How to Replace a Broken Moen Shower Cartridge
To fix that leaking Moen shower faucet, you must disassemble the faucet to replace the valve cartridge. The first step is to remove the faucet handle. Depending on the age of your shower faucet the handle may have a plastic cap covering the screw holding the handle to the faucet. Newer single handle Moen faucets don't have plastic caps. The hex nut holding the handle to the faucet is located under the faucet handle. Once the handle and a few other parts are removed you will have access to the shower valve cartridge to make the repair. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Pliers
- Allen wrench
- Replacement valve cartridge
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Instructions
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1
Shut off the water supply to the shower. Open the faucet to release water pressure from the lines and to make sure the water is off. Carefully lift off the decorative cap from the faucet handle with a flat head screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the cap.
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2
Remove the screw from the handle with a screwdriver or remove the hex nut under the handle with an Allen wrench and lift the handle off the faucet. Remove the screws from the escutcheon (round trim) with a screwdriver and lift it off the wall.
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3
Use needle nose pliers to grab the retaining clip and pull it straight up to remove it. The retaining clip is located at the front and top of the valve cartridge. The retaining clip holds the valve cartridge in place. You can't remove the valve cartridge if the retaining clip is in. Place the white plastic removal tool, which comes with your replacement kit, onto the end of the valve cartridge and push it into place. Use pliers on the removal tool to twist the cartridge back and forth until it is loose enough to remove. Remove the white plastic removal tool and pull the cartridge straight out.
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4
Apply a coat of lubricate to the "O" rings visible on the outside of the cartridge using the lubricant from your Moen replacement kit. Insert the cartridge with the edge imprinted with "HC", a mark, or arrow on top and the holes lined up. Slide the retaining clip into place.
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Position the escutcheon with the holes lines up and insert the screws. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. If your model has washers or a handle adapter, replace them before replacing the handle. Tighten the screw or hex nuts to secure the faucet. Depending on the faucet model, replace snap decorative cap to the handle. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have reversed the hot and cold, remove the handle and retaining clip and reverse the valve cartridge 180 degrees.
Clean off any corrosion with a wire brush. If large amounts of corrosion are present, use appropriate cleaning products, safety glasses and rubber gloves to remove it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit shower image by green308 from Fotolia.com
