oh my GOD this helped me so much!~ A single woman with an old double wide doing her own repairs! This was for an old one handle moen kitchen faucet, picked up the tool at the local hardware store. THANK YOU! I was stumped with the paper directions! xoxo
Great video! Very well explained and made the job really easy without breaking anything. A couple issues I had was the puller came to an end before I was able to get the stem out of the valve body so I slowly rotated the handle on the puller back and forth while pulling and it finally came out. The other issue I had was getting the new stem to slide into the valve body. I destroyed my first stem trying to force it in even after applying lubrication. I took a toothbrush and some calcium/lime remover and scrubbed the inside of the valve body for 30 minutes. The second stem I coated in petroleum jelly and it slid right in with little effort. Never use a metal brush or sandpaper inside the valve body or you might have some new drips. Hope this helps.
Joseph, thanks so much for your comment and suggestions. We are always looking for better ways to improve the way we do repairs. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
People that don't have a noteworthy life always say that about others. Wouldn't want to hear his life story. Because he is dead inside. Like a used up cartridge. Getting sucked out by a tool!
Just came back to comment and say this video worked great. Cartridge came right out and the tools instructions were bad at best. Your how to made it easy and I was done with replacement it 20mins tops and that was me going to the garage to get tools a few times
What a great video. I’m a novice in the plumbing game. Two years in the service truck, and i just bought this tool because of all the good things I heard about it. This video definitely helps!!! I subscribed and liked the video. Appreciate your help!!!
Thank you so much for the excellent video, the use of the crescent wrench while holding the T-bar handle is genius! Made quick work out of a very stuck cartridge in my shower. Thanks for such a well made, concise video. Now my spare bathroom shower is up and running once again!
Hello thank you very for this video, I know exactly what to do for the next replacement. I should have watch this video prior replacing the cartridge and would save me a lot of time and headache.
AWESOME!!!! Thank you for the video. I have the exact same issue. I was recommended by a “professional” that they had to get access from the adjacent bedroom, cut out access on that wall and replace everything. This will save me A LOT of money!! Thank you 🙏 so much.
I will be replacing a cylinder shorty. I purchased the cylinder, then started looking at how-to videos. This is a great video, because it clearly is a real faucet, not the pristine prop in the Moen video. Big Al is going to be a "go to" source for repair help.
WOW, just wow. There are moments that transcend space and time and take you to a higher plane… this was one of those moments. Never have I felt so connected to a “how-to video. I once had a cartridge get stuck and I had to chip it out out piece by piece. That was something I wouldn’t wish on anybody. Kudos to BIg Al Repairs!
Thank you so much for this detailed video and to Joseph in the comments for the extra tips on twisting the cartridge puller handle while pulling out a really old, stubborn cartridge!
Yes, it is always helpful to read the comments and hear from others. It is also helpful to twist while you pull. I am so glad you were able to figure it out and I hope you were successful! Thanks for the nice comment!
Helped soooo much, thank you!!! Definitely subscribing- “how to use” videos for tools really help a single mom like me have the confidence to tackle projects like the one I’m doing today with your video. Thanks for being so clear and you I’d great visuals- GREAT VIDEO AND SO HELPFUL!!
Thank you for the clear, concise video. I bought the tool, I understood the science of how it worked. I used the tool gently and it seemed to be working...just like in the video. BUT, in actuality, the tool was just removing the old stem from the old cartridge. The tool forced the endmost "c" washer (NOT the retaining clip) to twist and pop off the stem assembly and the stem came neatly out. Other than the endmost "c" washer twisting, I can't see any other "break" between the cartridge and the stem. Instead of "drilling out" the rest of the old cartridge, can I try inserting a new stem (with a new endmost "c" washer)? I have already removed and reinserted a stem from a new cartridge. It is easy to do, and no part of the stem seems damaged or broken off the cartridge. As long as the endmost "c" washer is correctly replaced on the cartridge, the stem remains tightly inside the new cartridge. Since there are situations where a stem is to be removed and reversed (i.e. to correct hold/cold flow), I am not understanding the big, substantial reason that a new stem cannot work in an old cartridge sleeve. What am I missing? Thanks.
Did your fix work? I have not heard of anyone doing that before. I just wonder about leaks and the handle turning smoothly. Let us know what your outcome was.
