How to Replace a Stuck Cartridge in a Single-Handle Moen Faucet

A Moen cartridge faucet consists of either a metal or plastic cartridge placed inside the faucet's body. The top of the cartridge, referred to as the "stem," moves up and down along with the faucet's handle. When the stem rises, holes within the stem align with holes inside the cartridge, thereby mixing hot and cold water. The vast majority of Moen cartridges are used in single-handle faucet designs, whereby one handle controls both the flow of water and the water's temperature. Over time, the cartridge's assembly tends to corrode, making the removal of the faucet difficult. Thankfully, Moen produces a cartridge puller to remove stubborn cartridges.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Wrench
• Cartridge puller

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply, then remove the faucet handle's index cap, sometime referred to as the screw cap. The index cap is located in the center of the faucet's handle and is used to conceal the handle's retaining screw. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cap free.

2. Remove the faucet handle's retaining screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver, then remove the faucet's handle by pulling it straight up.

3. Remove the faucet's bonnet nut with a wrench. The bonnet nut is the large brass nut that surrounds the faucet.

4. Unscrew the thumb screw located on the end of a cartridge puller by twisting the screw counterclockwise. The thumb screw is located on the handled end of the puller. Slide the handle puller over the top of the cartridge faucet, then twist the puller slightly until the puller locks onto the cartridge. Turn the thumb screw on the puller in a clockwise direction until the screw stops, then tighten (with a wrench) the large nut located in the center of the cartridge puller. Pull the cartridge puller straight up to remove the cartridge.

5. Insert the replacement cartridge into place, then slide the bonnet nut over the faucet and tighten the nut with a wrench.

6. Slide the faucet handle over the cartridge, insert and tighten the handle's retaining screw, then press the handle's index cap onto the top of the handle until the cap snaps into place.

7. Turn on the water supply to complete the replacement.