How to Repair a Moen Single-Lever Faucet

Most Moen single-handle faucets use a cartridge containing valves for hot and cold water. When this cartridge fails due to wear or cracking in the seals, you must replace it. Any person with basic handy skills can master this projects. Use the proper Moen replacement part: a cartridge designed to match your specific type of faucet.

• 1

  Turn off the water by closing the water-pipe valves that lead up to the faucet.

• 2

  Pull out the plastic cap on the back of the faucet's handle with your fingers. A small Allen screw fits inside this hole. Unscrew it with an Allen wrench and slide off the handle.

• 3

  Take off the dome piece under the handle, and twist the cartridge nut off the faucet head. Turn it to the left to loosen and remove it. If there is a retaining clip, pry this off as well. Take the cartridge out of the faucet.

• 4

  Insert a new faucet cartridge and press it into place. Thread the cartridge nut on and hand-tighten it. Place the escutcheon on top of the nut, and then install the handle. Thread the screw into the hole in the back of the faucet and use the Allen wrench to tighten it. Then replace the small plastic cap.

• 5

  Turn on the water to test the flow and temperature of the faucet. If it is not correct, disassemble the faucet and tighten the cartridge nut to re-seat the cartridge and reassemble the faucet.