Great video and the only one I found that shows correctly how to use this tool properly!! The key is to keep slowly turning the nut which causes the cartridge to be pulled out. The key is to do it slowly to avoid any undue force that may cause any part of the cartridge to crack/break. If you are succeeding then you will know because when the cartridge is coming out you can see the top plastic part of the cartridge move away from the metal of the valve body(as seen more clearly when Big Al moves the nut back to reveal the cartridge has come out). Extra note to those out there that are newbies like me and this is the first time: Once the cartridge is coming out and you cannot turn the nut more (for me this happened at about half as far as it did for Big Al) then carefully hold the handle and with constant gentle pressure turn the handle left-right over and over slowly pulling at the same time to coax the cartridge out. If it is a newish cartridge and the previous installer put grease on it than this will be easier. If it is an extremely old cartridge made of metal then this may be more difficult. In my case, the original plumber didn't secure the valve tight enough to a wooden structure so the whole thing was moving in and out when I applied pressure, so I used a wrench applied to the metal valve body that sticks out of the wall and another set of hands to hold the wrench to stop the valve body from moving back and forth, both when I removed the cartridge and when I inserted it. Don't forget that once the new cartridge is inserted with the HC (hot cold indicating hot on left and cold on right) in the top position, to use pliers to turn the protruding gold metal post 180 to the right to close the water, so that when you turn on the water supply it does not come gushing out. The other problem I ran into was that one of the holes that the faceplate is to screw into on the valve body was blocked by my fiberglass shower cause the hole in the fiberglass was not made large enough by the original installer. I had to chip away carefully to remove the fiberglass so that when I affix the plate cover, I could get the screw in straight so it connects with the screw hole on the valve body to secure the face plate. Take a good look at the valve body with a flashlight before you attempt to install the faceplate. When the faceplate is put on straight, you will notice that the two holes to attach it are located on the top right and one on the bottom left. (diagonal to each other, weird !) You should see the same orientation of screw holes in your valve body in the wall. It was not easy to make the screws go into the holes in the valve body to screw the faceplate in because you can't see anything at this point cause the faceplate is blocking your view. That's why should should take a good look at the wholes in the valve body to help you orient the screws once the faceplate is placed . So you have to go by feel. Put the screw in as straight as possible then hold with your fingers and move it around until you feel it lands onto something solid then turn to screw it in a bit with your fingers and if it is in the hole in the valve body it will start feeling secure so you know its in and you can continue screwing it in now with a screw driver (Philips). Make sure to screw one screw a bit at a time and alternate between the two screws. You never want to screw one screw in all the way, both have to go in a bit at a time. Since my valve body was not well secured in the wall to a wooden structure, screwing the face plate in brought the valve body closer and closer to the wall of my fiberglass shower and this helped to make that valve body stable. If you have any worries about water leakage then turn your water on before putting the faceplate on, and after the cartridge is installed with the pin. (Please note the cartridge is well seated in the valve body when the plastic with the HC inscription is right up against the metal of the valve body.) Then you can look into the hole in the wall and observe if any water is leaking in the wall with the water on. There is a small chance that if a joint in the copper pipes was not soldered properly, originally, and you were rough with your install and made all the pipes clang back and forth during the install, a joint may crack and leak. So always check for water leakage in the wall by turning on the water supply and turning the cartridge post using pliers before adding the faceplate. It is recommended to add a thin bead of clear caulking around the faceplate at the point where it meets the wall to avoid water or humidity from entering into the wall. Hopes this helps the newbies like me ! Thanks Big Al for this video you saved me hundreds of dollars. 💞 By the way I bought the Moen cartridge remover on Amazon for about 60$ including tax.
@Rachel. Thank you for that amazing comment. Lots of good information. I hope you have good luck with your next DIY project. Thanks again. Hopefully you subscribed.
Thank you for the video... I've removed them before by brute force,, (which isn't the best method) and decided to just purchase the cartridge puller. Your video is very helpful...
I hope the video helped! Thanks for the nice comment! We too once tried to remove a cartridge without the puller and it was not a good success. The puller is a good help! Good luck with future projects!
@Barry DAWG. @ Kim Patton. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I wish you the best with all of your DIY projects. Thanks again and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al repairs
Turn the water off before you pull that pin! If that cartridge isn't stuck you'll have 50-60 psi pushing on that cartridge and it'll come out flying and you'll have a lot of water spraying out.
Just bought this same puller on Jan. 5, 2023 for this exact job. Thanks for the video. My brother the plumber did this job last, but now he's gone, so I have to try and do some things on my own. He also put me onto taking the old cartridge in to Lowes or Home Depot where they give you a new one at no charge.
Thanks so much for your comment. Thanks so much for sharing the information up about returning the part to Lowe’s. I will have to give that a try. Good luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to big Al repairs.
@@brandonbearden5975 Well I do. My brother is a plumber who replaced my MOEN cartridge two years ago. He told me "for hell sakes don't go buy one. Take this old cartridge to Lowes or Home Depot and they'll give you a new one free!" I did, and they do. I replaced another cartridge in January of this year, took the old one to Lowes and they gave me a new one no charge. I'm in Canada, maybe THAT makes a difference.
@@brandonbearden5975 Have you ever tried to have Lowe’s give you a replacement cartridge. I’m curious to find out if they will cover the warranty. Thanks for your comment.
@@brandonbearden5975 They absolutely will replace the cartridges for free. Have obtained directly from Moen but also obtained one from Home Hardware. They have a lifetime warranty so the hardware clerk sent me to the till with a cartridge and a No Charge Slip. They also offered to rent me the cartridge removal tool for $8.00 per day.
Yes, it can be a bit confusing at first! That is the reason we decided to film the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching the video. Good luck with future projects!
I'm not handy so thank you for this excellent how-to. At first I couldn't screw the puller into the cartridge, it seemed as if the screw in the tool was too short. It turns out I needed to pull out the pin (part in the cartridge that puller screws into) then voila!
