My first three Moen cartridges came out with no problem, but the fourth - someone had crossthreaded the retainer screw on the old knob and it wouldn't come off. I Dremel cut the old knob off, then proceeded to break the screw off inside the piston when I tried to remove it. Used a tap and die set for the first time, and then used a large machine screw with washers and your socket idea to extract the stuck cartridge. Two hours of work as I CAREFULLY worked at it one stage at a time. But it beats the $2000 the plumbing company wanted to take out my exterior wall behind the shower and go in through the back! Thanks for the help since I probably wouldn't have worked out the reverse leverage solution on my own.
Wow thank you for the kind ocmment and sharing what you did. When I made this video over a decade ago, there weren't too many resources online. Just a few and they helped me. I made this video to pay it forward to others who are in this pickle, can't afford a plumber, or for whatever reason have to get it done right now. It puts a smile on my face that it gave you ideas to come up with your own solution. Very cool!!! Cheers and congrats for gettin er done. PS: you aren't still cooking meth are you Walter? OK just checking. (sorry, bad Breaking Bad joke) haha CHEERS!
@@uk7769 No meth, but every time I ordered chemicals over the phone at work (I managed a laboratory believe it or not) it was either a chuckle on the other end from those that knew me or a moment of disbelieving silence by those who didn't. And I never watched a single episode, although I did watch the last 3 minutes of the show just to see how it ended after hearing entirely TOO much about it. *nods*
this video saved me a call to the plumber! I did like you said and it worked. HOWEVER! My cartridge's outer shell that was stuck in the faucet but it was spinning! I had to jerry rig some needle nose with a clamp so it would stop spinning! I had to use 2 sockets on the left and right side of the washers WHILE needle nose clamped to the faucet housing so that the little shoulder/ear would but against the needle nose and stop spinning. Thank GOD I had one ear left! Thanks again! 12 years later you are still helping!
Thank you. Had same exact issue. I was at my wits end,almost took a drill to it. Then your video save me hundreds of dollars. Thanks again for posting!
30 year plumber here. In that time I pulled the core out of a Moen cartridge only twice. A cam action 1/2" internal pipe wrench available at any Home Depot or hardware store fits it exactly. I got it out both times in less than 30 seconds. Hope this makes it easier.
This video was a true life saver two plumbers came neither knew about the moen puller tool mentioned in the video. One plumber nearly pulled the pipes out of the wall yanking on the stem and the and the other said the clip was broken because he could not see the hole and said I needed to break tile replace faucet at a cost of $300-500. With help from the video I bought a puller and my plastic 1225 cartridge came out without the need for threading. This video was a lifesaver thanks a thousand.
Great idea for removing a stuck cartridge body. In 30 years of plumbing I have had 2 out of literally 100's that I couldn't get out. Unfortunately, you used the Moen cartridge extractor incorrectly which is why you pulled the stem out. The ears on the metal tool are there to twist the cartridge the same way the plastic tool that comes with the replacement cartridge works. Obviously, it is more durable than the plastic. Generally, I strip the trim the same as you did in the video and remove the clip. try breaking the valve free by the ears by twisting gently. If the cartridge doesn't move, a little heat applied gently to the cartridge portion of the valve will generally help release the corrosion bond. If that doesn't work, I try a little PB Blaster and let it soak for about 10 minutes before trying the extractor tool again. Again, I've done hundreds of these over 30 years and only had 2 that couldn't be removed. Interestingly, both of these were the chrome plated cartridges, too. A couple additional thoughts for a problem free replacement... 1st! ONLY use the MOEN brand cartridges. I know, I know, DANCO makes a replacement that looks just like the MOEN at half the price. From my own experience, the rubber components will break down quickly and you'll be replacing the less expensive cartridge again and again. 2nd! Use a little emery paper or a wire fitting brush to gently clean the residual corrosion out of the cartridge receiver in the valve body and then open the hot and cold water stops a little bit to flush out the debris. Using a squirt bottle moves the debris into the valve. Lightly apply a coat of valve grease to the o-rings, rubber pads and the outside of the cartridge BEFORE installing it. This will help the cartridge go in easier, keep from damaging the rubber parts and keep corrosion from bonding the parts in the future. I also noticed you removed the valve cartridge and flipped it to change the Hot and Cold indexing. This isn't necessary with the 1200/1222 valve. If the hot and cold are on the wrong sides, just rotate the valve spindle 180* with-in the cartridge to correct this problem. If dealing with the 1225 cartridge, it is marked H C on the top ear to indicate the correct installation orientation. Hope this helps someone!
Thank you for sharing. Tried penetrating lubes n such, but didn't work, but did not try heat which can be fire hazard and dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Think: fire inside the wall of a frame house. It happens. Had the Moen brand tool which I did turn properly but that is what broke those ears off the cartridge. Else, wish I could picture your saying how I used it wrong. I wish you could have been there for the 2 out of 3 that just wouldn't budge. I mean they were stuck. I've only done 3, but that's 67% super stuck for me. Your mileage may vary. Cheers!
Mowen stands behind the product take the old cartridge in to supply house they will exchange it for another mowen cartridge no charge " guaranteed for life" i recently done this for a gentleman who purchased his faucet 40 years ago the local store didnt have the cartridge i called mowen. New guts showed up a couple days later
I do not post on stuff very often, but I will say (although this video is old) that this saved me big time! I bought the MOEN puller, and as another person said, I bought the internal pipe wrench set, the 1/2" would not grab, and the 3/8 seemed like it was on the edge of twisting and breaking. This was my last resort, and it worked like a charm. We appreciate you posting your dilemma so that others can benefit. Thanks!
Your video was a lifesaver! I had a severely stuck cartridge and experienced the exact same problem with the Moen removal tool. I was hesitant to try this since there was no going back once tapping it (aside from calling a plumber) but this method worked like a charm! One note: if the hot/cold are backwards, you don't have to turn off the water again rotate the whole cartridge - you can just remove the handle, twist the neck 180 degrees and put the handle back on..
I've replaced cartridges for 40 years and have never run into a cartridge extraction problem like you're documenting. Thank you. I am adding tools to my plumbing tool box to make sure I can handle this problem . Thank you and all those of you that commented on this video.
How is the water in your area? Ours has lots of minerals which is probably the main reason I'm looking at this video. This is my fourth cartridge in ten years and this time it was stuck, I mean really stuck. The tool alone didn't work but I was able to pull the cartridge out far enough to grab it with locking pliers. I twisted the cartridge back and forth with the pliers while pulling with the extraction tool and finally got it out after about ten or so minutes. The cartridge was chewed up but the plumbing remained in one piece!
I'm glad I saw this video. Great demonstration and a great contingency plan. Fortunately I changed my 15 year old cartridge and it all came off without a hitch. I put it off because it seemed daunting, but my grandson just started taking his own showers and the stem was too hard for him to pull out so I had to go for it. Part #1200 from Home Depot. I sprayed it with vinegar water an hour before and left it sit while I fixed the dripping delta kitchen faucet. The plastic extraction tool turned the sleeve! I worked it back and forth a few times and turned it 360. The whole thing pulled straight out with vise grips clean as a whistle. I even guessed right when I slid the new one in. One thing almost got me in the end. I hadn't seated the cartridge fully (the last few thousandths) and the retaining clip got underneath a tiny steel ring on the end face of the cartridge. Fortunately I saw it and removed the clip, gave the cartridge one last tap and the clip slid right in. These little jobs can go south in a hurry so I'm glad I was prepared for the worst! Thanks!
A boss way to get this done! Had 3 men watching me do this because they doubted this gal would be successful. Worked perfectly. Used a 1/2 tap. Thank you immensely!
This video saved my day and probably hundreds of dollars via pro. Had the stuck cylinder issue, went to the depot and bought the 1/2" tap set and a 1/2" by 2" galvanized bolt (both 13 threads per inch) for $30. Used some washers i had at home. Worked like a charm. THANK YOU
I used the moen tool to remove the cartridge and it worked well. I was prepared to use all the ideas that you showed here and I bought them all ready to use them if needed and viola it came out without any trouble. Needless to say I was very happy. Thank you though your time and effort is much appreciated.
This video is a life saver! $55 at Home Depot including the moen replacement cartridge and I was finished in 10 min using this exact method! Thank you thank you thank you
My Moen mixing valve broke yesterday and I repaired it today using this method but modified a little. I used the Danco puller for Moen cartridges but it only removed the center of the cartridge. There’s actually a ring clip holding the center in but I didn’t even see it until the puller yanked it out. I couldn’t get my hands on a 1/2 inch tap today so I bought a 1/2 by 3.5” long lag bolt. I threaded the stuck cartridge with the lag bolt and then removed the bolt. I unthreaded the part of the Danco puller that looks like a big nut and used that as the spacer since it’s made to fit the valve. I was going to use a socket but this worked perfectly fine. I used one washer on the 3.5” lag bolt and inserted it through the part I removed from the puller and threaded it into the stuck cartridge. I worked slowly and it came out without too much fuss. I tightened it some then loosened and checked if it budged. It did, tightened more and checked again, yes, more movement, then I tightened it again. When I went to loosen the bolt, it just spun. I knew now the cartridge was broken free and I used some pliers and pulled it right out. Took me hours to gather what I needed but if I had the only three things I needed at home it’s a 25 minute job. Tools used. Danco puller for Moen, a 3.5” lag bolt and one washer. An adjustable wrench or socket to turn the lag bolt. I used a socket wrench.
