Replacing a Moen shower cartridge is a relatively simple DIY plumbing task that can save you the cost of a professional plumber, but the process can be daunting if you’re not familiar with plumbing. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to replace a Moen shower cartridge, along with helpful tips, pictures, and a video tutorial. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete novice, this guide will help you get the job done right the first time.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a new Moen shower cartridge. Once you have your tools and materials, you’re ready to begin the replacement process.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to your shower. This is typically done by turning the handle on the main water supply valve clockwise. Once the water is turned off, you can remove the handle from the shower valve. To do this, insert a flat head screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the handle and gently pry the handle off. Once the handle is removed, you’ll need to remove the escutcheon, which is the decorative plate that covers the valve. To do this, insert a flat head screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the escutcheon and gently pry the escutcheon off.
Identifying the Shower Cartridge
Identifying the shower cartridge is crucial before initiating the replacement process. Here’s how to pinpoint the correct cartridge:
Visual Inspection
Visually examine the shower handle and escutcheon. Most cartridges have a specific design that varies among manufacturers. Note the shape, size, and any visible markings or engravings on the cartridge.
Refer to the manufacturer’s website or user manual to confirm the exact cartridge model compatible with your shower system. The manual typically provides detailed diagrams and descriptions of the available cartridges.
Access the Cartridge
Carefully remove the handle and escutcheon to access the cartridge. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen the handle screw and pull the handle off. The escutcheon may be secured with screws or clips; gently pry it off using a flathead screwdriver or a plastic spudger to avoid damage.
Once you have access to the cartridge, inspect it for any physical defects, such as cracks or corrosion. If visible damage is present, it’s recommended to replace the cartridge.
Below is a table summarizing the key factors to consider when identifying a shower cartridge:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Shape, size, markings |
| Manufacturer’s Information | User manual or website |
| Access and Inspection | Physical defects, corrosion |
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before embarking on your Moen shower cartridge replacement journey, it’s crucial to assemble the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Essential Tools:
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: To remove and tighten the cartridge housing.
- Allen wrench (if applicable): Some cartridges require an Allen wrench to remove the handle.
- Flathead screwdriver: To pry open the handle assembly.
- Paper towels or rags: To clean the cartridge and housing.
Optional But Recommended:
- Cartridge puller tool: A specialized tool that simplifies cartridge removal by gripping it securely.
- Valve seat lubricant: A lubricant designed specifically for valve seats to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
- Hairpin or wire: To release the retention clip inside the cartridge housing.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from splashing water or debris.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | Tightens and loosens the cartridge housing. |
| Allen wrench | Removes the handle if required. |
| Flathead screwdriver | Pries open the handle assembly. |
| Hairpin or wire | Releases the retention clip in the cartridge housing. |
| Valve seat lubricant | Reduces friction and ensures smooth operation. |
Shutting Off Water Supply
To ensure a safe and efficient installation process, it’s crucial to turn off the water supply before proceeding with replacing the Moen shower cartridge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Locate the water supply valves for the shower, which are typically found near the showerhead or behind the access panel of the shower faucet. Once you have identified the valves, turn them off completely by rotating them clockwise until they are closed.
To confirm that the water supply has been effectively turned off, open the shower handle and check if any water is still flowing. If there is no water flowing, you can proceed to the next step.
In some cases, the water supply valves may be difficult to turn or may have seized up over time. If you encounter any resistance or difficulty, do not force the valves. Instead, you should consult a qualified plumber to prevent any potential damage to the valves or plumbing system.
Table: Identifying and Accessing Water Supply Valves
| Valve Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Near Showerhead | Typically located behind the showerhead or on the ceiling |
| Behind Access Panel | May be located behind a removable panel on the shower wall |
| Underground | In some cases, the valves may be located underground and accessible through an access point outside the shower area |
Removing the Handle
1. **Turn off the water supply to the shower.** Locate the shut-off valves behind the showerhead or under the sink and turn them clockwise to close them.
2. **Remove the handle set screw.** Most handle sets use a small screw located on the bottom or side of the handle. Use a screwdriver to remove the set screw.
