Saturday, March 8, 2014

Fix A Moen Bathtub Faucet

Bathtub faucet


If your Moen bathtub faucet suddenly begins to leak water, or the faucet does not turn off all the way, or the handle does not move easily, there may be a worn-out or damaged valve cartridge. The valve cartridge controls the hot and cold water output of the bathtub faucet. This can be repaired with a new cartridge by using a few basic tools. It is possible to do this yourself, and it will save you a few dollars.


Instructions


1. Shut off the water supply to the bathtub faucet by turning the water valve to the right. The water valve is usually located near the bathtub or in the basement of the home.


2. Pry off the decorative cap on the bathtub faucet with a flat screwdriver. Remove the single screw in the underside of the bathtub faucet handle with a flat screwdriver and pull the handle away from the faucet. Loosen the screws on the escutcheon plate with a flat screwdriver, which is located on the wall behind the faucet.


3. Pull out the retaining clip with a pair of needle-nose pliers. This is located on the upper part of the valve cartridge and holds it in place. After the retaining clip is removed, grab the valve cartridge with the needle-nose pliers and lightly twist back and forth to release it.


4. Slide the new valve cartridge back in the place where the old one was. Double check that the letters HC are on top and the grooves of the cartridge line up with the grooves on the valve. It should snap into place. Push the retaining clip back onto the top of the cartridge, and it should lock into place.


5. Re-connect the faucet handle by tightening the single screw with a flat screwdriver. Snap the decorative cap back in place on the handle. Replace the escutcheon plate by lining up the holes on the wall and inserting the screws. Attach the screws with a screwdriver.


6. Turn the water on and test that the new cartridge works.

Tags: moen, bathtub, faucet, valve cartridge, flat screwdriver, with flat, with flat screwdriver, bathtub faucet, retaining clip, back place, bathtub faucet, escutcheon plate, faucet handle, into place