Quck answer
To take apart a Moen showerhead, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the showerhead.
2. Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the showerhead from the shower arm.
3. Remove the rubber washer inside the showerhead.
4. Take out the flow restrictor, if present, by gently prying it out with a flathead screwdriver.
5. Inspect the showerhead for any clogs or debris and clean it if necessary.
6. Reassemble the showerhead by putting the flow restrictor, rubber washer, and showerhead back in place.
7. Screw the showerhead back onto the shower arm and tighten it securely.
8. Turn on the water supply and test the showerhead for proper functioning.
Moen is a well-known company that produces fixtures for bathrooms and sinks, and Moen is famous for its shower faucets with cartridges. Instead of separate hot and cold water taps, Moen showerheads use lever-style handles and cartridge valves. If your Moen showerhead is leaking or not functioning properly, it may need to be taken apart and repaired or cleaned.
Cartridge Operation
Moen showerhead cartridges have rocker switches that can open and close the hot and cold water lines. These switches can adjust the water temperature, providing a more comfortable shower experience.
To perform this repair, you need to lift the lever to turn on the water, which pushes the cartridge forward and unblocks the water lines. To turn off the water, bring the lever down. The temperature can be adjusted by moving the lever from right to left, which controls the amount of hot or cold water flowing. Moen’s traditional faucet model also features a “Posi-Temp” valve that balances the pressure to maintain a stable water temperature.
Troubleshooting Moen Showerheads
When a Moen showerhead malfunctions, it is often due to the need for cleaning, stuck or damaged cartridges, or faulty O-rings around the cartridges. Before disassembling the showerhead, it is important to shut off the water valve that controls the bathroom’s water supply. This valve is typically located in the bathroom sink cabinet. If you are unable to locate the valve, it is recommended to seek assistance from a plumber.
Cover the shower drain to prevent small parts from accidentally falling down. To access the cartridge, remove the handle, temperature limit stop, and cover plate. The escutcheon should also be removed by unscrewing its three screws using a screwdriver. Use tongue-and-groove pliers to grip the pipe section of the showerhead. Turn counterclockwise until the showerhead can be detached from the fixture.
Removing and Cleaning the Showerhead
The showerhead usually has a metal or plastic cap that can be unscrewed by hand. Alternatively, you can use a screwdriver to release the cap’s latches. At this point, you can attempt to clean the inside of the showerhead with vinegar, as this may resolve any issues you are experiencing.
If cleaning is not sufficient, you will need to access the cartridge. Use pliers to grip the cartridge and carefully move it from side to side to loosen the O-ring from the metal stop tube.
The cartridge is held in place by a retaining pin, which can be removed using needle-nose pliers. Once removed, you can examine the O-rings for any damage. If they are damaged, replacements will need to be purchased.
Resolving Stuck Cartridges
Occasionally, these cartridges can become stuck, making it difficult to remove them without additional effort. The Moen cartridge puller, a removal tool, can assist in extracting the cartridge, but sometimes it may not be effective or the cartridge may break. In such cases, it is advisable to contact a licensed plumber to fix your Moen showerhead.
