How To Repair A Leaking Moen Bathroom Faucet

How to Repair a Leaking Moen Bathroom Faucet

A leaky faucet is a common plumbing problem that can waste water and increase your utility bills. If you have a Moen bathroom faucet that is leaking, you can repair it yourself with a few simple tools and materials. Here are the steps on how to repair a leaking Moen bathroom faucet:

1. Gather your tools and materials

You will need the following tools and materials to repair a leaking Moen bathroom faucet:

Phillips head screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Allen wrench (if your faucet has a handle with a set screw)
Replacement O-rings
Plumber's grease

2. Turn off the water supply

Before you begin, you need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. There should be two shut-off valves under the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. Turn both valves clockwise to turn off the water.

3. Remove the faucet handle

Once the water is turned off, you can remove the faucet handle. If your faucet has a handle with a set screw, use an Allen wrench to loosen the set screw. Once the set screw is loose, you can pull the handle straight up to remove it.

If your faucet does not have a set screw, you may need to use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the handle. There will be two screws on the underside of the handle. Remove the screws and then pull the handle straight up to remove it.

4. Remove the cartridge

Once the faucet handle is removed, you can access the cartridge. The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped component that controls the flow of water. To remove the cartridge, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nut. Once the retaining nut is loose, you can pull the cartridge straight up to remove it.

5. Inspect the O-rings

Once the cartridge is removed, you can inspect the O-rings. The O-rings are rubber gaskets that create a seal between the cartridge and the faucet body. If the O-rings are worn or damaged, they can cause the faucet to leak.

6. Replace the O-rings

If the O-rings are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. To do this, simply remove the old O-rings and install the new O-rings in their place. Make sure that the new O-rings are properly seated in the grooves on the cartridge and the faucet body.

7. Apply plumber's grease

Before you reassemble the faucet, apply a thin layer of plumber's grease to the O-rings. This will help to lubricate the O-rings and prevent them from leaking.

8. Reassemble the faucet

To reassemble the faucet, simply reverse the steps that you took to disassemble it. First, insert the cartridge back into the faucet body. Then, tighten the retaining nut. Next, install the faucet handle. Finally, turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

9. Troubleshooting

If you have followed the steps above and your faucet is still leaking, there may be another problem. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Make sure that the O-rings are properly seated in the grooves on the cartridge and the faucet body.
Check the retaining nut to make sure that it is tight.
Inspect the faucet body for any cracks or damage.
If you cannot find the source of the leak, you may need to call a plumber.

By following these steps, you can repair a leaking Moen bathroom faucet and save yourself the cost of calling a plumber.