Moen widespread faucets have cartridge-style valves.
Moen widespread faucets are so called because the handles are separated from the spout without being visibly joined. The water supply lines connect to each individual handle, and the handles themselves join to the spout by means of flexible hoses hidden under the sink. Cartridges located in each of the handles control water flow. When the faucet leaks, the fault is usually with worn rubber O-rings or seals on the cartridges or valve inlets, but it can sometimes be a dirty or defective cartridge. You can fix most leaks by removing the cartridge.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water to the faucet by turning off the angle-stops, which are the shutoff valves sticking out of the wall under the cabinet. You only need to turn off the angle stop supplying one handle if you know which one is leaking. You can usually tell this by feeling whether the drip is hot or cold.
2. Remove the handle by unscrewing the nut. On some models, this is located on top of the handle, and you can unscrew it with a Phillips screwdriver. If the handle is a lever and you can't see the nut, it is located under the handle. You can unscrew it with an Allen wrench.
3. Unscrew the retaining nut holding the cartridge in place with channel-locking pliers. Wrap a rag around the nut before you grip it with the pliers to avoid damaging the finish.
4. Grip the valve stem of the cartridge with the pliers and pull it straight out. If it is stuck, re-attach the handle temporarily and use it to pull the cartridge out. Be sure to note the orientation of the cartridge. It will have to go back in the same way.
5. Examine the O-rings around the cartridge and replace them if they are worn. Use a slot screwdriver to pry out the seal around the inlet hole, if it is worn, and replace it. Replace the cartridge if it has cracks or excessive corrosion.
6. Insert the cartridge, or a replacement, in the same orientation it was in when you took it out. Screw on the retaining nut, then screw the handle back on.
7. Open the faucet, then turn the angle stop back on. Turn off the faucet and check for leaks.
Tags: angle stop, handle unscrew, handle unscrew with, Moen widespread, Moen widespread faucets, turn angle, turn angle stop