How to Stop a Moen Bathtub Faucet From Leaking

Replace the cartridge inside the faucet handle.

If your Moen bathtub faucet is leaking, the cartridge inside the faucet handle needs to be replaced. Moen single-handle bathtub faucets are durable and simple to repair. To stop your Moen single-handle bathtub faucet from leaking, take it apart to expose the cartridge, replace the cartridge and reassemble the faucet.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Power drill
• Needle-nose pliers
• Replacement cartridge
• Paper towel, or rag
• Plumber's grease
• Replacement handle, if necessary

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Instructions

1. Locate and remove the screw in the handle. If there is a screw in the collar portion of your faucet handle, then simply unscrew it. Otherwise, pry off the cap on top of the handle with a screwdriver. Remove the newly exposed screw.
   With older faucets, the screw may be stripped out, preventing you from unscrewing it. In this case, break the handle by drilling holes into it until it comes apart. You will then need to buy a replacement handle.

2. Pull off the handle. Behind the handle is a round metal escutcheon plate. Remove the screws in the escutcheon plate and pull it away from the wall.

3. You will now see a round stainless cartridge collar with an indent that points up. Pull this collar out by hand.

4. This will expose the top of a cylindrical cartridge being held in place by a U-clip. Using needle-nose pliers, grab the top of the U-clip and pull it straight out.
   Then grab the top of the cartridge with the pliers and pull it out.

5. Clean out the sediment in the inside of the cartridge housing with a paper towel or rag. Lubricate the replacement cartridge with plumber's grease or the lubricant included with the cartridge. Replace the cartridge and reassemble the faucet by reversing the previous steps. Make sure to install the cartridge collar with the indent pointing up, towards the shower head.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure that you get the correct replacement cartridge, disassemble the faucet and take the old cartridge to the hardware store with you.

References

• "Plumbing Complete Expert Advice From Start to Finish;" Rex Cauldwell; 2009