3. **Pull the handle straight off the valve stem.** The handle may be tight, so you may need to use a little force.
4. **Remove the cartridge retaining clip.** The cartridge retaining clip is a small, spring-loaded clip that holds the cartridge in place. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grasp the clip and pull it straight up. The clip may be difficult to remove, so you may need to use some force.
| Type of Cartridge Retaining Clip | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Spring-loaded clip | Grasp the clip with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it straight up. |
| Screw-on clip | Use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the clip in place. Then, pull the clip straight up. |
| Plastic clip | Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clip out of place. Then, pull the clip straight up. |
Accessing the Cartridge
Moen’s cartridge system is designed to be easily accessible, allowing for quick and straightforward replacement. To access the cartridge, follow these steps:
1. Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the water shutoff valves behind the shower wall or under the sink and turn them to the “off” position to prevent water flow.
2. Remove the Handle
Use an Allen key or wrench to remove the handle’s setscrew, usually concealed beneath a small plastic cap. Once the screw is removed, gently pull the handle straight towards you.
3. Remove the Cap
Behind the handle is a decorative cap secured by a screw. Unscrew it to reveal the cartridge housing.
4. Remove the Housing
Use a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to gently unscrew the housing by gripping the flats or notches provided on its surface. Rotate counterclockwise until it’s completely removed.
5. Extract the Cartridge
The cartridge is held in place by a rubber O-ring. Use a pair of needlenose pliers to gently grasp the cartridge and pull it straight out. It may require some effort to break the seal, but do not twist or turn the cartridge while pulling. Note: If your cartridge has a plastic tab, pull on the tab instead.
| Cartridge Type | Removal Method |
|—|—|
| Posi-Temp Cartridge | Use pliers to squeeze the plastic retention clip and pull the cartridge straight out. |
| Moentrol Cartridge | Use a screwdriver to insert into the notch on the cartridge’s top and pry it out. |
| 1222 Cartridge | Use a cartridge puller tool or two pairs of pliers to remove the cartridge. |
Removing the Old Cartridge
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valves beneath the shower and turn them clockwise to shut off the water flow. Ensure that the water is completely off by running the shower until no more water comes out.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry off the handle cap covering the handle screw. Unscrew the handle screw with an appropriate screwdriver and remove the handle.
Step 3: Remove the Escutcheon Plate
If present, use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the escutcheon plate, which covers the cartridge housing. Carefully pull the escutcheon plate off.
Step 4: Remove the Cartridge Retainer
With the escutcheon plate removed, you will see the cartridge retainer. It is a round or hexagonal piece that holds the cartridge in place. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the retainer and remove it.
Step 5: Pull Out the Old Cartridge
Once the retainer is removed, you can gently pull out the old cartridge from its housing. There may be some resistance, so use gentle but firm pressure.
Step 6: Clean the Cartridge Housing
Before installing the new cartridge, thoroughly clean the cartridge housing to remove any debris or old gasket material. Use a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution to clean the housing. Pay special attention to the O-ring seals on the old cartridge, as any remaining debris could cause leaks.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flathead screwdriver | Remove handle cap, escutcheon plate screws |
| Screwdriver (appropriate size) | Unscrew handle screw |
| Wrench or pliers | Loosen cartridge retainer |
| Damp cloth or cleaning solution | Clean cartridge housing |
Installing the New Cartridge
Step 1: Remove the Handle
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that hold the handle in place. Carefully pull the handle straight out to detach it from the valve.
Step 2: Remove the Escutcheon Plate
Behind the handle, you’ll see an escutcheon plate (a decorative cover). Use a flathead screwdriver or hex key to remove the screws holding it in place. Once the screws are out, carefully pry off the escutcheon plate.
Step 3: Remove the Cartridge Nut
Behind the escutcheon plate, you’ll find a cartridge nut. Use a large adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nut.
Step 4: Extract the Old Cartridge
Once the cartridge nut is removed, you can pull the old cartridge straight out of the valve body.
Step 5: Inspect the O-Rings
Inspect the O-rings on the old cartridge. If they’re damaged or worn, replace them with the new O-rings provided with the new cartridge.