I watched a number of youtube clips before attempting to replace my 45 years old Moen 1200 cartridge. This is the best and more complete clip I've seen, and let me echo Mark's comment "this video saved my day". Thanks uk7769! Finally, I just wanted to note that I used the lower part of the Moen puller in place of the 3/4" socket shown in the video. It does the same thing, obviously, but if you have the puller you might as well unscrew completely the lower part, it will fit the valve nicely by definition :)
This video is fantastic and it saved me from needing a plumber! I couldn't get a 1200 Moen catridge out for the life of me and this video showed me exactly what to do in case of contingencies. Just like in the video, my catridge separated with Moen extractor tool and I was left with the outer ring still in the pipe. I bought a 1/2 inch tap, manual handle, bolt and washers and presto chango, it was done! A million thanks!!
I watched this Video and appreciated your displaying honestly what we non-experienced people go through in DYI'ing projects like this. We are enlightened by your mistakes and determination toward a successful outcome. You learn and we learn, a Win Win situation. This makes for a Great learning Video so Thank you very much.
Very well said thank you. This is certainly a last resort method (after attempting the regular tools for this job), and i try to note that, warning folks in the description and comments best I can. I keep these vids up, because they still help DIY'ers, especially desperate folks who can't afford a plumber, or need it done right now for whatever reason as was my case those ten years ago. And what you said, others can learn from my mistakes. I'm just a regular old fart, but I think it's cool I've got nearly 2 millions views on these two vids. I get a kick out of that, being a one(or two) hit wonder of sorts. But really the best part is that it helps others still a decade later. Cheers!
I hear that strong, thrifty people have been known to screw the knob-screw back into the stem and pull on it with a pair of pliers. But that seems like it could destroy the screw and compromise pipe joints. So a word to the wise: Invest $15 for a Moan cartridge extractor tool. Even if you never use it again, you won't regret it.
The video is very intuitive. I had a stuck American Standard shower diverter stem. I tried for hours but could not remove it. I watched many TH-cam video clips and none of them was helpful. I was about to call a plumber, but decided to search the web just for one more time. Luckily I found this video. I went to ACE hardware store, purchased a tap set (Hanson tap and die set, $39.99 before tax) and voila! The stuck diverter stem piece came out of the pipe in less than 30 minutes! Thank you very much for sharing your expertise.
Brilliant! Worked for us after the cartridge "ears" busted off with the worthless (but expensive for doing nothing) Moen cartridge puller. We used the 1/2" tap and bolt. Thanks for posting this - saved us hundreds of dollars on a plumber's call.
This video saved the day for me. I bought the parts and tools, went to work, and replaced the cartridge (that broke in the pipe) and handle. Thank you.
I just wanted to thank you for this post. I used the socket method with a 1/2 inch fine thread tap. Pulled the outer casing right out, after using the worthless mohen tool to pull the center loose. Thanks again!!!
Didn't have that tool and took me 3 hours it broke in pieces and had to drill pieces out. They need to make a shut off valve on tubs/showers so I can leave the main water on.
Thank you for this video! Plumber told me the cartridge was "fused" and the only option was replacing surrounding pipe. He quoted me 15-hundred to do two tubs. Instead, I followed this simple solution and it worked like a charm. THANK YOU!
Hey this method really works! I have a Home warranty policy where plumber came out, looked at it and said the cartridge is jammed in there, can't be removed, must cut through wall and replace whole valve with pipes etc. And naturally, this wasn't covered by the home warranty company (it was almost as if the plumbing company and home warranty company had colluded together to get more work for the plumber). Anyway, I was resigned to paying big bucks to get this fixed, but figured what the heck. I got the tools, planned it for the morning before the plumber arrived (so that the worst that would happen would be I'd be out of water for a few hours). I was surprised at how easily the tap bit into the cartridge sleeve. Then just set up a socket with some washers, and used my socket wrench to ratchet it out. Took about 5 minutes once I started on it. Another half hour and the whole bath was cleaned up and shower working - yippee! Thanks for posting the video.
I used the closed end of a 19mm end wrench to make my pull and it worked great. Gave me extra leverage to extract the cartridge. I can't thank you enough for posting this video. Saved me so much money.
Thx UK - I tried a few things that worked for me that I thought I’d send along. 1) Spray penetrating oil around the valve and let sit for a few hours. 2) Heat the valve casing with a hair dryer for 5 min (to expand the casing, softening the o-rings, & draw oil in). 3) With the plastic removal tool (junk), press inward hard with one hand while gently twisting back and forth with a wrench until it breaks free and can to be removed with vise grips. Maybe I was lucky, but it's worth a try first.
I had all but given up hope on my stuck cartridge then I managed to find this video. I used this method, with the socket, and it worked perfectly. Thank you!
uk7769, thanks for taking the time to make this informative video. I'll share some details about my experience in case it will help the next person with a stuck Moen cartridge. 1. Put a rag beneath the work area. Saves on cleanup and covers your shower/tub drain to avoid anything going down there. 2. Most videos show the escutcheon plate being removed. Before you do so, check whether it's necessary. I didn't have to, and that saved me having to re-caulk it. 3. I bought the Brass Craft extractor tool. As with the other tools it easily pulls out the stem, but is worthless for pulling the sleeve. In fact, I bought the Brass Craft extractor because it has a little spring-loaded pin on the end of its shaft. It's supposed to go into one of the holes in the sleeve, and enable you to rotate/pull the sleeve. But I was unable to rotate or pull it, and it ended up plugging the hole... like when a screw extractor breaks off, your worse off than before. Luckily, the brass sleeve is soft enough that I could break it out by deforming the sleeve a bit. Don't even bother with the tool. Just make a similar puller for the stem, if you can't simply yank it out. 4. With the junk-tool out of the way, I started tapping threads. First I tried a 1/2"-20 because I already had it. It simply did not bite, no matter how careful I was with centering and applying force. Popped over to my local hardware store and picked up an Irwin tap, M12-1.75 as recommended in the video. With a 3/4" socket, a 60 mm bolt length was just barely long enough. I recommend using a 70 mm bolt with several washers available for fine tuning. You can buy standard 1/2" flat washers, instead the more expensive M12 washers. Grade 5 hardware is plenty for this job; the brass will give way before the steel. 5. I didn't have pipe brush but an old toothbrush works in a pinch. 6. Have some quality plumbers silicon grease on hand to lube the O-rings. Do not substitute. 7. A likely reason the cartridge sleeves get stuck is mineral deposits cementing them to the fixture. Put some diluted vinegar in a spray bottle. After you pull the stem, spray it in there to start dissolving the mineral deposits. It is an acid, so wash it off when you're done. Minor benefit: The deposit forms on the bottom, so it'll help you figure out how to orient the cartridge to get the hot/cold correct on the first try. Better to just remember it, but when my sleeve came out my relief overpowered my presence of mind and I forgot to make note of it. Cheers to saving a few hundred bucks.
whoamyohio Excellent. Thanks for sharing the info. I am amazed at how many people have been helped by this. As you said, it is truly about helping the next person. This is a collaborative collection of info for people who need it. And for those who cant turn the water back on, they really need it!!!! For me that first oh sh!t moment was at my moms house late on a Sunday, and couldn't turn the water back on. I was able to get er done too. BTW, I didn't create this idea, I only documented in my first video. Then a commenter mentioned the puller method and i created this video. Thanks for contributing.
GREAT demonstration and a wall-saver. I was not just up said shite creek, but was quickly approaching the brown water rapids of replacing the entire valve assembly when my wife found your video. A quick trip to the local home improvement store and I was holding the crusty core-body in my hand. I used a 1/2"-13 tap and a Grade 8 bolt. It was almost like I knew what I was doing. Thanks again for the info! it was a HUGE help!
This video was great - it worked perfectly just as shown. We were dismayed when the Moen puller tool pulled just the center out but then came across your video! No plumber visit - thanks so much!!!
This 1/2 tap and bolt method worked like a champ. Went down to ACE and they had the pullers and stem puller both turned out to be shit. 38 bucks. came home pulled the center post and tapped with a 1/2 tap and took a 3" bolt with a took a 1 1/8, 1/2 drive socket and cranked down on the bolt and out it came with a lot of force. Some SOB put a cheap plastic valve in but now it's working like a champ. Thanks.. Took the pullers back within the hour and got my money back. Tap set at Harbor Freight was 10 bucks. Rich
Very first time posting a youtube comment ( grown men here that have been using youtube from the beginning) Just have to comment to say THANK YOU for sharing this method, this saved me a lots of $$$. Scary at first thinking its going to cost a lot if it doesnt work (pro plumber, tiles, materials, etc) but it only took me less than 5 minutes and got the cartridge out, this is from a 40+ yo house and after trying to use the $25 moen puller which all it did was pull the stem and bent the ears. I followed all the instruction, and made sure I soak the thing with WD40 for about 2 hrs, it only took about less than 10 turns and the cartride was out. THANKS AGAIN!
