My Experience Changing Moen Shower Cartridge

Recently, I had a problem with my shower faucet. The water was coming out unevenly and the temperature was inconsistent. After some research, I found out that the issue was with the Moen shower cartridge. I decided to fix it myself instead of calling a plumber, and it turned out to be easier than I expected. In this article, I will share my experience and guide you on how to change Moen shower cartridge.

How To Change Moen Shower Cartridge: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the shower. You can do this by shutting off the main water supply or by turning off the valve that controls the shower.

Step 2: Remove Handle

Next, you need to remove the handle of the shower faucet. This can be done by unscrewing the screw that holds the handle in place. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off.

Step 3: Remove Escutcheon Plate

The escutcheon plate is the decorative plate that covers the shower valve. You need to remove this plate to access the cartridge. The plate can be removed by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.

Step 4: Remove Cartridge

Now you can access the cartridge. You need to remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place. Once the clip is removed, you can pull the cartridge out with pliers.

Step 5: Install New Cartridge

You can now install the new Moen shower cartridge. Make sure to align it properly and insert it all the way in. Then, secure it with the retaining clip.

Step 6: Reassemble

Finally, you can reassemble the faucet by putting the escutcheon plate back on and screwing it in place. Then, put the handle back on and secure it with the screw.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas on How To Change Moen Shower Cartridge

Make sure to turn off the water supply before starting.
Use pliers to remove the cartridge if it’s difficult to pull out.
Clean the valve body before installing the new cartridge.
Replace the O-rings and gaskets while changing the cartridge.
Use a Moen cartridge puller tool if you have trouble removing the cartridge.
Refer to the installation manual for specific instructions on your Moen shower faucet model.
Check the warranty on your Moen shower faucet before attempting to fix it yourself.
Make sure to tighten all the screws properly while reassembling the faucet.
Test the faucet after installing the new cartridge to ensure it’s working properly.
If you’re unsure about changing the cartridge yourself, consider calling a professional plumber.

Pros and Cons of Changing Moen Shower Cartridge

Pros

You can save money by fixing the faucet yourself instead of hiring a plumber.
Replacing the cartridge can improve the water flow and temperature control in the shower.
You can learn a new skill and gain confidence in DIY plumbing projects.

Cons

If you’re not familiar with plumbing, you may cause more damage to the faucet or the pipes.
If you don’t have the right tools or parts, you may not be able to fix the faucet properly.
You may void the warranty on your Moen shower faucet by attempting to fix it yourself.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on How To Change Moen Shower Cartridge

Overall, I found changing the Moen shower cartridge to be a simple and straightforward process. The hardest part was removing the cartridge, but I was able to do it with pliers. The new cartridge improved the water flow and temperature control in my shower, and I saved money by doing it myself. However, if you’re not comfortable with plumbing or don’t have the right tools, I would suggest calling a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage or voiding the warranty.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: How often should I change the Moen shower cartridge?

A: It depends on the usage and the water quality in your area. Moen recommends replacing the cartridge every 12 months for optimal performance.

Q: Can I use a generic cartridge instead of a Moen cartridge?

A: While generic cartridges may fit, Moen recommends using their genuine replacement cartridges for best results and to avoid voiding the warranty.

Q: Can I change the Moen shower cartridge myself?

A: Yes, you can change the Moen shower cartridge yourself if you’re comfortable with plumbing and have the right tools and parts. However, if you’re unsure or don’t have the necessary skills, it’s best to hire a professional plumber.