Very Helpful - had the tool but had not used it for several years. You saved me a lot of time fooling around to try and get it to work. Using the turn handle on it's own did not work.
Great video. I have the exact same puller and the tiny little 'page' of instructions don't make it at all clear on what to turn when. Your video made it clear.
Good video...Some cartridges come with a little plastic accessory that can help loosen stuck cartridges, if you know what cartridge you need, without taking the old one with you, but this tool is by far, better to use and pays for itself quickly if you're doing these things regularly, like maintenance or Handy man...Years ago the horseshoe shaped little clip came with new cartridges, because they tend to fly off or get away when removing them and end up in the wall...Then they figured they could make more bucks selling them separately...Be careful folks, you need that clip, if you lose it, back to the store, because now, there is none in the package...Bean counters at work.
Yes, when our first attempt was with the little white tool. It can do the job, but cartridges can get really stuck and get really hard to remove. We found that this tool can make it a lot easier! Those cartridges can be such a pain sometimes! Thanks for the nice comment and for the tips!
I have plastic round piece covering the pin so I can't pull it. So I cut the plastic away and pulled carg out ihave friend tell me it was a temperature controll which I didn't need anyways. Getting ready to change carg now I also had the tool to pull carg but it work with plastic there. Thanks for your help
Great video! The instructions that came with this tool were confusing for amateurs! I’m so glad I found this video! Unfortunately, our cartridge is really old (probably 20+ years we’re guessing) and the tool removed the cartridge, EXCEPT the outer plastic! It is still stuck in the pipe. Not sure what we’re going to do next!! But thank you for this helpful video!
Have had this same issue recently. Spent about an hour patiently chipping away at the exterior plastic with a small flat screwdriver and a rubber mallet while being careful not to damage the fitting it was stuck in. I eventually was able to clear the plastic out in about 50 small pieces. Installed a new cartridge (Moen considers them to a warranty issue and my local hardware store provided one at no charge). New cartridge has a slow drip so Moen is sending a second free replacement, but I think the issue could be because of small amounts of debris not cleaned out after my chipping job, or it could be because there was a small amount of moisture left in the fitting when I was installing the new cartridge. Operantly this small amount of moisture may have been forced to the back of the fitting by the cartridge seals which caused a gap and a leak. Will know better for the second attempt at repairs once the second cartridge arrives.
Neeraj, thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I’m glad the video helped. Best of luck with your next DIY project. Thanks again for watching Big Al Repairs and hopefully you subscribe.
Sometimes even the seasoned DIYER can have their moments if why isn't this working, I'm trying to remove the one at a friend's house, first of all it's like 2000 degrees upstairs in her house, the screw wasn't long enough and I couldn't figure it out and not even this video said anything but i assume you need to pull the knob out first so the stem is out so the screw will reach, in other words pull the knob out like you're turning on the water after shutting the water off of course so the stem will be fully out of the cartridge then the screw will reach, I'm going to try it again.
Great video and super tool to use. Thank you so much. A "plumber?" want to start at $168 to do this job, but you and I both know it would have been more.
Jerry Stone. Thank you for for your comment. I wish you much success in all of your future endeavors. Thanks again and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al repairs.
That is a great question. I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don’t. Please give us an update as to how you were able to solve the problem. Thanks so much again and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Yea, darn thing just broke. I was able to remove it however, using two flathead screwdrivers and kinda wedging on it while prying it out. If you get a kit from Lowe's, they actually come with a special plastic cap that you use to wiggle the old one out, even if the rod is broken
So I've watched a few videos on the removal of the cartridges but haven't seen one that helps my situation the handle broke off with the screw and rod broke off inside the cartridge now what any ideas?
@Dale. We had to have something similar to that happen. We just had to keep working on trying to dig it out. And finally it did come out.Best of luck and please let us know what you did to solve the problem.
@Eastcoast. That is usually the first sign at your cartridge is bad. thanks so much for the question and please let us know what you ended up doing. Best of luck.
New cartridge only goes in about 70 percent then gets stuck. Greased it up and removed a stuck rubber piece from inside valve. On my other tub the new one went in smooth, not sure what’s up with this one.
So glad! Those cartridges can be such a pain! Good luck with future projects. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and comment. Have a good one!
I used this tool and instead of pulling the cartridge out at the end after tightening the nut, the stem just broke off O.o what exactly did I do wrong ?
It is my understanding that before you tighten the nut to pull the cartridge, you should turn the "T" handle. This will rotate the body of the cartridge and break it loose before attempting to pull the cartridge by the center stem. The puller doesn't pull the outside part that gets stuck, but just the inside. The puller allows you to twist the outside to free it before pulling the inside part.
It is my understanding that before you tighten the nut to pull the cartridge, you should turn the "T" handle. This will rotate the body of the cartridge and break it loose before attempting to pull the cartridge by the center stem. The puller doesn't pull the outside part that gets stuck, but just the inside. The puller allows you to twist the outside to free it before pulling the inside part.