Did this today....Followed your steps, and got the cartridge changed in no time. Cartridge has been in there over 30 years. Used the 1/2 inch tap, hardened bolt, and washers. Just plain slick. Thank you very much.
Allow me to start by saying out loud “THANK YOU!!!”. I was at a lost when I pulled out the stem realizing the cartridge was left in the pipe...🤪🔫 Once I watched your video I was able to step by step accomplish what I believed to be an impossibility!!! Thank you once again and btw I loved when you exuberantly said out loud “YES!!!” In the video as you pulled out the cartridge. Inspiring to say the least!!!👍🏼
This video (and it's predecessor) is a real lifesaver. Thanks for sharing. Twice I have used this technique to remove a broken Moen cartridge whose outer portion remains stuck inside the pipe. The plumber wanted to charge me $230 to complete the job. The key piece of equipment most people may not have is a tapping tool. I used a 1/2" tap so that I could get my bolt to take hold. I too also got my hot/cold reversed. However, the instructions with my new cartridge showed that I did not need to rotate the entire cartridge 180 degrees the way you did. I only needed to rotate the handle 180 degrees to get the desired effect.
Just finished this same procedure a little while ago. Took me a bit to get enough nerve to get it done properly with all the right tools and other items needed, but I finally got the time and went at it. Great video first off. For me, the 12mm.tapper seemed to work along with the bolt and washer combo. it was iffy for a while. came out bout 3/4 inch and stopped. keeped at it and went for the Vise-grips and yahoo it gave way. Shower working like a Charm. THANK YOU AGAIN. You got the best video on this. I've seen the others.
I wonder why these Moen cartridges are so difficult to remove and install? This is a great video. I'm sure it has saved a whole bunch of people's butts. Thanks for taking the time to make it the right way!
Excellent video -- thanks!!! Our house was built in 1968 and I doubt the cartridge had ever been removed. After trying 2 different cartridge removal tools (metal ones, not the little plastic cap things) with no success, I followed this procedure carefully. I used a 1/2" tap tool and a Grade 8 bolt. Make sure you get 3 or 4 turns of the bolt into the threads before you start creating the outward pull via washers or whatever type of spacer you use. Remember, also, that the spacer has to be wide enough to allow the cartridge body to slip inside it after it reaches the top of the valve body. When I installed the new cartridge, it didn't work properly. Shut off great, but only warm water and low flow at certain positions. I flushed out the cartridge and the valve body - no improvement. Also rotated the cartridge 180 degrees - same problem. I tried an experiment and rotated the cartridge 90 degrees -- works great! (Maybe the valve body in our house is so old it isn't fully compatible with the 1200 as manufactured today.) Only problem is the retaining clip can't be properly inserted because the cartridge ears are in the way. I don't have a good solution to this issue yet. I could remove one of the ears, but that would make the cartridge very difficult to remove in the future. I'm going to look for a different type of spring clip and will update this comment when I find something. Update 02/26/19: I ended up cutting one "leg" off the spring clip. It still seats fine and retains the cartridge in the body. The ears of the new cartridge don't block the entire slot that the spring clip fits in -- so there's room for one leg. Works great! Saved me a multi-hundred dollar plumbing bill.
O.K so I was having a consistent leaking faucet. I tried to remove the failed insert and only the center part came out. Holy moly what am I to do??? Well I turned to youtube and found your video. What a super video. I really can't thank you enough for this video. You saved me and my family untold dollars. I watched the video and used your puller advise and was able to remove the stuck insert. Replaced the failed parts and put the shower back together. No more leak and a happy wife. Again thank you for the detailed instruction.
I did like the use of the tap and bolt to break the stuck cartridge loose. You could probably use the tap and run it ALL THE WAY IN to bottom out at the back of the faucet body, keep turning until the cartridge breaks free. But I have never done that so I don't know for sure. I have never broken a Moen 1225 cartridge using the method I explain below. The following info I HAVE done before so I know it works. You used the puller wrong and that caused the cartridge to fail. Do not twist the cartridge while attempting to remove it from it's original stuck position. You can start twisting only after the cartridge has broken loose. You should install the puller tight against the cartridge using the center screw with the castle wrench head touching the cartridge. The big nut should be loose at this time. Then use the big outside nut to push against the body of the faucet while using the "t" handle of the puller to prevent the puller from twisting the cartridge. Then if it wont pull out easy "once you get it moving" (once it breaks free) you use a section of pipe or some other spacer to finish removing the cartridge with the big nut.
Wow I think you are the first person in ten years to say 'you used the puller wrong' AND actually explain it so it makes sense as to why. Thank you! Everyone says 'you used the puller wrong'. Yeah, I know I used the puller wrong, that's how I ended up with the problem. lol Hopefully this helps others, before they get to this point. Cheers.
@@uk7769 That's exactly what I was doing. Unfortunately, the plastic body (1222 cartridge) cracked during the process, so I ended up using the video's method (more or less!). What a pain, but I like a good DIY project. And there's nothing like a hot shower! Especially when you are the one that did the work!
This video was very helpful...I had no trouble removing the cartridge...inserting the unit and figuring out how the stupid clip went in was my problem. Thanks a whole lot.
Thank you so much for this video! I was only able to remove the stem alone with the cartridge puller tool. I used a 1/2" tap and washers and got the cartridge out. I had a 3/4" inch socket, but the hole was too small for the puller nut. So I just used a wrench propped up against the wall instead of the socket (adjust the opening so that the tabs can come out.
Many thanks for the video. My cartridge was stuck after 40 years of service. The 3/4" socket worked great once the stem came out and the cartridge body was threaded. Installed new cartridge and everything works great with no leaks.
Thanks so much for this video. Just completed this repair after spending $1.49 for a 1/2" X 2 /12" Grade 8 bolt and $1.29 for 3 Grade 8 washers at Ace and borrowed a 1/2'" tap. $20 for the cartridge. Best repair ever. Thanks again.
Hey everyone, just a reminder to STOP and THINK. When this whole stuck cartridge thing happened to me, back in 2009, I was desperate to get the water back on. Make sure to try the normal removal tools FIRST. They may work for you in your situation. If so great! You're done. THIS VIDEO IS ONLY for folks who have exhausted normal removal procedures. No I am NOT a plumber. No you shouldn't use this method as the FIRST try. Read the video description. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO!!!! For all you other folks... thank you for all the kind comments. You are the reason I made this video. I thought it could help folks and it has. Namaste and RIGHT ON, RIDE ON!!!!!!!!!!
Dude thx for the video. I had no clue and freaked out I turned into Jenny from Forrest Gump saying dear lord turn me into a bird so I can fly far far away. So I looked up my problem and boom this video. So thx again dude
my cartridge was probably original from 1967. Lowes tool pulled out the middle. Thought I would have to call the plumber. Your video was AWESOME.I already had the tap, just had to get a bolt. problem solved!!! thanks for the help.
@ray bee If the retaining clip is in place you are ok otherwise... HAHAHA yeah you might want to turn the water off first. It's prob a good idea anyway, then you don't forget, revove the pin, and well have fun with that. Kind of like lockout best practice when working on electrical. When it matters, it REALLY matters. Cheers!!!!!!!!! --- UK
Thank you so much for posting this video. Using a puller I ended up pulling the stem out. By using a 1/2" - 13 tap, a 5" bolt, washer and a couple 3/4" sockets for spacers your method worked like a charm. This created a happy ending to a very stressful situation!
Had the beefier medal removal tool instead of using the plastic. After pulling out the clip, I installed the medal removal tool and turned it 90 degrees, in which it broke the stuck O ring. Then pulled it straight out. I noticed you didn't do that to break that stuck/seized O ring.
I wanted to drop a note to tell you "thanks"! Was pretty sure I was going to have to rip out all the plumbing and replace it with all new stuff until I ran across this video. Ran the tap, got a matching bolt, but didn't get enough washers. Spare Harley axle spacer to the rescue! You saved me probably $200 worth of new parts, plus the time. Thanks again!
Gee i wish i had read this before i dismantled the whole thing for the 2nd time. Actually the 4th time because i did 2 faucets and got the H/C wrong on both.
Wow. Great video. You saved me a ton of time and potential expense. The Moen tool at Home Depot was only $12. It worked fine to pull out the stem - of course it seperated from the outer sleeve. I needed to tap threads and pull it out as you instructed. I lucked out and happened to have a 1/2" tap I bought 30 yrs ago. Problem solved. Thank you for posting.
Thank you very much for the tips. I followed your instruction using the hardened bolt and the washers and it worked great...not to mention it saved me a lot of money. Thanks so much! (c=
So glad I found this video. Mine broke off and was seized inside. I didnt know how I was gonna get that thing out. The tap, bolt, and socket worked like butter. Thanks for the vid!
Thank you so much! Had a plumber come and fail with an easy-out. Told me he'd have to cut the wall and replace the plumbing. I declined and paid the 125 for the house call. Found your video and in less than 20 minutes for less than 20 bucks, removed the value. It was easier than I expected.
tomsomebody That's fricken awesome! That is why I made this video. Plumbers these days(and most other professionals) dont really care about helping people anymore. Those days are gone. Unless you personally know a plumber, it's all about the quick buck, and you are at their mercy. So do it yourself when you can, and save BIG!!! Right on, ride on!!!!
