A Moen tub diverter valve cartridge is easy to install even for the most novice do-it-yourselfer.
A Moen tub diverter controls the stream and temperature of water coming into the faucet through water lines. When the faucet is leaking, the handle makes a grinding noise or won't turn,or the water is spitting from the tub spout when the diverter handle is turned, the problem is a worn or broken valve cartridge. The valve cartridge sits behind the diverter handle. Fortunately, a Moen tub diverter valve cartridge is easy to install even for the most novice do-it-yourselfer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Track down the main water valve coming into the house and turn the water off. Turn the faucet on to drain water in the lines and to make sure the water is off. Stop up the tub drain and cover it with a rag to prevent parts from dropping into the drain.
2. Take the diverter handle off the faucet. For handles with decorative buttons, use a screwdriver to lift the button off. Some buttons are threaded and require pliers to unscrew them for removal. Use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw then take the handle off. Faucet handles that have no button have a screw underneath the handle. Use an Allen wrench to remove the screw then take off the handle.
3. Remove the escutcheon (round plate on the shower wall). Some escutcheons are held in place by a threaded sleeve with a washer that is screwed into place on the escutcheon. To remove this type of escutcheon, unscrew the sleeve by hand then remove the sleeve, washer, and escutcheon. The other type of escutcheon has visible screws you remove with a screwdriver. Note that,depending on the faucet, there may be a plastic handle adapter behind the handle.
4. Find the retaining clip (small metal clip) on the front top of the valve cartridge. Use needle nose pliers to pull the clip straight out. Place the plastic removal tool, included in the Moen kit, on the cartridge. Use pliers to grip the removal tool and loosen the cartridge by turning the tool from side to side. When the valve cartridge is loose enough, take the removal tool off, grip the cartridge and pull it out. Clean off corrosion from the faucet using a wire brush or toothbrush.
5. Use the lubricant included with the Moen kit to coat the O rings on the outside of the new valve cartridge. Install the valve cartridge with the "top" mark facing up. Replace the retaining clip and reassemble the faucet. Take the cover off the drain and open it. Turn the water supply on.
Tags: valve cartridge, diverter handle, Moen diverter, removal tool, cartridge easy