***** Excellent video with repairman explaining and demonstrating removal of cartridge with Lowe's purchased removal tool! Thank you Carl (Belleville Ontario Canada)
I'm not sure what you mean by a hole saw. Better description and hopefully will help you out. Best of luck and please let us know if you figure it out.
#Jepy. That is a great question. We just identified what the type of faucet it is and then looked up the cartridge. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out.
I went through two of these pullers thinking they were crap. Turns out I was doing it wrong the whole time. Thank you for this useful video.
Thanks for the comment! Sometimes I don't think they provide very clear instructions with the tool!
I was about to return mine, the instructions with the tool are crap! Thank you @bigalrepairs for this video!
oh my GOD this helped me so much!~ A single woman with an old double wide doing her own repairs! This was for an old one handle moen kitchen faucet, picked up the tool at the local hardware store. THANK YOU! I was stumped with the paper directions! xoxo
Thanks so much for your nice comment. I wish you the best in all of your DIY projects. Thanks again and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Great video! Very well explained and made the job really easy without breaking anything. A couple issues I had was the puller came to an end before I was able to get the stem out of the valve body so I slowly rotated the handle on the puller back and forth while pulling and it finally came out. The other issue I had was getting the new stem to slide into the valve body. I destroyed my first stem trying to force it in even after applying lubrication. I took a toothbrush and some calcium/lime remover and scrubbed the inside of the valve body for 30 minutes. The second stem I coated in petroleum jelly and it slid right in with little effort. Never use a metal brush or sandpaper inside the valve body or you might have some new drips. Hope this helps.
Joseph, thanks so much for your comment and suggestions. We are always looking for better ways to improve the way we do repairs. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Nice! Finally someone who gets to the point without their life story 😂👍👍
@Brian. Thanks so much for your comment.
And now for my life story. Only kidding.
People that don't have a noteworthy life always say that about others. Wouldn't want to hear his life story. Because he is dead inside. Like a used up cartridge. Getting sucked out by a tool!
I just replaced the cartridge today following your video and using that tool, thank you. God bless you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I wish you the best of luck with all of your DIY projects. May God bless you and have a great day.
Just came back to comment and say this video worked great. Cartridge came right out and the tools instructions were bad at best. Your how to made it easy and I was done with replacement it 20mins tops and that was me going to the garage to get tools a few times
Thanks for the nice comment! We appreciate you letting us know! Good luck with future projects
What a great video. I’m a novice in the plumbing game. Two years in the service truck, and i just bought this tool because of all the good things I heard about it. This video definitely helps!!! I subscribed and liked the video. Appreciate your help!!!
Thank you so much for the excellent video, the use of the crescent wrench while holding the T-bar handle is genius! Made quick work out of a very stuck cartridge in my shower. Thanks for such a well made, concise video. Now my spare bathroom shower is up and running once again!
Yahoo! That is great news! Thank you! We appreciate the nice comment!
Hello thank you very for this video, I know exactly what to do for the next replacement. I should have watch this video prior replacing the cartridge and would save me a lot of time and headache.
AWESOME!!!! Thank you for the video. I have the exact same issue. I was recommended by a “professional” that they had to get access from the adjacent bedroom, cut out access on that wall and replace everything. This will save me A LOT of money!! Thank you 🙏 so much.
@Hugo. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
I will be replacing a cylinder shorty. I purchased the cylinder, then started looking at how-to videos. This is a great video, because it clearly is a real faucet, not the pristine prop in the Moen video. Big Al is going to be a "go to" source for repair help.
Thank you so much! We appreciate the kind words. Good luck with your project! Hope all goes well.
WOW, just wow. There are moments that transcend space and time and take you to a higher plane… this was one of those moments. Never have I felt so connected to a “how-to video. I once had a cartridge get stuck and I had to chip it out out piece by piece. That was something I wouldn’t wish on anybody. Kudos to BIg Al Repairs!
Thanks so much for the nice comment! You are so funny! Those cartridges can be such a pain sometimes!
I agree!!
No j. Mll
Thank you so much for this detailed video and to Joseph in the comments for the extra tips on twisting the cartridge puller handle while pulling out a really old, stubborn cartridge!
Yes, it is always helpful to read the comments and hear from others. It is also helpful to twist while you pull. I am so glad you were able to figure it out and I hope you were successful! Thanks for the nice comment!
Thank you for your very helpful video. I couldn't figure out how to use the tool until I found your video. THANK YOU.
@Timothy. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the video! Made it super easy when I replaced the cartridge in my shower faucet.
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to big Al repairs.
Thank you - I've had that since before covid but I intend to use it tomorrow to replace a leaking cartridge.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Great video! Thank you so much! Hepled me complete my removal!
thanks for the nice comment, glad it helped
Helped soooo much, thank you!!! Definitely subscribing- “how to use” videos for tools really help a single mom like me have the confidence to tackle projects like the one I’m doing today with your video. Thanks for being so clear and you I’d great visuals- GREAT VIDEO AND SO HELPFUL!!
@Mom. Thanks so much for your nice comment. I'm so glad that this video is able to help you. Best of luck with all your DIY projects.
This tool worked for us, thank you!
