UPDATE APRIL 2017: SEE BELOW
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//// IMPORTANT UPDATE September 2010 ////
There is a better way to do this:
I created a new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBf4O1hM2k
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How to remove a very old corroded Moen bath shower faucet cartridge that is stuck.
REMEMBER: Turn the water off before you start working on your faucet!
OLD VIDEO:
MY ORDEAL
A few weeks before I made this this video, I had a Moen shower faucet go bad on me. The faucet valve would not turn off. After turning the main water shut valve off, I quickly discovered how difficult it is to remove a Moen 1200 cartridge. It was 40 years old and would not budge. After 6 hours, two trips to the hardware store, and breaking two different removal tools, I was desperate!!! We had no water in the house until I could get the old cartridge out of the faucet.
This worked for me, and saved me from a very expensive weekend after hours plumbing bill $$$$$!!!! So when a friend of mine ran into the same problem with his Moen bath shower faucet, I made this video to document the removal procedure.
In most cases the simple plastic tool that comes with a new Moen 1200 cartridge is ridiculously inadequate to loosen and remove an old faucet cartridge. And the other cartridge removal tools available at the local home center or hardware store, often don't work either. The process shown in this video is a last resort before cutting out and replacing the entire faucet, which is very expensive, and involves tearing tile and wall apart.
NOTE: I used a 12mm/1.75 thread tap which I already had in my tool box, and a matching 12mm diameter bolt, about 4 inches long. Other folks have had success using a 1/2 inch diameter tap and bolt.
WARNING: Use this method at your own risk. I am not a plumber and it is quite possible to damage the pipes when torquing on the faucet with this much force. Again, this is a last resort cartridge removal method.
The Moen model 1200 brass faucet cartridge I got at Home Depot for about $22. I think you can use the Moen 1225B cartridge with a plastic body but I haven't used it.
If anyone knows a better way to get these jammed stuck cartridges out, I'd love to hear it.
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UPDATE APRIL 2017:
Uncle Kenta's general consensus after 8 years of comments:
1) STOP!!!: OF COURSE!!! try the little plastic tool, that comes in the replacement Moen 1200 or 1225 cartridge packaging. Haha if that works for you, I'd be surprised. But, at least try it. Doesn't hurt.
2)The Moen T-Tool Puller (This can hurt to try. It might break!)
STOP AGAIN!!!: Try the regular T-Shaped dedicated Moen cartridge puller tool, if 1) you can find it, 2) you have time to obtain one, (haha: good luck if you can't turn water back on). Use the Moen T-tool at your own risk. For me, this tool broke, snapped right off, inside the cartridge, and was a pain to get it back out, to get me back to the original stuck cartridge to begin with. Plumbers have repeated commented that this T-Tool is all you need. Still not convinced. Anywhoo: try the T-Tool, gently, if it works for you great, you're done. Go have a beer. If not, keep reading.
3) Some people have reported success using a large 'easy out' or screw extractor. If you can find one, and it works, might be good option.
4) HOWEVER, if you want the maximum force, and the best leverage, with least risk to causing damage to the faucet body, or the pipes, IMHO the REDUX video
https://youtu.be/XmBf4O1hM2k
showing the puller method is the ABSOLUTE BEST WAY to solve this problem.
Cheers everyone. Peace, and git 'er done!!!
Uncle Kenta
https://www.youtube.com/user/uk7769/videos
https://www.facebook.com/UncleKenta/
OMG, I got the same problem at my house.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this useful video.
Thanks for this megabucks-saving tip. In case the question comes up, this method also works for the Moen 1225 plastic cartridge. I could not find a hardened bolt, but a standard bolt did work. It's important that the bolt is fully-threaded! Also, if you find hot and cold reversed, you only need to turn the stem 180, not the whole cartrige. Also, a deep socket is better that a shallow one. I got both to be safe. Thanks again, you saved me hundreds of dollars!
DeleteThis video was extremely helpful, and with a little modification, we extracted the cartidge outer shell. The inner cartridge was also difficult, but with some twisting and pulling it did come out. The tapping and screwing in a bolt still did not loosen the out sleeve. We used a pair of vise grips adjusted to just larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve, and placed between the external pipe and the bolt (with a washer) and used tightening the bolt to pull out the sleeve of the cartridge. One caution is this compressed the opening for the clamp which holds the cartridge. Either use only the lower area or if possible insert a srcewdriver(s) in this slot.