Super video. Followed to the letter, worked perfectly. Two things: 1. A good local (privately owned) hardware store may have a puller kit to loan out complete with tap, bolt, etc so ask before you buy everything. 2. Only the STEM has to be turned 180 if the hot/cold are reversed, not the entire cartridge, which is functionally symmetrical. Thank you again for posting the redux.
oops I was logged into my other YT account.. Anyway... Correction... the Moen 1200 is the brass cartridge, the Moen 1225 is the plastic version of the same cartridge.
If you remove a 1200 Cart. originally, stay with a 1200 replacement. Many reports say the 1225 will eventually leak again on some of the older moen rough in valves due to internal fit.
I never have to see the scammer Tai Lopez ads anymore, because I use the open source Brave Browser, which has built in ad blocking. It's like using TH-cam back when it was awesome. Screw you TH-cam!!! #smallcontentcreators #demonetization #censorship #freedomofspeech #freedomofexpression
Saved my Sunday! Had to replace the cartridge and new what to expect going in. Mine came apart just like in the vid. Used your process to get it out, used a 7/8" socket. Would have taken me hours, and much stress to get it out without your video. THANK YOU!
I also want to thank you. It was extremely easy. The hardest part was to put the security clip back. It took me a couple of trips to Ace and Sears to get the right bolt and thread. So happy I am done with this issue. Thanks again!!
I am SO glad that I watched this! I had tried to fix my daughter's tub faucet and couldn't get the cartridge to come out. I bought a Danco Core Puller, and decided to watch a video of how it works. Watched this video (and its predecessor). I decided to stop and buy a tap and some bolts on the way to her house. Sure enough, the Core Puller just pulled the inner piece out. Use the tap, bolt & socket, and the cartridge housing came out! Saved my posterior! And, I did get the hot & cold reversed on the first try of installation!
Great! Thank you for the comment. Yes, and many have commented that you don't have to start over to flip the hot and cold, and they are correct. Just turn it 180. You guessed right the first try. lol
This just saved me! I bought the replacement cartridge, but that plastic thing did not loosen it up so I could pull it out. THis was a great way to do it! Worked like a champ!
Just wanted to say thank you. It worked for me perfectly. I did it with washers because my socket hole was not big enough for the 12mm bolt. No problem though I just used a bunch of washers I had in my toolbox. Thanks again I will keep watching for more cool tips. 😁
I think I'm another voice in the crowd but firstly stumbling on this video after doing exactly what another video instructed, thinking I had broken the cartridge by not removing it correctly, some time went by and this video appeared I followed the instructions, getting the tap set and bolt. At first I thought it was beyond my abilities but we needed water. I watched this entire video through, checking to make sure I understood...... oops, no washers... (in for a penny, in for a pound) I applied the socket wrench to the bolt and slowly it came out! It was a miracle moment! HALLELUJAH!!!! THANK YOU!! And also, the folks at Home Depot thought I would certainly be calling a plumber. I replaced a Moen 1200 with a 1200. Saved me a bundle!
Wow, amazing video saved my skin...and a lot of money thanks!! I am glad you did a sequel vid, the torking scared me! A local Moen certified plumber said try a nipple extractor, which didn't work at all. Then I watched your video and used the 3/4" socket, 1/2" tap, 1/2" bolt x 3-1/2" long. Make sure to tap in until it stops so that the bolt goes in deep enough to grab on about 5 turns and it was loose! I called the plumber back and told him how to fix it, he was amazed and thanked you too!
Perfect. I used a 1/2" tap, a 3" long 1/2" bolt, and a 3/4" socket with 3 extra washers and the remains of the old Moen 1200 cartridge came right out perfectly. Thank you.
I did my shower moen about 5 years ago before these youtube vids. I didn't realize how lucky I was; the cartridge was stuck but it all came out in one piece. Now my bathtub moen is leaking and I hope I'm lucky again. One thing that was highly recommened is that you thoughly grease up the replacement cartridge before inserting it. If you do, any future removals are easy. Thank you for your excellent video.
Fist of all thanks for this video. It is creators like you that gives me the confidence to do these kind of jobs myself. In the video when the cartridge was “upside down” and the hot and cold where switched you don’t need to turn the cartridge at all. All you need to do is turn the handle all the way to the right. Unscrew it and take it off. Then put the handle back on with the handle pointing to the left.
THANK YOU! You just saved me about $900.00! The plumbing company gave us a bid of $950.00 because the sleeve was stuck in the 37 year old valve. I used a 1/2" thread tap and a 1/2" x 2 1/2" hex bolt. It tapped easily, the bolt threaded right in and after about four turns, the bolt hit the washers and 3/4 of a turn farther and the sleeve popped loose and I used a pair of channel locks and pulled the bolt, washers and sleeve right out! The washers allow you to use a shorter bolt and when the sleeve breaks loose, you don't have to continue turning, just pull it out. The cleaning instructions with the wire pipe brush worked well and I turned the water back on to clean out the pipe. My valve was in the shower so it didn't matter. Slipped the new cartridge in, had to turn it 180 to get the hot and cold correct and there are no leaks, the valve is the easiest thing in the world to pull and turn and turn off. Thank you again sooooooooooooo much. You really helped me save some very needed money right now!!!
Thank you for this video. I used the socket method you demonstrated to remove a 20+ year old cartridge and it worked perfectly. I have had a tap & die set for nearly 36 years and have never had an occasion to use it till this project and your video did a great job explaining how to do this. Learned a lot.
thanks for posting this man no other video showed the middle popping out but not the casing i couldn't figure out wtf was wrong with my piece i thought it was different but u helped me so much and saved me around 150 dollars for a plumber
wanted to say thank you very very much for this video. The bolt and washer trick really came through for me after my standyne cartridge tore apart (stem came out when using moen tool). I highly recommend this technique to anyone having same problem.
Thanks so much!! Worked like a charm! Didn't need the tap. The Bolt cut the threads for me. Had to use some leverage. Think the cartridge had been in there since the early 80's.
Great job on this video; I really appreciate that you showed only the essential aspects with good editing and didn't waste time talking first. Learned quite a bit from just your video alone. I have a condo in Alaska built in 1982 and there is a multitude of things to fix or correct. Please keep hitting the record button and making useful videos for the school of youtube!
THANK YOU!!!!! I went to Home Depot and he sold me this plastic piece of crap for a puller, it broke, at least I got my money back. The 2nd video with the bolt ans socket worked perfectly. It was a nightmare, I needed to keep a broom handle between the plastic knob and the tile wall in the back to keep it from running. THANK YOU!!!\\Dan
You Rock!!!!!! Totally saved me! I thought I was screwed after breaking off the tip of the "stem and cartridge puller" I bought from Ace. I went and bought the 1/2" x 20 thread tap and a bolt to match. I also got a 21m socket and a stack of 8 washers. Boom!! worked like a charm. Took longer at the hardware store to find the stuff than it did to remove that stuck sleeve.
This happened to me this morning, Sunday. The cartridge seized up and I had a spare but in trying to remove it using my handy dandy Moen cartridge puller the stem came out instead leaving the badly frozen cartridge body in the faucet housing. Once I found this video and a trip to ACE for a 1/2-13NC tap, a 1/2-13NC x 3inch bolt and a 3/4-1/2 drive socket (I had a 3/4 but it was a 3/8 dirve and the bolt wouldn't pass through the drive.) The solution worked without a hitch and water is restored and saved me $$$$$$$$$$$$$$^2 for a Sunday plumber call. And my wife is happy again. Thanks.
My first three Moen cartridges came out with no problem, but the fourth - someone had crossthreaded the retainer screw on the old knob and it wouldn't come off. I Dremel cut the old knob off, then proceeded to break the screw off inside the piston when I tried to remove it. Used a tap and die set for the first time, and then used a large machine screw with washers and your socket idea to extract the stuck cartridge. Two hours of work as I CAREFULLY worked at it one stage at a time.
But it beats the $2000 the plumbing company wanted to take out my exterior wall behind the shower and go in through the back! Thanks for the help since I probably wouldn't have worked out the reverse leverage solution on my own.
Wow thank you for the kind ocmment and sharing what you did. When I made this video over a decade ago, there weren't too many resources online. Just a few and they helped me. I made this video to pay it forward to others who are in this pickle, can't afford a plumber, or for whatever reason have to get it done right now. It puts a smile on my face that it gave you ideas to come up with your own solution. Very cool!!! Cheers and congrats for gettin er done. PS: you aren't still cooking meth are you Walter? OK just checking. (sorry, bad Breaking Bad joke) haha CHEERS!
@@uk7769 No meth, but every time I ordered chemicals over the phone at work (I managed a laboratory believe it or not) it was either a chuckle on the other end from those that knew me or a moment of disbelieving silence by those who didn't. And I never watched a single episode, although I did watch the last 3 minutes of the show just to see how it ended after hearing entirely TOO much about it. *nods*
God give us TH-cam for all the knowledge 😂 imagine paying 2000 for a plumber.
this video saved me a call to the plumber! I did like you said and it worked. HOWEVER! My cartridge's outer shell that was stuck in the faucet but it was spinning! I had to jerry rig some needle nose with a clamp so it would stop spinning! I had to use 2 sockets on the left and right side of the washers WHILE needle nose clamped to the faucet housing so that the little shoulder/ear would but against the needle nose and stop spinning. Thank GOD I had one ear left! Thanks again! 12 years later you are still helping!