Thanks for the nice comment. Good luck with your next project!
This video answered my questions on how this tool works, Thank You!
Thanks for watching and for the nice comment! Good luck with your future projects!
Thank you for the clear, concise video. I bought the tool, I understood the science of how it worked. I used the tool gently and it seemed to be working...just like in the video.
BUT, in actuality, the tool was just removing the old stem from the old cartridge. The tool forced the endmost "c" washer (NOT the retaining clip) to twist and pop off the stem assembly and the stem came neatly out.
Other than the endmost "c" washer twisting, I can't see any other "break" between the cartridge and the stem. Instead of "drilling out" the rest of the old cartridge, can I try inserting a new stem (with a new endmost "c" washer)?
I have already removed and reinserted a stem from a new cartridge. It is easy to do, and no part of the stem seems damaged or broken off the cartridge. As long as the endmost "c" washer is correctly replaced on the cartridge, the stem remains tightly inside the new cartridge. Since there are situations where a stem is to be removed and reversed (i.e. to correct hold/cold flow), I am not understanding the big, substantial reason that a new stem cannot work in an old cartridge sleeve. What am I missing? Thanks.
Did your fix work? I have not heard of anyone doing that before. I just wonder about leaks and the handle turning smoothly. Let us know what your outcome was.
Great video and the only one I found that shows correctly how to use this tool properly!!
The key is to keep slowly turning the nut which causes the cartridge to be pulled out.
The key is to do it slowly to avoid any undue force that may cause any part of the cartridge to crack/break.
If you are succeeding then you will know because when the cartridge is coming out you can see the top plastic part of the cartridge move away from the metal of the valve body(as seen more clearly when Big Al moves the nut back to reveal the cartridge has come out).
Extra note to those out there that are newbies like me and this is the first time:
Once the cartridge is coming out and you cannot turn the nut more (for me this happened at about half as far as it did for Big Al) then carefully hold the handle and with constant gentle pressure turn the handle left-right over and over slowly pulling at the same time to coax the cartridge out.
If it is a newish cartridge and the previous installer put grease on it than this will be easier.
If it is an extremely old cartridge made of metal then this may be more difficult.
In my case, the original plumber didn't secure the valve tight enough to a wooden structure so the whole thing was moving in and out when I applied pressure, so I used a wrench applied to the metal valve body that sticks out of the wall and another set of hands to hold the wrench to stop the valve body from moving back and forth, both when I removed the cartridge and when I inserted it.
Don't forget that once the new cartridge is inserted with the HC (hot cold indicating hot on left and cold on right) in the top position, to use pliers to turn the protruding gold metal post 180 to the right to close the water, so that when you turn on the water supply it does not come gushing out.
The other problem I ran into was that one of the holes that the faceplate is to screw into on the valve body was blocked by my fiberglass shower cause the hole in the fiberglass was not made large enough by the original installer. I had to chip away carefully to remove the fiberglass so that when I affix the plate cover, I could get the screw in straight so it connects with the screw hole on the valve body to secure the face plate.
Take a good look at the valve body with a flashlight before you attempt to install the faceplate. When the faceplate is put on straight, you will notice that the two holes to attach it are located on the top right and one on the bottom left. (diagonal to each other, weird !)
You should see the same orientation of screw holes in your valve body in the wall.
It was not easy to make the screws go into the holes in the valve body to screw the faceplate in because you can't see anything at this point cause the faceplate is blocking your view. That's why should should take a good look at the wholes in the valve body to help you orient the screws once the faceplate is placed .
So you have to go by feel.
Put the screw in as straight as possible then hold with your fingers and move it around until you feel it lands onto something solid then turn to screw it in a bit with your fingers and if it is in the hole in the valve body it will start feeling secure so you know its in and you can continue screwing it in now with a screw driver (Philips).
Make sure to screw one screw a bit at a time and alternate between the two screws.
You never want to screw one screw in all the way, both have to go in a bit at a time.
Since my valve body was not well secured in the wall to a wooden structure, screwing the face plate in brought the valve body closer and closer to the wall of my fiberglass shower and this helped to make that valve body stable.
If you have any worries about water leakage then turn your water on before putting the faceplate on, and after the cartridge is installed with the pin. (Please note the cartridge is well seated in the valve body when the plastic with the HC inscription is right up against the metal of the valve body.) Then you can look into the hole in the wall and observe if any water is leaking in the wall with the water on. There is a small chance that if a joint in the copper pipes was not soldered properly, originally, and you were rough with your install and made all the pipes clang back and forth during the install, a joint may crack and leak.
So always check for water leakage in the wall by turning on the water supply and turning the cartridge post using pliers before adding the faceplate.
It is recommended to add a thin bead of clear caulking around the faceplate at the point where it meets the wall to avoid water or humidity from entering into the wall.
Hopes this helps the newbies like me !
Thanks Big Al for this video you saved me hundreds of dollars. 💞
By the way I bought the Moen cartridge remover on Amazon for about 60$ including tax.
@Rachel. Thank you for that amazing comment. Lots of good information. I hope you have good luck with your next DIY project. Thanks again. Hopefully you subscribed.
