How to Use a Moen Faucet Cartridge Puller

One of the most common repairs for a cartridge-style shower, bathtub, or sink faucet is to remove and replace the cartridge insert. This project almost always fixes a leaky faucet, like a dripping single-handle or ball faucet. It's usually a relatively easy job, but occasionally, it can be frustratingly tricky if the cartridge is stuck in place.

With Moen-brand faucets, you can simplify the task using a simple cartridge-puller tool specially designed to remove stuck cartridges from Moen valves. The tool is also helpful in repairing a Moen shower valve and valves on other faucets. The T-Handle Moen Cartridge Puller model (pictured) can be used for series 1200, 1222, and 1225 Moen cartridges. Ultimately, make sure to choose a puller that is designed for your faucet model.

How to Use a Moen Cartridge Faucet Puller

1. Expose the Faucet Cartridge

   • Shut off the water to the faucet using the nearest available shutoff valve. If your faucet has no fixture shutoff valves (often with showers), turn off the water at the home's main shutoff valve.
   • Remove the faucet handle and trim plate to expose the valve. This is usually a simple matter of popping off the handle cap and unscrewing the mounting screw beneath the cap to free the handle. The escutcheon trim plate may be mounted with screws, as well. You may need to cut away the bead of caulk to remove the trim plate.
   • Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the clip that holds the cartridge in place.
     

   Tip

   Keep a good hold on the clip so it does not fall into the wall cavity. You will reuse the clip if you are replacing the cartridge.

2. Attach the Cartridge Puller

   • Prepare the puller tool by backing out the screw and body nut as far as they will go.
   • Fit the cartridge puller onto the end so the two tabs on the puller straddle the raised center of the cartridge and the tool fits snugly.
     

3. Secure the Cartridge Puller

   • Use a screwdriver to tighten the puller screw in. The puller screw threads into the same screw hole that accepts the faucet handle screw.
   • If the puller screw won't drive in all the way, back it out, realign the puller, and drive in the screw again. Don't force the screw, as this can damage the tool's threads.
     

4. Extract the Cartridge

   • Grip the handle of the puller, and twist the puller back and forth as you pull straight out.
   • Continue the back-and-forth motion until the cartridge pulls out of the valve body. The valve is now ready for a replacement cartridge.

   Note: The valve shown here (a 1222 Posi-Temp shower valve) does not require the use of the large body nut on the cartridge puller. You must use the body nut when removing a 1200 or 1225 cartridge.
   

5. Clean Off the Tool

   Clean off and dry the cartridge puller after each use. Rubbing it down with a cloth moistened with a light, penetrating oil will prevent corrosion.