Though Moen plumbing products are well known for their durability and reliability, they are still subject to dripping or leaking, just like any other brands. More often with the Moen brand, the problem is caused by a worn out kitchen faucet cartridge.
If you are having this type of problem and you happen to be a do-it-yourself kind of individual, then you can definitely fix the problem without having to consult a professional. In the process, you will also save money.
Before you start with the fixing procedure though, you have to make sure that you have all the things you need at hand. You don’t want to be half way through and then realize you don’t have the right screwdriver or replacement part available do you?
Okay, so here are the things you need:
– The replacement cartridge of course – this available from your local home improvement shop. Since there are four different Moen fixture parts like this, you need to take the old one with you when you go to the shop so the salesperson can give you the right kind
– A pair of slip-joint or channel lock pliers
– A crescent wrench
– A small flat head screwdriver
– A Phillips screwdriver
How do you remove and replace this part of the fixture?
1. Cut off the water supply.
2. Using the flat head screwdriver, remove the cap on the fixture handle
3. Next use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the retaining screw from the handle. Remove the handle.
4. Use the crescent wrench or your pliers to remove the keeper ring.
5. Remove the old cartridge. You may have some difficulty doing this as it is snugly fitted on the fixture so use the small flat head screwdriver to make a little space then use your pliers to pull it straight up.
6. Install the replacement part. The part of the fixture you are replacing has a tooth that goes to a slot on the assembly. This component cannot go in any other way.
7. Replace the keeper ring and then the fixture’s handle and cap.
8. Turn the water supply on.
Some important points when replacing a kitchen faucet cartridge for the Moen brand fixture:
– if some parts are stuck together, use a spray lubricant to get them moving again
– in case you don’t have a small screwdriver, you can improvise and use other tools or other edged rigid metal implements
– you may not have to replace this component on the cold water side as it is only the hot water side that usually ends up having this part damaged or worn out
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