ReplyDeleteI will be contacting Moen to add your site and this information. Their "instuctions", which were only pictures are at best primative.
thank you so very much for posting this we were just about to call the plumber, because unbeknownst to me i thought i had broken the whole contraption when i only pulled out the stem with out the cartridge. i was able to get the cartridge out with the stem and now i know i can replace it with one from home depot. this has been a 4 day project for me thank you so much for this very informative video!!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is a new video with an easier way to get the cartridge out: stuck moen faucet cartridge removal - REDUX
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video, however my problem is that the faucet right where the cartridge is inserted is bend (a little) and can not get the cartridge out. Any solutions for that?
ReplyDeleteksharif@verizon.net
Keep in mind this procedure is a last resort before having to replace the entire faucet. It doesn't work for everyone. But to me, it is worth a try if the conditions are right. If the body of your faucet is damaged, I do not know what to do in that case. If you just can't get the cartridge out. You may have to replace the whole faucet.
ReplyDeleteThis worked for me too! Thank you for the video and blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video! Worked out great.
ReplyDeleteMine was a pretty extreme case as even the retainer clip was welded in. I'd heard Moen recommends the "tap and dowel" method however I liked the idea of the bolt/puller better. Instead of using a large drive socket to form the puller I just unscrewed the hex end of the Moen puller tool and found it worked well - just needed a washer with the bolt. Used a 3 1/2" 'grade 8' 1/2" bolt. The tap and die set I borrowed only had the "plug end" style taps and would not bite. However Lowes stocks a nice Kobalt 1/2" tapered tap for about $9 that worked well (part # 232799). Ebay seller DRFLUSHMAN sells the Moen tool for $20, and a generic 1200B cartridge for $12.50 if you are on a budget. The generic cartridge installed easily and seems to be working fine so far.
I don't remember if you mentioned it but I have seen recommendations to coat the new cartridge with "plumbers grease", or some other water resistant/non-petroleum based lubricant before installing.
I saw the comment on your previous video from a user suggesting that this procedure was a waste of time and to simply use the Moen "T-handle tool". I don't believe that and seem to recall seeing other folks complaining that this tool broke off inside the housing. Besides, if that were the clear answer why would Moen themselves recommend tapping and using the dowel stick?
Regardless, the proof for me was a successful, easy, and affordable repair. Thanks again!
*To confirm, my comment above is in response to the newer "Moen Redux" video linked in the Sep 2010 update, not the video seen here.
ReplyDeleteI contacted 2 plumbers about replacing my two leaking cartridges, the first plumber said that the little brass clip had snapped off because he could not see the the little hole. I started thinking something was up when he said you could not find the clips any more and if he pulled the clip out and it broke we would have to cut the water off to the entire house until the tile could be broken and a new delta (his favorite) faucet could be installed. He went out to his truck and I found the brass clip on the internet is 10 seconds. Then he of course told me I would have to deal with picking tile that did not match deal with tile workers for the next 3 days. Total cost $300-500 per shower. This bozo had taken so long to show up I had already called a backup plumber. I decided to go ahead and let them come out anyway (I did not have much to lose staring at a $1000 bill) and see if they could do any thing. I told them I found this great video but they wanted to do it their way. They did not have the moen puller so they simply pulled the brass clip and then yanked on the stem with vice grips for 20 min. I had to shew them away before they ripped the pipes out of the wall. So I am very pleased about finding this video $40 buck vs. $600-$1000 to take care of two showers.
ReplyDeleteBefore I attempted the repair myself I went and bought the 1/2 in. threader and the hardened bold along with the moen puller. As it turned out I have the plastic version 1225 not the brass 1200 (shown in video) cartridge so I was able to take the threader and bolt back. My cartridges just slid out with the puller tool (no threader needed). It was very simple and non-dramatic.
After I had installed the new cartridges I was attempting to clean up the 30 year old face plate and knob but I found a new one at home depot for $28. So I guess that means I now have two entirely new shower setups for $80 bucks total.
This video was a life saver and literally saved me hundreds. I have scratched both the the plumbers that stopped by off my list for future use. Gotta lover the internet- gotta lover utube. Thanks again for the great video.
