.
Disassembly
- Before starting the process, you have to turn off the water supply valve. In most cases, there is no water supply valve available underneath your kitchen sink. You have to shut off the main water supply valve of your house.
- Once you are done with shutting off the valve, drain all the remaining water in the pipes. Otherwise, it will bring damage to the pipe setting in your walls. When the water stops running from the faucet, you are good to go for the process. This step also releases any pressure in fitting pipes.
- First of all, let us focus on the separation process of Moen kitchen faucet repair. Generally, Moen provides cartridge faucets no matter if you have a single handle or two-handle fixture.
- Most probably, your cartridge faucets have handles with a lid. To reveal the screw in the handle, you can remove the cap with the help of a knife or any sharp object. You can use the screwdriver to unscrew the screw. This step will remove the handle.
- After removing the handle, you have to unscrew the screw securing handle adapter. Use Philips screwdriver for this purpose. Remove white plastic pivot stop under the handle adapter.
- Under the plastic pivot stop, you will see a retainer nut. Take large slip-joint pliers and adjust them around the retainer nut. Turn it counterclockwise to remove the retainer nut.
- Use the tip of a screwdriver to pull out the retainer clip. This retainer clip resides inside the cartridge to hold it in place.
- Once the retainer clip is out of the way, you have to loosen up the cartridge to make it move out of its place. To make it move back and forth, you have to use the spanner cap available with the new cartridge pack. Adjust the spanner cap on top of the cartridge. And with the help of pliers, rotate the cartridge back and forth.
- Hold the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it out. Here, you have to replace all the worn-out parts like gasket and rubber O-rings.
Installation
- Now when every worn-out part is free from the faucet, you can install the new replacement properly. Start with O-rings and gasket. Moen recommends using silicone-based lubricants for rubber O-rings. Lubricants make it easier to install the O-rings.
- After that, check for the cartridge if it has buildup from the hard water. You can leave it in vinegar overnight. Next morning it will come out clean. But if the cartridge is worn out and needs a replacement. Replace it with a new one at this stage.
- Use a plastic spanner cap to rotate the cartridge and slide in the retainer clip to hold the cartridge in place. You can also use needle nose pliers for moving the cartridge.
- Pay attention to the small notch on the stem of the cartridge. Let the tab come in your direction by rotating it.
Reassembly
- Finally, when each replacement part is in its place, you can reassemble the remaining parts. Place the retaining nut and secure it. Fix the white pivot stop and place the handle adapter on top of it. Tighten the screw by using a Philips screwdriver.
- Put the dome assembly on top of the handle adapter and place the handle. Hold the screw that attaches the handle with the faucet and secure it. The lid will also go in its place.
- Now everything is secure, turn on the supply valve and check if the faucet is operating perfectly.