Thank you. Had same exact issue. I was at my wits end,almost took a drill to it. Then your video save me hundreds of dollars. Thanks again for posting!
30 year plumber here. In that time I pulled the core out of a Moen cartridge only twice. A cam action 1/2" internal pipe wrench available at any Home Depot or hardware store fits it exactly. I got it out both times in less than 30 seconds. Hope this makes it easier.
This video was a true life saver two plumbers came neither knew about the moen puller tool mentioned in the video. One plumber nearly pulled the pipes out of the wall yanking on the stem and the and the other said the clip was broken because he could not see the hole and said I needed to break tile replace faucet at a cost of $300-500.
With help from the video I bought a puller and my plastic 1225 cartridge came out without the need for threading.
This video was a lifesaver thanks a thousand.
Great idea for removing a stuck cartridge body. In 30 years of plumbing I have had 2 out of literally 100's that I couldn't get out. Unfortunately, you used the Moen cartridge extractor incorrectly which is why you pulled the stem out.
The ears on the metal tool are there to twist the cartridge the same way the plastic tool that comes with the replacement cartridge works. Obviously, it is more durable than the plastic. Generally, I strip the trim the same as you did in the video and remove the clip. try breaking the valve free by the ears by twisting gently. If the cartridge doesn't move, a little heat applied gently to the cartridge portion of the valve will generally help release the corrosion bond. If that doesn't work, I try a little PB Blaster and let it soak for about 10 minutes before trying the extractor tool again. Again, I've done hundreds of these over 30 years and only had 2 that couldn't be removed. Interestingly, both of these were the chrome plated cartridges, too.
A couple additional thoughts for a problem free replacement...
1st! ONLY use the MOEN brand cartridges. I know, I know, DANCO makes a replacement that looks just like the MOEN at half the price. From my own experience, the rubber components will break down quickly and you'll be replacing the less expensive cartridge again and again.
2nd! Use a little emery paper or a wire fitting brush to gently clean the residual corrosion out of the cartridge receiver in the valve body and then open the hot and cold water stops a little bit to flush out the debris. Using a squirt bottle moves the debris into the valve. Lightly apply a coat of valve grease to the o-rings, rubber pads and the outside of the cartridge BEFORE installing it. This will help the cartridge go in easier, keep from damaging the rubber parts and keep corrosion from bonding the parts in the future.
I also noticed you removed the valve cartridge and flipped it to change the Hot and Cold indexing. This isn't necessary with the 1200/1222 valve. If the hot and cold are on the wrong sides, just rotate the valve spindle 180* with-in the cartridge to correct this problem. If dealing with the 1225 cartridge, it is marked H C on the top ear to indicate the correct installation orientation.
Hope this helps someone!
Thank you for sharing. Tried penetrating lubes n such, but didn't work, but did not try heat which can be fire hazard and dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Think: fire inside the wall of a frame house. It happens. Had the Moen brand tool which I did turn properly but that is what broke those ears off the cartridge. Else, wish I could picture your saying how I used it wrong. I wish you could have been there for the 2 out of 3 that just wouldn't budge. I mean they were stuck. I've only done 3, but that's 67% super stuck for me. Your mileage may vary. Cheers!
Robert Lucas than you for your input. would you say the 1200 is the correct cartridge for the moen dialcet from the 1960's?
Thanks! FYI - I was dealing with one of those old chrome plated monsters. Did get it out and replaced with a 1200B. Works Great!
@@jbossnack 00 ok plpp0pol ppl o look ll ppl
Mowen stands behind the product take the old cartridge in to supply house they will exchange it for another mowen cartridge no charge " guaranteed for life" i recently done this for a gentleman who purchased his faucet 40 years ago the local store didnt have the cartridge i called mowen. New guts showed up a couple days later
I do not post on stuff very often, but I will say (although this video is old) that this saved me big time! I bought the MOEN puller, and as another person said, I bought the internal pipe wrench set, the 1/2" would not grab, and the 3/8 seemed like it was on the edge of twisting and breaking. This was my last resort, and it worked like a charm. We appreciate you posting your dilemma so that others can benefit. Thanks!
Your video was a lifesaver! I had a severely stuck cartridge and experienced the exact same problem with the Moen removal tool. I was hesitant to try this since there was no going back once tapping it (aside from calling a plumber) but this method worked like a charm!
One note: if the hot/cold are backwards, you don't have to turn off the water again rotate the whole cartridge - you can just remove the handle, twist the neck 180 degrees and put the handle back on..
I've replaced cartridges for 40 years and have never run into a cartridge extraction problem like you're documenting. Thank you. I am adding tools to my plumbing tool box to make sure I can handle this problem . Thank you and all those of you that commented on this video.
How is the water in your area? Ours has lots of minerals which is probably the main reason I'm looking at this video.
This is my fourth cartridge in ten years and this time it was stuck, I mean really stuck.
The tool alone didn't work but I was able to pull the cartridge out far enough to grab it with locking pliers.
I twisted the cartridge back and forth with the pliers while pulling with the extraction tool and finally got it out
after about ten or so minutes. The cartridge was chewed up but the plumbing remained in one piece!
What a great fraternity of Moen cartridge guys. I never thought I'd be such an adherent to Moen technology. Thanks
I'm glad I saw this video. Great demonstration and a great contingency plan. Fortunately I changed my 15 year old cartridge and it all came off without a hitch. I put it off because it seemed daunting, but my grandson just started taking his own showers and the stem was too hard for him to pull out so I had to go for it. Part #1200 from Home Depot. I sprayed it with vinegar water an hour before and left it sit while I fixed the dripping delta kitchen faucet. The plastic extraction tool turned the sleeve! I worked it back and forth a few times and turned it 360. The whole thing pulled straight out with vise grips clean as a whistle. I even guessed right when I slid the new one in. One thing almost got me in the end. I hadn't seated the cartridge fully (the last few thousandths) and the retaining clip got underneath a tiny steel ring on the end face of the cartridge. Fortunately I saw it and removed the clip, gave the cartridge one last tap and the clip slid right in. These little jobs can go south in a hurry so I'm glad I was prepared for the worst! Thanks!
11 years later and this video is still helping people. Thank you ❤️
thank you!
10 years later and this video helped tremendously. Thank you so much.
Glad it helped you and your family. Cheers for gitin 'er done!
A boss way to get this done! Had 3 men watching me do this because they doubted this gal would be successful. Worked perfectly. Used a 1/2 tap. Thank you immensely!
This video saved my day and probably hundreds of dollars via pro. Had the stuck cylinder issue, went to the depot and bought the 1/2" tap set and a 1/2" by 2" galvanized bolt (both 13 threads per inch) for $30. Used some washers i had at home. Worked like a charm. THANK YOU
I used the moen tool to remove the cartridge and it worked well. I was prepared to use all the ideas that you showed here and I bought them all ready to use them if needed and viola it came out without any trouble. Needless to say I was very happy. Thank you though your time and effort is much appreciated.
This video is a life saver! $55 at Home Depot including the moen replacement cartridge and I was finished in 10 min using this exact method! Thank you thank you thank you
My Moen mixing valve broke yesterday and I repaired it today using this method but modified a little. I used the Danco puller for Moen cartridges but it only removed the center of the cartridge. There’s actually a ring clip holding the center in but I didn’t even see it until the puller yanked it out. I couldn’t get my hands on a 1/2 inch tap today so I bought a 1/2 by 3.5” long lag bolt. I threaded the stuck cartridge with the lag bolt and then removed the bolt. I unthreaded the part of the Danco puller that looks like a big nut and used that as the spacer since it’s made to fit the valve. I was going to use a socket but this worked perfectly fine. I used one washer on the 3.5” lag bolt and inserted it through the part I removed from the puller and threaded it into the stuck cartridge. I worked slowly and it came out without too much fuss. I tightened it some then loosened and checked if it budged. It did, tightened more and checked again, yes, more movement, then I tightened it again. When I went to loosen the bolt, it just spun. I knew now the cartridge was broken free and I used some pliers and pulled it right out. Took me hours to gather what I needed but if I had the only three things I needed at home it’s a 25 minute job. Tools used. Danco puller for Moen, a 3.5” lag bolt and one washer. An adjustable wrench or socket to turn the lag bolt. I used a socket wrench.
I watched a number of youtube clips before attempting to replace my 45 years old Moen 1200 cartridge. This is the best and more complete clip I've seen, and let me echo Mark's comment "this video saved my day". Thanks uk7769! Finally, I just wanted to note that I used the lower part of the Moen puller in place of the 3/4" socket shown in the video. It does the same thing, obviously, but if you have the puller you might as well unscrew completely the lower part, it will fit the valve nicely by definition :)
This video is fantastic and it saved me from needing a plumber! I couldn't get a 1200 Moen catridge out for the life of me and this video showed me exactly what to do in case of contingencies. Just like in the video, my catridge separated with Moen extractor tool and I was left with the outer ring still in the pipe. I bought a 1/2 inch tap, manual handle, bolt and washers and presto chango, it was done! A million thanks!!
