Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Diverter Valve in a Moen Faucet

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To replace a diverter valve in a Moen faucet, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the shut-off valves under the sink.

2. Remove the handle and trim of the faucet to access the cartridge.

3. Use pliers or a cartridge removal tool to pull out the old diverter valve cartridge.

4. Insert the new diverter valve cartridge into the faucet, making sure it is properly aligned.

5. Reassemble the handle and trim of the faucet.

6. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.

7. Test the diverter valve by switching between the faucet and the sprayer.

By following these steps, you can easily replace a diverter valve in a Moen faucet and restore proper functionality to your faucet.


If your Moen kitchen faucet has a sprayer, it is equipped with a diverter valve that controls the water flow to the spout when the sprayer is being used. Over time, this valve may wear out, causing water to flow from both the sprayer and the spout. While this can be an annoyance, it is not a major problem, and many people continue to use the faucet without making any repairs. However, replacing a Moen diverter valve is a simple process that can easily be done.

The diverter on a Moen shower faucet functions similarly to that of a kitchen faucet. If the diverter is built into the valve, it cannot be replaced independently and the entire valve must be replaced. However, built-in diverters in Moen shower valves rarely fail, so this is unlikely to be necessary. On the other hand, diverters located on the spout or those with a separate Moen diverter stem can easily be replaced.

Steps for Replacing a Moen Diverter Valve

Moen offers various designs for the diverters used in its faucets. Before removing the old diverter, it is advisable to check the model number and order the appropriate replacement diverter. The two most common styles are a collar that fits around the base of the valve or a button that fits inside it.

Once you have the replacement diverter, you can compare it to the existing valve to determine the correct procedure for replacement. Begin by turning off the water supply. Then, use a hex wrench to unscrew the set screw and remove the faucet handle. On some models, additional plastic parts may need to be unscrewed and removed to access the spout.

To remove the spout, firmly grasp it and wiggle it while pulling upward. Once it clears the O-rings, the spout will come off, revealing the diverter. The diverter can be either a lift-off collar or a button that can be pulled out of the valve body using needle-nose pliers. Install the new diverter, reassemble the faucet, and the replacement process is complete.

Steps for Replacing a Moen Diverter Stem

If you have a Moen shower faucet with three handles, the middle handle is the shower diverter, and the actual valve consists of a plastic stem with holes that control water flow. According to the instructions provided by Moen, replacing the diverter stem on a Moen shower valve requires a screwdriver, socket wrench, and needle-nose pliers. It is not necessary to turn off the water supply for this procedure.

Start by unscrewing and removing the handle. Then, use pliers to pull out the stem extension and remove the escutcheon and wall tube, exposing the diverter bonnet. Unscrew the bonnet using a socket wrench, and then use needle-nose pliers to pull out the diverter. Insert the new diverter, screw on the bonnet, and reassemble the handle to complete the replacement.

How to Change a Spout Diverter

The spout diverter is a small button located on the top or side of the spout that is pulled up to activate the shower. It is quite common for the seals on these types of diverters to deteriorate, and because they cannot be easily removed from the spout, it is often necessary to replace the entire spout.

To remove the spout, use pliers to turn it counterclockwise and unscrew it from the spout stem. Install a new spout by screwing it on. Make sure to wrap the new spout with a cloth to prevent any damage before tightening it with pliers or a wrench.

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