The 1255 Duralast is the ceramic cartridge Moen has put in nearly every single handle kitchen and bathroom faucet since 2009: Arbor, Align, Brantford, Adler, Genta, Method, Essie, Eva, Voss, and the current Chateau. When one of these faucets drips from the spout with the handle off or leaks around the handle, the cartridge is the fix. It is a 20 minute job with pliers and a 3/32 inch hex key (Allen wrench).
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 faucet? See how to identify your Moen cartridge without a model number, or how to find your brand and model.
Older Moen faucets with a copper U clip under the handle use the 1225, not the 1255. See how to identify your Moen cartridge without a model number if you are not sure.
Three kits, one cartridge
Moen sells the same Duralast cartridge in three kits that differ only in the retaining nut, and the nuts are not interchangeable. Moen’s advice is to replace the nut with the cartridge, so you need the right kit. Take the handle off and look at the nut.
| Kit | Nut | Typical models |
|---|---|---|
| 1255 | Black plastic, hexagonal | Arbor 7594 (nut 144266), Brantford, Adler, most bathroom faucets |
| 150257 | Brass, hexagonal | Various |
| 160657 | Black plastic with two flat sides | Align 7565, Align 5923, Genta 7882 (these parts lists call out 160657 even though the spec sheets say 1255) |
| 205013 | For top handle pullout sprayer faucets after 2009 (not Dorsey 87007 or Torrance 87666, which use the 4000) |
1255 at Moen.com. Moen 1255 at Home Depot. Moen 1255 cartridge on Amazon
Tools
- 3/32 inch hex key (Moen set screw 155023). Not 7/64; that is the older 1225 era handles.
- Pliers or an adjustable wrench for the retaining nut
- Small flathead for the plug button
- Nylon brush and paper towels for the valve body
Shut off both supply stops and open the handle to relieve pressure. Cover the drain.
Steps (Moen’s procedure)
- Pry out the plug button. On a top mount handle it is at the front or back of the handle; on a side mount it is a small hole under the handle. Some faucets have no button and the set screw is exposed.
- Insert the 3/32 inch hex key and loosen the set screw counterclockwise. It does not need to come out.
- Lift the handle straight up. Pull off the handle dome beneath it.
- Unthread the retaining nut counterclockwise with pliers or the wrench.
- Pull up on the stainless stem and lift the cartridge out.
- Clean and flush the valve body. Moen recommends scrubbing the bore with a nylon brush, holding a bowl inverted over the body, cracking each supply stop open briefly one side at a time, then blotting out standing water with a rolled paper towel so the new cartridge seats fully.
- Set the new cartridge in. It is keyed: line up the three vertical ribs on its shell with the three grooves in the body. There is no front-to-back choice to make.
- Thread the new nut from the kit on hand tight, then an additional quarter turn with the pliers.
- Snap the dome on, set the handle on the stem, tighten the set screw, and replace the plug button. Open the stops and check for leaks.
Hot and cold reversed
Unlike the 1225, a 1255 cannot be rotated to swap sides. Moen’s answer is to reverse the supply lines under the sink.
Nut will not stay tight
Mineral scale on the body threads keeps the nut from seating. Clean the threads with vinegar and a brush before installing the new nut.
Related
- 4000 cartridge (Dorsey, Torrance, and 2005 to 2009 kitchens)
- Arbor and Align pull-down hose, spray head, and docking problems
Moen pageIdentify your cartridgeStart hereWhen to call a plumber
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