Wow, thanks so much for sharing. 🏆🏆
Tool is a time saver. Tried the hair dryer....no success. Used the tool, had the cartridge out in no more than 2 min! Thanks for the video.
Those cartridges can be such a pain! I am so glad the video helped and you were successful at getting it out. Thanks for the nice comment!
Thank you for the video... I've removed them before by brute force,, (which isn't the best method) and decided to just purchase the cartridge puller. Your video is very helpful...
I hope the video helped! Thanks for the nice comment! We too once tried to remove a cartridge without the puller and it was not a good success. The puller is a good help! Good luck with future projects!
@Barry DAWG. @ Kim Patton. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I wish you the best with all of your DIY projects. Thanks again and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al repairs
Perfect video!!! You made my cartridge replacement a snap!!! Thanks…
@Stephen. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
Thanks for the tutorial I went a whole day without water trying to figure it out. 🚿 ❤
Turn the water off before you pull that pin! If that cartridge isn't stuck you'll have 50-60 psi pushing on that cartridge and it'll come out flying and you'll have a lot of water spraying out.
@81. Thanks so much for the advice. It is always the first thing to do anytime you start a plumbing project.
This tool saved me when my cartridge got stuck. Thanks for showing how to use it 🙌👏
@Lind. Thanks so much for your comment. I'm glad it worked out well for you.
Just bought this same puller on Jan. 5, 2023 for this exact job. Thanks for the video. My brother the plumber did this job last, but now he's gone, so I have to try and do some things on my own. He also put me onto taking the old cartridge in to Lowes or Home Depot where they give you a new one at no charge.
Thanks so much for your comment. Thanks so much for sharing the information up about returning the part to Lowe’s. I will have to give that a try. Good luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to big Al repairs.
Sorry bro you’re not getting. $50 cartridge for free lol
@@brandonbearden5975 Well I do. My brother is a plumber who replaced my MOEN cartridge two years ago. He told me "for hell sakes don't go buy one. Take this old cartridge to Lowes or Home Depot and they'll give you a new one free!" I did, and they do. I replaced another cartridge in January of this year, took the old one to Lowes and they gave me a new one no charge. I'm in Canada, maybe THAT makes a difference.
@@brandonbearden5975 Have you ever tried to have Lowe’s give you a replacement cartridge. I’m curious to find out if they will cover the warranty. Thanks for your comment.
@@brandonbearden5975 They absolutely will replace the cartridges for free. Have obtained directly from Moen but also obtained one from Home Hardware. They have a lifetime warranty so the hardware clerk sent me to the till with a cartridge and a No Charge Slip. They also offered to rent me the cartridge removal tool for $8.00 per day.
Very useful. It wasn't obvious what I was suppose to turn when I started using the tool for the first time.
Yes, it can be a bit confusing at first! That is the reason we decided to film the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching the video. Good luck with future projects!
Other videos pulled cartridge out without turning nut.
Shut the front door!!!! I knew there had to be an easier way...thank you soooo much for sharing ❤
Amanda, thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
very helpful , thank you for taking the time to record and post this...I will be doing this same project later today. Fingers crossed
CaribsurfDon, thanks for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you’ll subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Awesome tutorial. I'm definitely going to go to Lowes to purchase the removal tool. Keep up the outstanding work!
God bless,
Louis
@Louis. Thanks so much for your nice comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
Yeah I was TOTALLY using this tool wrong!! 😅
It happens! Let us know if you have any questions!
I'm not handy so thank you for this excellent how-to. At first I couldn't screw the puller into the cartridge, it seemed as if the screw in the tool was too short. It turns out I needed to pull out the pin (part in the cartridge that puller screws into) then voila!
Renee, thanks for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you’ll subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Tip ..twist cartride left and right breaks it loose then pull-out
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to big Al repairs.
Best $16 I ever spent! Thank you, THANK YOU!!!
Very Helpful - had the tool but had not used it for several years. You saved me a lot of time fooling around to try and get it to work. Using the turn handle on it's own did not work.
@Boris. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
Great video. I have the exact same puller and the tiny little 'page' of instructions don't make it at all clear on what to turn when. Your video made it clear.
Thanks for the video.
Good video...Some cartridges come with a little plastic accessory that can help loosen stuck cartridges, if you know what cartridge you need, without taking the old one with you, but this tool is by far, better to use and pays for itself quickly if you're doing these things regularly, like maintenance or Handy man...Years ago the horseshoe shaped little clip came with new cartridges, because they tend to fly off or get away when removing them and end up in the wall...Then they figured they could make more bucks selling them separately...Be careful folks, you need that clip, if you lose it, back to the store, because now, there is none in the package...Bean counters at work.
Yes, when our first attempt was with the little white tool. It can do the job, but cartridges can get really stuck and get really hard to remove. We found that this tool can make it a lot easier! Those cartridges can be such a pain sometimes! Thanks for the nice comment and for the tips!
Big Al.. I appreciate the lesson.. thank you Sir
Thanks for the nice comment! Good luck with your project!