I watched this Video and appreciated your displaying honestly what we non-experienced people go through in DYI'ing projects like this. We are enlightened by your mistakes and determination toward a successful outcome. You learn and we learn, a Win Win situation. This makes for a Great learning Video so Thank you very much.
Very well said thank you. This is certainly a last resort method (after attempting the regular tools for this job), and i try to note that, warning folks in the description and comments best I can. I keep these vids up, because they still help DIY'ers, especially desperate folks who can't afford a plumber, or need it done right now for whatever reason as was my case those ten years ago. And what you said, others can learn from my mistakes. I'm just a regular old fart, but I think it's cool I've got nearly 2 millions views on these two vids. I get a kick out of that, being a one(or two) hit wonder of sorts. But really the best part is that it helps others still a decade later. Cheers!
I hear that strong, thrifty people have been known to screw the knob-screw back into the stem and pull on it with a pair of pliers. But that seems like it could destroy the screw and compromise pipe joints. So a word to the wise: Invest $15 for a Moan cartridge extractor tool. Even if you never use it again, you won't regret it.
The video is very intuitive. I had a stuck American Standard shower diverter stem. I tried for hours but could not remove it. I watched many TH-cam video clips and none of them was helpful. I was about to call a plumber, but decided to search the web just for one more time. Luckily I found this video. I went to ACE hardware store, purchased a tap set (Hanson tap and die set, $39.99 before tax) and voila! The stuck diverter stem piece came out of the pipe in less than 30 minutes! Thank you very much for sharing your expertise.
Brilliant! Worked for us after the cartridge "ears" busted off with the worthless (but expensive for doing nothing) Moen cartridge puller. We used the 1/2" tap and bolt. Thanks for posting this - saved us hundreds of dollars on a plumber's call.
Some one just charged $600 bucks to remove mine.
This video saved the day for me. I bought the parts and tools, went to work, and replaced the cartridge (that broke in the pipe) and handle. Thank you.
I just wanted to thank you for this post. I used the socket method with a 1/2 inch fine thread tap. Pulled the outer casing right out, after using the worthless mohen tool to pull the center loose.
Thanks again!!!
Just wanted you to know that your video is still helping people. Thanks!
Didn't have that tool and took me 3 hours it broke in pieces and had to drill pieces out. They need to make a shut off valve on tubs/showers so I can leave the main water on.
Thank you for this video! Plumber told me the cartridge was "fused" and the only option was replacing surrounding pipe. He quoted me 15-hundred to do two tubs. Instead, I followed this simple solution and it worked like a charm. THANK YOU!
Hey this method really works! I have a Home warranty policy where plumber came out, looked at it and said the cartridge is jammed in there, can't be removed, must cut through wall and replace whole valve with pipes etc. And naturally, this wasn't covered by the home warranty company (it was almost as if the plumbing company and home warranty company had colluded together to get more work for the plumber). Anyway, I was resigned to paying big bucks to get this fixed, but figured what the heck. I got the tools, planned it for the morning before the plumber arrived (so that the worst that would happen would be I'd be out of water for a few hours). I was surprised at how easily the tap bit into the cartridge sleeve. Then just set up a socket with some washers, and used my socket wrench to ratchet it out. Took about 5 minutes once I started on it. Another half hour and the whole bath was cleaned up and shower working - yippee! Thanks for posting the video.
I used the closed end of a 19mm end wrench to make my pull and it worked great. Gave me extra leverage to extract the cartridge. I can't thank you enough for posting this video. Saved me so much money.
Thx UK - I tried a few things that worked for me that I thought I’d send along.
1) Spray penetrating oil around the valve and let sit for a few hours.
2) Heat the valve casing with a hair dryer for 5 min (to expand the casing, softening the o-rings, & draw oil in).
3) With the plastic removal tool (junk), press inward hard with one hand while gently twisting back and forth with a wrench until it breaks free and can to be removed with vise grips.
Maybe I was lucky, but it's worth a try first.
I had all but given up hope on my stuck cartridge then I managed to find this video. I used this method, with the socket, and it worked perfectly. Thank you!
uk7769, thanks for taking the time to make this informative video. I'll share some details about my experience in case it will help the next person with a stuck Moen cartridge.
1. Put a rag beneath the work area. Saves on cleanup and covers your shower/tub drain to avoid anything going down there.
2. Most videos show the escutcheon plate being removed. Before you do so, check whether it's necessary. I didn't have to, and that saved me having to re-caulk it.
3. I bought the Brass Craft extractor tool. As with the other tools it easily pulls out the stem, but is worthless for pulling the sleeve. In fact, I bought the Brass Craft extractor because it has a little spring-loaded pin on the end of its shaft. It's supposed to go into one of the holes in the sleeve, and enable you to rotate/pull the sleeve. But I was unable to rotate or pull it, and it ended up plugging the hole... like when a screw extractor breaks off, your worse off than before. Luckily, the brass sleeve is soft enough that I could break it out by deforming the sleeve a bit. Don't even bother with the tool. Just make a similar puller for the stem, if you can't simply yank it out.
4. With the junk-tool out of the way, I started tapping threads. First I tried a 1/2"-20 because I already had it. It simply did not bite, no matter how careful I was with centering and applying force. Popped over to my local hardware store and picked up an Irwin tap, M12-1.75 as recommended in the video. With a 3/4" socket, a 60 mm bolt length was just barely long enough. I recommend using a 70 mm bolt with several washers available for fine tuning. You can buy standard 1/2" flat washers, instead the more expensive M12 washers. Grade 5 hardware is plenty for this job; the brass will give way before the steel.
5. I didn't have pipe brush but an old toothbrush works in a pinch.
6. Have some quality plumbers silicon grease on hand to lube the O-rings. Do not substitute.
7. A likely reason the cartridge sleeves get stuck is mineral deposits cementing them to the fixture. Put some diluted vinegar in a spray bottle. After you pull the stem, spray it in there to start dissolving the mineral deposits. It is an acid, so wash it off when you're done. Minor benefit: The deposit forms on the bottom, so it'll help you figure out how to orient the cartridge to get the hot/cold correct on the first try. Better to just remember it, but when my sleeve came out my relief overpowered my presence of mind and I forgot to make note of it.
Cheers to saving a few hundred bucks.
whoamyohio Excellent. Thanks for sharing the info. I am amazed at how many people have been helped by this. As you said, it is truly about helping the next person. This is a collaborative collection of info for people who need it. And for those who cant turn the water back on, they really need it!!!! For me that first oh sh!t moment was at my moms house late on a Sunday, and couldn't turn the water back on. I was able to get er done too. BTW, I didn't create this idea, I only documented in my first video. Then a commenter mentioned the puller method and i created this video. Thanks for contributing.
GREAT demonstration and a wall-saver. I was not just up said shite creek, but was quickly approaching the brown water rapids of replacing the entire valve assembly when my wife found your video. A quick trip to the local home improvement store and I was holding the crusty core-body in my hand. I used a 1/2"-13 tap and a Grade 8 bolt. It was almost like I knew what I was doing. Thanks again for the info! it was a HUGE help!
Thank you, thank you.. You just saved me a fortune by not ripping out part of my wall to change the whole 4 way valve body..A+++
Folks like you are why I keep this video up. Glad you got 'er done!! Cheers!
This video was great - it worked perfectly just as shown. We were dismayed when the Moen puller tool pulled just the center out but then came across your video! No plumber visit - thanks so much!!!
This 1/2 tap and bolt method worked like a champ. Went down to ACE and they had the pullers and stem puller both turned out to be shit. 38 bucks. came home pulled the center post and tapped with a 1/2 tap and took a 3" bolt with a took a 1 1/8, 1/2 drive socket and cranked down on the bolt and out it came with a lot of force. Some SOB put a cheap plastic valve in but now it's working like a champ. Thanks.. Took the pullers back within the hour and got my money back. Tap set at Harbor Freight was 10 bucks.
Rich
Very first time posting a youtube comment ( grown men here that have been using youtube from the beginning)
Just have to comment to say THANK YOU for sharing this method, this saved me a lots of $$$. Scary at first thinking its going to cost a lot if it doesnt work (pro plumber, tiles, materials, etc) but it only took me less than 5 minutes and got the cartridge out, this is from a 40+ yo house and after trying to use the $25 moen puller which all it did was pull the stem and bent the ears. I followed all the instruction, and made sure I soak the thing with WD40 for about 2 hrs, it only took about less than 10 turns and the cartride was out. THANKS AGAIN!
I did removed my shower stuck faucet cartridges by flowing your video. thank you so much and may God bless you always.
Did this today....Followed your steps, and got the cartridge changed in no time. Cartridge has been in there over 30 years. Used the 1/2 inch tap, hardened bolt, and washers. Just plain slick. Thank you very much.
Allow me to start by saying out loud “THANK YOU!!!”. I was at a lost when I pulled out the stem realizing the cartridge was left in the pipe...🤪🔫 Once I watched your video I was able to step by step accomplish what I believed to be an impossibility!!! Thank you once again and btw I loved when you exuberantly said out loud “YES!!!” In the video as you pulled out the cartridge. Inspiring to say the least!!!👍🏼
Great follow up.
This video (and it's predecessor) is a real lifesaver. Thanks for sharing. Twice I have used this technique to remove a broken Moen cartridge whose outer portion remains stuck inside the pipe. The plumber wanted to charge me $230 to complete the job.