Step 6: Lubricate the New Cartridge
Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the new cartridge’s O-rings to ensure a smooth installation and prevent leaks.
Step 7: Install the New Cartridge
Align the new cartridge with the valve body and insert it straight in. Hand-tighten a new cartridge nut onto the valve body. Then, use an adjustable wrench to fully tighten the nut, but be careful not to overtighten it.
Step 8: Replace the Escutcheon Plate and Handle
Place the escutcheon plate back over the cartridge nut and fasten it with screws. Reattach the handle and secure it with screws.
Step 9: Test the Cartridge
Turn on the water and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, your Moen shower cartridge is successfully installed!
Reattaching the Handle
Once the cartridge is replaced, it’s time to reattach the handle. Here are the detailed steps:
- Align the Handle: Take the handle and align it with the stop screw on the cartridge. Make sure the handle faces the correct direction.
- Insert the Screw: Insert the provided handle screw into the hole in the cartridge. Tighten the screw until it’s snug but not overtightened.
- Position the Cap: Place the cap over the handle screw and press it down firmly. The cap should snap into place.
- Tighten the Cap: Use your fingers or a wrench to tighten the cap until it’s secure. Avoid overtightening.
- Check Rotation: Turn the handle several times to ensure it operates smoothly and without any resistance.
- Adjust Stop Screw: If necessary, adjust the stop screw on the cartridge to limit the handle’s rotation. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise to increase the rotation or clockwise to decrease it.
- Secure Stop Screw: Tighten the stop screw until it’s snug. Avoid overtightening.
- Check Functionality: Turn the handle to test the shower functionality. The water should flow smoothly and without any leaks.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Flathead screwdriver | For adjusting the stop screw on the cartridge |
| Wrench | Optional, for tightening the cap (if necessary) |
Turning on Water Supply
To access the water supply valves, begin by locating them behind the shower wall or under the bathroom sink. Once identified, follow the steps below to turn on the water supply.
Identifying the Water Supply Valves
Typically, there are two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. These valves are usually located on the pipes that connect to the shower head or faucet.
Turning On the Water Supply
Using a wrench or pliers, carefully turn the valve handle counterclockwise until it is fully open. If the valve is difficult to turn, apply gentle pressure and avoid overtightening.
Repeat this process for both the hot and cold water valves. Once both valves are open, the water supply will be restored to the shower.
Checking for Leaks
After turning on the water supply, check for any leaks around the valves. If you notice any leaks, tighten the valves further or contact a plumber for assistance.
| Content |
|---|
| Locate water supply valves behind the shower wall or under the sink. |
| Use a wrench or pliers to turn valve handles counterclockwise. |
| Open both the hot and cold water valves. |
| Check for leaks and tighten valves or contact a plumber if necessary. |
Testing the Faucet
Once you have installed the new cartridge, it is important to test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, turn on the water supply and allow the water to run through the faucet. Check for any leaks around the cartridge or the handle. If you notice any leaks, tighten the packing nut or replace the O-ring.
Once you have checked for leaks, adjust the temperature of the water by turning the handle. The water should be a comfortable temperature, and the handle should move smoothly. If the water temperature is not correct, or if the handle is difficult to move, you may need to adjust the cartridge or the handle assembly.
Checking for Leaks
One of the most important things to do after installing a new faucet cartridge is to check for leaks. Leaks can waste water and damage your home, so it is important to make sure that your faucet is functioning properly.
To check for leaks, turn on the water supply and allow the water to run through the faucet. Look for any water leaking from around the cartridge or the handle. If you see any leaks, tighten the packing nut or replace the O-ring.
If you are unable to stop the leak, you may need to replace the cartridge or the handle assembly.
The following table provides a summary of the steps involved in testing a faucet:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Turn on the water supply. |
| 2. | Allow the water to run through the faucet. |
| 3. | Check for leaks around the cartridge or the handle. |
| 4. | Adjust the temperature of the water. |
| 5. | Move the handle to make sure that it is functioning properly. |
| 6. | Tighten the packing nut or replace the O-ring if you notice any leaks. |