Great TH-cam I was able to remove it with on aluminum cartridge puller. The cartridge ID was 12801 which is a 1225.
God bless you brother. You saved my ass today. All blessings for you and your family
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
I hate removing those cartridges! Luckily we figured out how to use this exact tool because it made it so much easier to remove the cartridge
Thanks so much for your comment!
How can you remove them without this fancy tool??
This videos was very helpful, thank you!
Great news! Thanks for the nice comment!
Awww man thank you I was killing myself taking it out until I got the tool lol good tutorial
I am so glad it helped! These cartridges can be such a pain! Thanks for the nice comment and for watching the video. Good luck with future projects!
Does it work on 1222's? I tried, but maybe im just silly. That nut seemed to not go around all the way to the valve body
Luckily they rented the tool at home hardware, $4.
Followed you to a tee!!! Worked perfect
That is great news! I am glad it worked for you. Thank you for your comment! Good luck with your future projects!
Excellent. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
I have plastic round piece covering the pin so I can't pull it. So I cut the plastic away and pulled carg out ihave friend tell me it was a temperature controll which I didn't need anyways. Getting ready to change carg now I also had the tool to pull carg but it work with plastic there. Thanks for your help
Thank you for that education!
Glad to help! Good luck on future projects and thank you for taking the time to comment.
Awesome video and thanks for the recommendation. This saved me a lot of time and headache.
Thanks for your comment! Hopefully you subscribe to Big Al repairs.
Great video! The instructions that came with this tool were confusing for amateurs! I’m so glad I found this video! Unfortunately, our cartridge is really old (probably 20+ years we’re guessing) and the tool removed the cartridge, EXCEPT the outer plastic! It is still stuck in the pipe. Not sure what we’re going to do next!! But thank you for this helpful video!
User. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Have had this same issue recently. Spent about an hour patiently chipping away at the exterior plastic with a small flat screwdriver and a rubber mallet while being careful not to damage the fitting it was stuck in. I eventually was able to clear the plastic out in about 50 small pieces. Installed a new cartridge (Moen considers them to a warranty issue and my local hardware store provided one at no charge). New cartridge has a slow drip so Moen is sending a second free replacement, but I think the issue could be because of small amounts of debris not cleaned out after my chipping job, or it could be because there was a small amount of moisture left in the fitting when I was installing the new cartridge. Operantly this small amount of moisture may have been forced to the back of the fitting by the cartridge seals which caused a gap and a leak. Will know better for the second attempt at repairs once the second cartridge arrives.
Thank you! This was very helpful!
Neeraj, thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I’m glad the video helped. Best of luck with your next DIY project. Thanks again for watching Big Al Repairs and hopefully you subscribe.
Thanks for the diy video. Of all days my shower started to leak today and purchased the puller at Lowes.
Thanks for the comment! I hope this helps. We found this tool very helpful when removing the cartridge. It can get super stuck! Good luck!
Sometimes even the seasoned DIYER can have their moments if why isn't this working, I'm trying to remove the one at a friend's house, first of all it's like 2000 degrees upstairs in her house, the screw wasn't long enough and I couldn't figure it out and not even this video said anything but i assume you need to pull the knob out first so the stem is out so the screw will reach, in other words pull the knob out like you're turning on the water after shutting the water off of course so the stem will be fully out of the cartridge then the screw will reach, I'm going to try it again.
What a godsend this was!!! THANK YOU!!
@Gabrielle. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
What would you recommend if even with tool it’s not coming out. I feel like I’m going to break something if I keep pulling. Is this normal?
Great video and super tool to use. Thank you so much. A "plumber?" want to start at $168 to do this job, but you and I both know it would have been more.
Jerry Stone. Thank you for for your comment. I wish you much success in all of your future endeavors. Thanks again and hopefully you subscribe to Big Al repairs.
Yes, totally! Thanks again for watching and commenting!
Your video helped me out alot, thank you!!!
Thanks for watching and for your nice comment! We are so glad it helped. Those cartridges can be tricky.
Ok lm
Awesome video dude!!!!!! The paper directions that come with the tool are absolutely terrible. You should be the poster child for Danco.
Thank you for the nice comment! You are awesome. Good luck with future projects! I hope you were able to get your cartridge out successfully!
This was very helpful; thank you!
Thank you for the nice comment! We hope it was helpful. Good luck with future DIY projects!
Super helpful keep doing this tipe of videos 👍👍👍
@Victor Sanchez. Thanks for your comment. Best of luck with your next diy project. Hopefully you subscribe to big Al repairs.
Thanks - your video totally helped me
@Doug. Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
Excellent video thank you for the help
@Mick. Thanks so much for your comment.
Shut the water off first before taking out the pin. The clip is what holds in in place against water pressure.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion. We are always looking for better ways to do things.
My cartridge broke into.... Any thoughts?
Thanks, bought the tool and used your vid to see how it should be used.
Thanks for the comment. I hope it helped! Those cartridges can be such a pain sometimes.
What is that model cartridge?
SO HELPFUL! Thank you
Thanks so much for the nice comment! I am so glad it was helpful. Good luck with future projects.