The key piece of equipment most people may not have is a tapping tool. I used a 1/2" tap so that I could get my bolt to take hold.
I too also got my hot/cold reversed. However, the instructions with my new cartridge showed that I did not need to rotate the entire cartridge 180 degrees the way you did. I only needed to rotate the handle 180 degrees to get the desired effect.
Just finished this same procedure a little while ago. Took me a bit to get enough nerve to get it done properly with all the right tools and other items needed, but I finally got the time and went at it. Great video first off. For me, the 12mm.tapper seemed to work along with the bolt and washer combo. it was iffy for a while. came out bout 3/4 inch and stopped. keeped at it and went for the Vise-grips and yahoo it gave way. Shower working like a Charm. THANK YOU AGAIN. You got the best video on this. I've seen the others.
Thank you for the kind comment.
You're very welcome! Enjoyed a nice shower tonight without worries. Thanks again.
Work perfectly well on a stucked catridge. Used a stack of washer. Internal hole diameter 20mm. Thanks your video saved the day
Right on. Im glad you got 'er done. I love that this video is still helping folks over a decade later. Cheers!
Brilliant! Used this same method to pull broken spark plugs stuck inside engine block on 2005 f 150!
I wonder why these Moen cartridges are so difficult to remove and install? This is a great video. I'm sure it has saved a whole bunch of people's butts. Thanks for taking the time to make it the right way!
Excellent video -- thanks!!! Our house was built in 1968 and I doubt the cartridge had ever been removed. After trying 2 different cartridge removal tools (metal ones, not the little plastic cap things) with no success, I followed this procedure carefully.
I used a 1/2" tap tool and a Grade 8 bolt. Make sure you get 3 or 4 turns of the bolt into the threads before you start creating the outward pull via washers or whatever type of spacer you use. Remember, also, that the spacer has to be wide enough to allow the cartridge body to slip inside it after it reaches the top of the valve body.
When I installed the new cartridge, it didn't work properly. Shut off great, but only warm water and low flow at certain positions. I flushed out the cartridge and the valve body - no improvement. Also rotated the cartridge 180 degrees - same problem.
I tried an experiment and rotated the cartridge 90 degrees -- works great! (Maybe the valve body in our house is so old it isn't fully compatible with the 1200 as manufactured today.) Only problem is the retaining clip can't be properly inserted because the cartridge ears are in the way.
I don't have a good solution to this issue yet. I could remove one of the ears, but that would make the cartridge very difficult to remove in the future. I'm going to look for a different type of spring clip and will update this comment when I find something.
Update 02/26/19: I ended up cutting one "leg" off the spring clip. It still seats fine and retains the cartridge in the body. The ears of the new cartridge don't block the entire slot that the spring clip fits in -- so there's room for one leg. Works great! Saved me a multi-hundred dollar plumbing bill.
O.K so I was having a consistent leaking faucet. I tried to remove the failed insert and only the center part came out. Holy moly what am I to do??? Well I turned to youtube and found your video. What a super video. I really can't thank you enough for this video. You saved me and my family untold dollars. I watched the video and used your puller advise and was able to remove the stuck insert. Replaced the failed parts and put the shower back together. No more leak and a happy wife. Again thank you for the detailed instruction.
I did like the use of the tap and bolt to break the stuck cartridge loose. You could probably use the tap and run it ALL THE WAY IN to bottom out at the back of the faucet body, keep turning until the cartridge breaks free. But I have never done that so I don't know for sure. I have never broken a Moen 1225 cartridge using the method I explain below. The following info I HAVE done before so I know it works.
You used the puller wrong and that caused the cartridge to fail. Do not twist the cartridge while attempting to remove it from it's original stuck position. You can start twisting only after the cartridge has broken loose. You should install the puller tight against the cartridge using the center screw with the castle wrench head touching the cartridge. The big nut should be loose at this time.
Then use the big outside nut to push against the body of the faucet while using the "t" handle of the puller to prevent the puller from twisting the cartridge.
Then if it wont pull out easy "once you get it moving" (once it breaks free) you use a section of pipe or some other spacer to finish removing the cartridge with the big nut.
Wow I think you are the first person in ten years to say 'you used the puller wrong' AND actually explain it so it makes sense as to why. Thank you! Everyone says 'you used the puller wrong'. Yeah, I know I used the puller wrong, that's how I ended up with the problem. lol Hopefully this helps others, before they get to this point. Cheers.
try using the danco 60885 moen removal tool for when the stem pulls out of the cartridge.Works good.
@@uk7769 That's exactly what I was doing. Unfortunately, the plastic body (1222 cartridge) cracked during the process, so I ended up using the video's method (more or less!). What a pain, but I like a good DIY project. And there's nothing like a hot shower! Especially when you are the one that did the work!
And you can break thru the back of the valve housing also. Better to turn the tap in a bit and YANK HARD !
This video was very helpful...I had no trouble removing the cartridge...inserting the unit and figuring out how the stupid clip went in was my problem. Thanks a whole lot.
Thank you so much for this video! I was only able to remove the stem alone with the cartridge puller tool. I used a 1/2" tap and washers and got the cartridge out. I had a 3/4" inch socket, but the hole was too small for the puller nut. So I just used a wrench propped up against the wall instead of the socket (adjust the opening so that the tabs can come out.
Many thanks for the video. My cartridge was stuck after 40 years of service. The 3/4" socket worked great once the stem came out and the cartridge body was threaded. Installed new cartridge and everything works great with no leaks.
Install the stem with the small notch up, that is on the thread end, and you will have the correct hot and cold
Thanks so much for this video. Just completed this repair after spending $1.49 for a 1/2" X 2 /12" Grade 8 bolt and $1.29 for 3 Grade 8 washers at Ace and borrowed a 1/2'" tap. $20 for the cartridge. Best repair ever. Thanks again.
Hey everyone, just a reminder to STOP and THINK. When this whole stuck cartridge thing happened to me, back in 2009, I was desperate to get the water back on. Make sure to try the normal removal tools FIRST. They may work for you in your situation. If so great! You're done. THIS VIDEO IS ONLY for folks who have exhausted normal removal procedures. No I am NOT a plumber. No you shouldn't use this method as the FIRST try. Read the video description. DO NOT USE THIS METHOD UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO!!!! For all you other folks... thank you for all the kind comments. You are the reason I made this video. I thought it could help folks and it has. Namaste and RIGHT ON, RIDE ON!!!!!!!!!!
I dont care what anyone says. This worked perfectly. Came right out. Thank you sir!!!
Dude thx for the video. I had no clue and freaked out I turned into Jenny from Forrest Gump saying dear lord turn me into a bird so I can fly far far away. So I looked up my problem and boom this video. So thx again dude
Haha "Jenny". Glad you got it done. Thank you for the comment.
my cartridge was probably original from 1967. Lowes tool pulled out the middle. Thought I would have to call the plumber. Your video was AWESOME.I already had the tap, just had to get a bolt. problem solved!!! thanks for the help.
you don't need to rotate the cartridge with the water off in order to change the hot & cold settings, just turn the stem 180
Correct! Wish I knew that when I did this video way back then. Cheers!
Peter Lassen or just flip the handle 180.
@ray bee If the retaining clip is in place you are ok otherwise... HAHAHA yeah you might want to turn the water off first. It's prob a good idea anyway, then you don't forget, revove the pin, and well have fun with that. Kind of like lockout best practice when working on electrical. When it matters, it REALLY matters. Cheers!!!!!!!!! --- UK
Thank you so much for posting this video. Using a puller I ended up pulling the stem out. By using a 1/2" - 13 tap, a 5" bolt, washer and a couple 3/4" sockets for spacers your method worked like a charm. This created a happy ending to a very stressful situation!
Had the beefier medal removal tool instead of using the plastic. After pulling out the clip, I installed the medal removal tool and turned it 90 degrees, in which it broke the stuck O ring. Then pulled it straight out. I noticed you didn't do that to break that stuck/seized O ring.
I wanted to drop a note to tell you "thanks"! Was pretty sure I was going to have to rip out all the plumbing and replace it with all new stuff until I ran across this video. Ran the tap, got a matching bolt, but didn't get enough washers. Spare Harley axle spacer to the rescue! You saved me probably $200 worth of new parts, plus the time. Thanks again!
You don’t have to pull the cartridge or turn the water off to reverse the hot and cold water. Just turn the stem 180 degrees.
Gee i wish i had read this before i dismantled the whole thing for the 2nd time. Actually the 4th time because i did 2 faucets and got the H/C wrong on both.
Wow. Great video. You saved me a ton of time and potential expense. The Moen tool at Home Depot was only $12. It worked fine to pull out the stem - of course it seperated from the outer sleeve. I needed to tap threads and pull it out as you instructed. I lucked out and happened to have a 1/2" tap I bought 30 yrs ago. Problem solved. Thank you for posting.
Thank you very much for the tips. I followed your instruction using the hardened bolt and the washers and it worked great...not to mention it saved me a lot of money. Thanks so much! (c=
So glad I found this video. Mine broke off and was seized inside. I didnt know how I was gonna get that thing out. The tap, bolt, and socket worked like butter. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks!!! this helped a ton!
