The Moen 1225 is the cartridge inside most single handle Moen sink faucets made before about 2009, and inside Standard and Moentrol shower valves. When one of these faucets drips with the handle off, leaks from under the handle, or loses pressure on just the hot or just the cold side, the cartridge is almost always the cause. Replacement takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Before you start. Shut off the two small valves under the sink by turning them clockwise, then open the faucet to confirm the water has stopped. Plug the drain so small parts cannot fall in. You will need a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench or pliers, and for most handles a hex key (an Allen wrench, sold as an inexpensive set at any hardware store). If a shutoff valve will not turn or starts to drip, or anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Not sure this is your cartridge? See how to identify your Moen cartridge without a model number. Faucets made after 2009 use the 1255, which installs differently.
Parts and tools
- Moen 1225 cartridge (the 1225B is the identical part in plain packaging). Moen 1225 cartridge on Amazon
- Phillips screwdriver and a small flathead screwdriver
- 7/64 inch hex key (Allen wrench) (lever handles only)
- Pliers or channel locks
- The white plastic twisting tool that comes in the 1225 box
- Moen 104421 cartridge puller if the old cartridge is seized (common in hard water areas). Moen 104421 cartridge puller on Amazon
- Moen silicone grease (a packet is included with the cartridge)
Shut off the water before you start. Every procedure here assumes the supply stops under the sink (or the house main for a shower valve) are closed and the faucet has been opened to relieve pressure.
Steps
- Close the hot and cold stops under the sink. Open the faucet to drain it. Put a rag or stopper in the drain so small parts cannot fall in.
- Remove the handle. Pry off the cap or plug button on top. Under it is either a Phillips screw (knob and flat cap styles) or a 7/64 inch hex set screw (lever styles). Remove it and lift the handle off.
- Remove the trim under the handle. Depending on the year this is a dome, a pivot retainer, an adapter, a pivot stop, a retainer nut, and one or two washers. Lay them out in order. The model pages on this site show the exact stack for each faucet.
- Find the U-shaped copper clip at the top of the valve body. Slide it straight out with the flathead screwdriver. It can be installed from the front or the back.
- Push the twisting tool down over the stem and rotate the cartridge about a quarter turn in each direction to break it loose. Remove the tool.
- Pull the stem up until it stops, grip the stem with pliers, and pull the cartridge straight up and out. If it will not move, go to removing a stuck Moen cartridge.
- Look inside the valve body. Wipe out any grit or mineral scale and flush it briefly by cracking the supply stops with a cup held over the opening.
- Lightly grease the O-rings on the new cartridge. Slide it in with the two clear plastic tabs lined up with the notches at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions on the body. Use the twisting tool to push it fully down.
- Reinstall the copper clip. It should slide in without force. If it will not seat, the cartridge is not fully down or is rotated. Never turn the water back on without the clip in place.
- Set the orientation. With hot on the left (standard plumbing), rotate the stem so the small notch on it faces the front of the faucet. If your supplies are crossed, face the notch to the back.
- Reassemble the trim and handle in reverse order. Open the stops slowly and test. If hot and cold come out backwards, see hot and cold reversed. You do not need to pull the cartridge again.
Should I rebuild instead of replace?
Moen sells a 92451 service kit that replaces the grommets and O-rings on an existing 1225. It costs about as much as a new cartridge and takes longer. Unless the cartridge is only a few years old, replace it.
Related
- Cartridge will not come out
- Hot and cold reversed
- Handle still stiff after replacement
- Back to Moen repair hub
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