What about if your cartridge stem has no threading? What do you do then?
Super helpful, thanks.
Thanks for the comment! Good luck with your projects!
What is the Moen Cartridge Part # for me to buy?
Thanks. Beats fighting it with channel locks.
Definitely! Those dang cartridges can be such a pain! Good luck! Thanks for the comment!
we followed your instructions which seem perfect, but we snapped the unit while forcing it off. do i need a plumber now or can i replace parts?
So sorrry, this is a late comment. Was it the cartridge that snapped? Were you able to get it out?
Thank you so much 😁
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Tough time pulling out the pin. Tried wd--40 and vinegar. Any suggestions
That is a great question. I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don’t. Please give us an update as to how you were able to solve the problem. Thanks so much again and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Thanks for the video!!
@Allen. Great name by the way. Haha. Thanks so much for your comment and best of luck with all your DIY projects.
What about if the valve (the brass rod) breaks off?
I'd like to know this as well. Thank you
Yea, darn thing just broke. I was able to remove it however, using two flathead screwdrivers and kinda wedging on it while prying it out. If you get a kit from Lowe's, they actually come with a special plastic cap that you use to wiggle the old one out, even if the rod is broken
We have had the plastic piece break off and we had to he's a small screwdriver to get out.
Common sense education for all in life. I needed to know this a long time ago
@Juan. At least you figured it out. Some people never do. Thanks for your comment and best of luck with all of your DIY projects..
So I've watched a few videos on the removal of the cartridges but haven't seen one that helps my situation the handle broke off with the screw and rod broke off inside the cartridge now what any ideas?
@Dale. We had to have something similar to that happen. We just had to keep working on trying to dig it out. And finally it did come out.Best of luck and please let us know what you did to solve the problem.
I have a slow leak from my shower faucet, could it be the carry needs replacement?
That could be the case but I cannot be sure without seeing the leak. You could take the faucet cover off and see if you find any leaks.
@@BigAlRepairs thanks, sorry about the typo, I meant to say "cartridge"
@Eastcoast. That is usually the first sign at your cartridge is bad. thanks so much for the question and please let us know what you ended up doing. Best of luck.
Look out for a small washer on the cartridge. The screw on my puller wouldn’t catch. Make sure to remove the tiny washer
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you will subscribe to big Al repairs.
Thank you for this helpful video!
Thank you for taking the time to write us a nice comment. Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with future projects!
New cartridge only goes in about 70 percent then gets stuck. Greased it up and removed a stuck rubber piece from inside valve. On my other tub the new one went in smooth, not sure what’s up with this one.
Thanks so much for sharing. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Thank you! Your video did the trick.
So glad! Those cartridges can be such a pain! Good luck with future projects. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and comment. Have a good one!
Do you need this tool on a Moen three handle valve too ?
Thanks for the help Bubba
thanks bubba
I used this tool and instead of pulling the cartridge out at the end after tightening the nut, the stem just broke off O.o what exactly did I do wrong ?
It is my understanding that before you tighten the nut to pull the cartridge, you should turn the "T" handle. This will rotate the body of the cartridge and break it loose before attempting to pull the cartridge by the center stem. The puller doesn't pull the outside part that gets stuck, but just the inside. The puller allows you to twist the outside to free it before pulling the inside part.
Thank you very much I really appreciate it very well done
Bunty, thanks for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you’ll subscribe to Big Al Repairs.
Ty big help
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Very helpful thanks 👍🧰
Thanks for the nice comment!
Excellent. Thanks for the help
Thank you for the nice comment! Have a great day!
Damn so I got half the cartridge out. The plastic housing is still stuck inside though. I don't see how I can remove it
It is my understanding that before you tighten the nut to pull the cartridge, you should turn the "T" handle. This will rotate the body of the cartridge and break it loose before attempting to pull the cartridge by the center stem. The puller doesn't pull the outside part that gets stuck, but just the inside. The puller allows you to twist the outside to free it before pulling the inside part.
*****
Excellent video with repairman explaining and demonstrating removal of cartridge with Lowe's purchased removal tool!
Thank you
Carl (Belleville Ontario Canada)
Hey Carl, thank you so much for the comment. I hope it was helpful. Good luck with your future projects!
Great video. Those dang cartridges
Thanks so much for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project.
Thank you. This video was perfect. Helped alot. 🙌🙌🙌
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and for commenting!
@@BigAlRepairs would be nice to add if your water temp is reverse pull the insert back out and turn it 180 degrees. I had that probably its easy fix.
@@jasonrocca Hey, we had that same issue and made a separate video for that issue. See that video here: th-cam.com/video/9g0ijr26If0/w-d-xo.html
What hole saw did you use? thanks
I'm not sure what you mean by a hole saw. Better description and hopefully will help you out. Best of luck and please let us know if you figure it out.
How do you determine the size of the cartridge? Thank you
#Jepy. That is a great question. We just identified what the type of faucet it is and then looked up the cartridge. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out.
Thank you
Jeff, thanks for your comment. Best of luck with your next DIY project and hopefully you’ll subscribe to Big Al Repairs.