Thank you so much! Had a plumber come and fail with an easy-out. Told me he'd have to cut the wall and replace the plumbing. I declined and paid the 125 for the house call. Found your video and in less than 20 minutes for less than 20 bucks, removed the value. It was easier than I expected.
tomsomebody That's fricken awesome! That is why I made this video. Plumbers these days(and most other professionals) dont really care about helping people anymore. Those days are gone. Unless you personally know a plumber, it's all about the quick buck, and you are at their mercy. So do it yourself when you can, and save BIG!!! Right on, ride on!!!!
Super video. Followed to the letter, worked perfectly. Two things: 1. A good local (privately owned) hardware store may have a puller kit to loan out complete with tap, bolt, etc so ask before you buy everything. 2. Only the STEM has to be turned 180 if the hot/cold are reversed, not the entire cartridge, which is functionally symmetrical. Thank you again for posting the redux.
oops I was logged into my other YT account.. Anyway... Correction... the Moen 1200 is the brass cartridge, the Moen 1225 is the plastic version of the same cartridge.
If you remove a 1200 Cart. originally, stay with a 1200 replacement. Many reports say the 1225 will eventually leak again on some of the older moen rough in valves due to internal fit.
This just worked for me!!!! i did just this, the TAP set was like 10 bucks, cheap and easy fix! THANK YOU!
I never have to see the scammer Tai Lopez ads anymore, because I use the open source Brave Browser, which has built in ad blocking. It's like using TH-cam back when it was awesome. Screw you TH-cam!!! #smallcontentcreators #demonetization #censorship #freedomofspeech #freedomofexpression
Saved my Sunday! Had to replace the cartridge and new what to expect going in. Mine came apart just like in the vid. Used your process to get it out, used a 7/8" socket. Would have taken me hours, and much stress to get it out without your video. THANK YOU!
I also want to thank you. It was extremely easy. The hardest part was to put the security clip back. It took me a couple of trips to Ace and Sears to get the right bolt and thread. So happy I am done with this issue. Thanks again!!
Genius idea, if I would of saw this 2 days ago, would have saved a lot of time
I did this and it worked great. Just what I figured was: not to tap too much in. Thanks again.
I am SO glad that I watched this! I had tried to fix my daughter's tub faucet and couldn't get the cartridge to come out. I bought a Danco Core Puller, and decided to watch a video of how it works. Watched this video (and its predecessor). I decided to stop and buy a tap and some bolts on the way to her house. Sure enough, the Core Puller just pulled the inner piece out. Use the tap, bolt & socket, and the cartridge housing came out! Saved my posterior! And, I did get the hot & cold reversed on the first try of installation!
Great! Thank you for the comment. Yes, and many have commented that you don't have to start over to flip the hot and cold, and they are correct. Just turn it 180. You guessed right the first try. lol
This just saved me! I bought the replacement cartridge, but that plastic thing did not loosen it up so I could pull it out. THis was a great way to do it! Worked like a champ!
This is genius - 1/2-13 tap, 1/2-13 hardened #8 bolt = done. Thanks for the great video
I've had a bad leak and wasnt able to get the housing out. Thanks to your video, I can fix it now. Thanks for a great video.
It only took 5 minutes once I understood the process and had the right tap, washers and bolt. Thank you so very much!
Just wanted to say thank you. It worked for me perfectly. I did it with washers because my socket hole was not big enough for the 12mm bolt. No problem though I just used a bunch of washers I had in my toolbox. Thanks again I will keep watching for more cool tips. 😁
Glad you got it done. You are why I made this video. Hard to believe it is still helping people a decade later. RIght on man.
I think I'm another voice in the crowd but firstly stumbling on this video after doing exactly what another video instructed, thinking I had broken the cartridge by not removing it correctly, some time went by and this video appeared I followed the instructions, getting the tap set and bolt. At first I thought it was beyond my abilities but we needed water. I watched this entire video through, checking to make sure I understood...... oops, no washers... (in for a penny, in for a pound) I applied the socket wrench to the bolt and slowly it came out! It was a miracle moment! HALLELUJAH!!!! THANK YOU!! And also, the folks at Home Depot thought I would certainly be calling a plumber. I replaced a Moen 1200 with a 1200. Saved me a bundle!
Wow, amazing video saved my skin...and a lot of money thanks!! I am glad you did a sequel vid, the torking scared me! A local Moen certified plumber said try a nipple extractor, which didn't work at all. Then I watched your video and used the 3/4" socket, 1/2" tap, 1/2" bolt x 3-1/2" long. Make sure to tap in until it stops so that the bolt goes in deep enough to grab on about 5 turns and it was loose! I called the plumber back and told him how to fix it, he was amazed and thanked you too!
Perfect. I used a 1/2" tap, a 3" long 1/2" bolt, and a 3/4" socket with 3 extra washers and the remains of the old Moen 1200 cartridge came right out perfectly. Thank you.
I did my shower moen about 5 years ago before these youtube vids. I didn't realize how lucky I was; the cartridge was stuck but it all came out in one piece. Now my bathtub moen is leaking and I hope I'm lucky again. One thing that was highly recommened is that you thoughly grease up the replacement cartridge before inserting it. If you do, any future removals are easy. Thank you for your excellent video.
Fist of all thanks for this video. It is creators like you that gives me the confidence to do these kind of jobs myself.
In the video when the cartridge was “upside down” and the hot and cold where switched you don’t need to turn the cartridge at all. All you need to do is turn the handle all the way to the right. Unscrew it and take it off. Then put the handle back on with the handle pointing to the left.
THANK YOU! You just saved me about $900.00! The plumbing company gave us a bid of $950.00 because the sleeve was stuck in the 37 year old valve. I used a 1/2" thread tap and a 1/2" x 2 1/2" hex bolt. It tapped easily, the bolt threaded right in and after about four turns, the bolt hit the washers and 3/4 of a turn farther and the sleeve popped loose and I used a pair of channel locks and pulled the bolt, washers and sleeve right out! The washers allow you to use a shorter bolt and when the sleeve breaks loose, you don't have to continue turning, just pull it out. The cleaning instructions with the wire pipe brush worked well and I turned the water back on to clean out the pipe. My valve was in the shower so it didn't matter. Slipped the new cartridge in, had to turn it 180 to get the hot and cold correct and there are no leaks, the valve is the easiest thing in the world to pull and turn and turn off. Thank you again sooooooooooooo much. You really helped me save some very needed money right now!!!
Thank you for this video. I used the socket method you demonstrated to remove a 20+ year old cartridge and it worked perfectly. I have had a tap & die set for nearly 36 years and have never had an occasion to use it till this project and your video did a great job explaining how to do this. Learned a lot.
I just got done doing this and it worked like a charm. I was 5 minutes from calling a plumber and came across this video. thank you for posting it.
Great. Thank you for the comment and congrats on gettin it done. Right on, ride on!
thanks for posting this man no other video showed the middle popping out but not the casing i couldn't figure out wtf was wrong with my piece i thought it was different but u helped me so much and saved me around 150 dollars for a plumber
Nice! Thanks for the comment. Cheers!
This saved my Saturday evening. I followed this step by step and the cartridge came out beautifully. Thank you so much for this video.
wanted to say thank you very very much for this video. The bolt and washer trick really came through for me after my standyne cartridge tore apart (stem came out when using moen tool). I highly recommend this technique to anyone having same problem.
Thanks so much!! Worked like a charm! Didn't need the tap. The Bolt cut the threads for me. Had to use some leverage. Think the cartridge had been in there since the early 80's.
This worked great for me. I used washers and a socket at the same time to pull on the bolt once the cartridge broke lose. Thanks a bunch!
Great job , you save a lot of people a lot of money. I didn't know about the clip and gave up and called a plumber, I should have watched this video.
Great job on this video; I really appreciate that you showed only the essential aspects with good editing and didn't waste time talking first. Learned quite a bit from just your video alone. I have a condo in Alaska built in 1982 and there is a multitude of things to fix or correct. Please keep hitting the record button and making useful videos for the school of youtube!
THANK YOU!!!!! I went to Home Depot and he sold me this plastic piece of crap for a puller, it broke, at least I got my money back. The 2nd video with the bolt ans socket worked perfectly. It was a nightmare, I needed to keep a broom handle between the plastic knob and the tile wall in the back to keep it from running. THANK YOU!!!\\Dan
You Rock!!!!!! Totally saved me! I thought I was screwed after breaking off the tip of the "stem and cartridge puller" I bought from Ace. I went and bought the 1/2" x 20 thread tap and a bolt to match. I also got a 21m socket and a stack of 8 washers. Boom!! worked like a charm. Took longer at the hardware store to find the stuff than it did to remove that stuck sleeve.
This happened to me this morning, Sunday. The cartridge seized up and I had a spare but in trying to remove it using my handy dandy Moen cartridge puller the stem came out instead leaving the badly frozen cartridge body in the faucet housing.
Once I found this video and a trip to ACE for a 1/2-13NC tap, a 1/2-13NC x 3inch bolt and a 3/4-1/2 drive socket (I had a 3/4 but it was a 3/8 dirve and the bolt wouldn't pass through the drive.)
The solution worked without a hitch and water is restored and saved me $$$$$$$$$$$$$$^2 for a Sunday plumber call. And my wife is happy again.
Thanks.