This video is really helpful. Thanks for sharing. when will be your next video tip?
ReplyDeleteWaiting for that.
Danielle
Moen Faucet
Worked like a charm! Thanks for taking the time to post the problem and the solution!
ReplyDeleteEd in Houston
Thanks for posting this video. I thought I was screwed when the outside of the shower cartridge was still in place. Watching your video I was a little nervous because I've never used a self tapper and was a little worried about damaging my plumbing and causing even more problems. After 5mins the old thing came out. Thanks again for your help, your a life saver.
ReplyDeleteSide Note: Don't go to Homedepot as they won't have the right size self tapper. Save yourself a trip and just go to Ace Hardware like mentioned in this post.
Great article, I really appreciate your thought process and having it explained properly, thank you!
ReplyDeletereplacement water cartiridges
Ours was 35 years old. It got so bad it was very hard getting the water to stop coming out. If you pushed it in with all the muscle you had It would appear you were safe and water stopped coming out.. 10 minutes later I hear the water pouring out . We have city water with a lot of pressure. Only thing we did different was use an Easy Out with a pair of vice grips . It took quit a few times. Your video was great and the visual of the part we needed helped us get the right one at home depot for about $35.00 an the (moen 1200) ..We did need the core puller #86712 also for about $13.00..On to taping it out if the Easy Out failed.. Was risky but well worth the reward. If we can do it anyone can..
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOur cartridge was 25 years old. I purchased a handy tool at Home Depot that screws into the cartridge to help you pull it out ($12). However it still wouldn't budge. We sprayed vinegar into the sides of the cartridge and waited a couple minutes and it finally came out (with a lot of muscle power). We also used a hair dryer to heat the pipe. Not sure which one did the trick, but probably the vinegar since we have VERY hard water here. Good luck....
ReplyDeleteUPDATED APRIL 2017
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone, Uncle Kenta here...
Amazing people still having this issue. Must be a lot of Moen cartridges out there.
Use the REDUX video https://youtu.be/XmBf4O1hM2k using the puller method.
Others have reported success using a large 'easy out' or screw extractor, which may work. Other thoughts. Now that cordless impact wrenches/hammer drills are readily available and just a fun tool to have, you might try that if you have one. That is: the screw extractor mounted in an impact drill. Not sure, cuz I never tried that. But it might be worth it if you have those tools already.
Else, stick to the PULLER METHOD demonstrated in the REDUX video https://youtu.be/XmBf4O1hM2k Guaranteed to work do to the properly applied pulling force, without torquing the faucet body and pipes too much.
If these videos helped you, please stop by to say hi on the Facebooks: https://www.facebook.com/UncleKenta/
Cheers.
Uncle Kenta
https://www.youtube.com/user/uk7769/videos
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteUncle Kenta's general consensus after 8 years of comments:
ReplyDelete1)
STOP!!!: OF COURSE!!! try the little plastic tool, that comes in the replacement Moen 1200 or 1225 cartridge packaging. Haha if that works for you, I'd be surprised. But, at least try it. Doesn't hurt.
2)The Moen T-Tool Puller (This can hurt to try. It might break!)
STOP AGAIN!!!: Try the regular T-Shaped dedicated Moen cartridge puller tool, if 1) you can find it, 2) you have time to obtain one, (haha: good luck if you can't turn water back on). Use the Moen T-tool at your own risk. For me, this tool broke, snapped right off, inside the cartridge, and was a pain to get it back out, to get me back to the original stuck cartridge to begin with. Plumbers have repeated commented that this T-Tool is all you need. Still not convinced. Anywhoo: try the T-Tool, gently, if it works for you great, you're done. Go have a beer. If not, keep reading.
3) Some people have reported success using a large 'easy out' or screw extractor. If you can find one, and it works, might be good option.
4) HOWEVER, if you want the maximum force, and the best leverage, with least risk to causing damage to the faucet body, or the pipes, IMHO the REDUX video
https://youtu.be/XmBf4O1hM2k
showing the puller method is the ABSOLUTE BEST WAY to solve this problem.
Cheers everyone. Peace, and git 'er done!!!
Uncle Kenta
https://www.youtube.com/user/uk7769/videos
https://www.facebook.com/UncleKenta/
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ReplyDeleteYes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks touchless kitchen faucet
ReplyDelete