You removed the clip, twisted the cartridge with the plastic tool, and it will not pull out. This is normal for a cartridge that has been in place for ten or more years, especially with hard water. Do not pry on the valve body or hammer on the stem; a cracked body means replacing the faucet.
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.
Use the Moen 104421 puller
This is the tool Moen designed for exactly this, and it works on the 1200, 1225, and 1222. Moen 104421 cartridge puller on Amazon
- Confirm the retaining clip is out. The puller cannot overcome the clip.
- For a 1222, rotate the stem with a wrench until the notch faces up.
- Thread the knurled screw of the puller down onto the stem until it is snug.
- Seat the hex nut of the puller against the top of the valve body.
- Hold the puller body and tighten the nut with a wrench. The cartridge jacks straight up out of the body. Keep turning until it is free.
Without the puller
Moen’s alternative is to thread the handle screw back into the stem, grip the stem with a tap wrench or locking pliers, and work it back and forth while pulling. A short wooden dowel placed against the body as a fulcrum helps. This takes patience and can bend the stem. If you have hard water, the puller is worth it.
The stem pulled out but the body stayed in
The plastic shell of a 1225 can separate from the brass stem. Moen’s method: thread a 1/2 inch tap a few turns into the plastic shell to grab it, then pull with the tap wrench. A 1225 puller will not grab a shell with no stem.
After it comes out
Clean every bit of scale out of the valve body before installing the new cartridge, and grease the new cartridge well. Continue with the 1225 guide or the 1222 guide.
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