How to Fix a Leaky Moen Shower Faucet
- 1). Locate and shut off the water supply to the shower. Turn on the faucet to release the pressure in the water lines and make certain the water is off. Older Moen faucets have a decorative plastic cap on the knob or handle. Using a Flathead screwdriver, gently pry and lift off the plastic cap. Use care not to damage the cap because it will be reinstalled after the faucet is fixed. Remove the screw holding the handle in place and lift off the handle. For faucet handles with no plastic cap, locate a hex nut under the handle. Use an Allen wrench to remove the nut. Lift the handle off. Unscrew the escutcheon (round trim behind the faucet) and pull it off the wall.
- 2). Certain Moen faucets have a handle adapter that is threaded and screws off by hand or is held on by a single screw and must be removed with a screwdriver. Grab the retaining clip with needle nose pliers and pull it straight out to remove it. The retaining clip, which holds the valve cartridge in place, is located on the top and front of the valve cartridge.
- 3). Place the white plastic removal tool comes with a valve cartridge replacement kit or can be purchased at any hardware store on the end of the valve cartridge. Use a pair of pliers to hold the plastic removal tool and turn it from side to side to loosen the old valve cartridge. When the valve cartridge has loosened, remove the plastic tool and pull the old valve cartridge straight out. Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion off the area where the cartridge was in the faucet assembly.
- 4). Apply a coat of lubricant, included with the replacement kit, to the O-rings on the replacement valve cartridge. Turn the replacement valve cartridge with the edge imprinted with "HC," an arrow or a manufacturer's mark turned upward and insert the new valve cartridge into the faucet assembly. Replace the retaining clip.
- 5). Place the escutcheon on the wall, line up the holes, and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. Replace the handle using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on the faucet. Snap on the plastic cap to the faucet handle. Turn the water on and test the faucet.
