How to Remove a Moen Shower Cartridge

Defective or worn out Moen shower cartridge can result to a leaking shower. To solve this problem, it is important to have the right tools and skills to handle the task. In this particular discussion, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide in removing and replacing your Moen shower cartridge.

Tools Needed

  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Moen Replacement Shower Cartridge
  • Allen Wrench
  • Scraper
  • Old Cloth or Paper Towel

Step 1:

The first thing you need to do is to shut off the main water valve. Next, open the shower faucet to release the air or pressure from the water line and ensure that no water is coming out from the shower anymore.

Step 2:

If you have an older type of Moen faucet, you need to remove the plastic cap. This can be done by using a flathead screwdriver. Once the covering is removed, unscrew the handle with a Philips screw and remove it. If there is no plastic cap on top of the handle but a hex nut, look for it under the handle and with an Allen wrench, remove the nut and remove the handle.

Step 3:

After the handle is taken out, remove the screws from the round trimming. Once you have removed the screws, you can get a small flathead screwdriver and carefully pry the round trim or escutcheon plate away from the wall.

Step 4:

Next, remove the stop tube and with a scraper, carefully scrape the debris where the round trim plate was, earlier. Wipe the wall clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Step 5:

Get the pliers and take out the retainer clip that keeps that shower cartridge in place and the washer that is found under the shaft.

Step 6:

The cartridge comes with a plastic nut which you need to put on top of the cartridge. Next, get the pliers and twist the plastic nut to loosen the cartridge. Remove the plastic nut and with the pliers, remove the cartridge from the valve body.

Step 7:

Check the cartridge that you have removed to see if this is what causes the problem. Usually it is the O-ring that is bad.

Step 8:

Get the replacement Moen shower cartridge and push it inside the valve body. There are two ear holes in the cartridge, one on top of the valve body and the other one at the bottom.

Step 9:

Get the plastic nut and slide it into the new Moen shower cartridge. Get the pliers and twist the cartridge until one ear is on top and the other one at the bottom.

Step 10:

Once the cartridge is on the right position, get the retainer clip and slide it on the body of the valve until it fits in the slot and pass through the ears down to the bottom of the slot.

Step 11:

Check if the cartridge is aligned and in place. Next, get the metal spacer and slide it over the shaft and take stop tube and slide it over in place.

Step 12:

Get the round trim plate and screw it in place. Next, get the knob and screw it to the shaft. Replace the plastic cap of the knob.

Step 13:

Turn on the main water line and check if the leak is gone. If it is, turn the hot water on and check if it is working. If yes, then you have done the task correctly.

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