Moen Two Handle Bathtub Faucet Repair

# Moen Two Handle Bathtub Faucet Repair: A Comprehensive Guide

Moen two-handle bathtub faucets are known for their durability and stylish designs. However, even the best faucets can experience problems over time. If your Moen bathtub faucet is leaking, dripping, or not functioning properly, you can repair it yourself with a few simple tools and materials. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to repair a Moen two-handle bathtub faucet. ### Tools and Materials Needed: - Adjustable wrench - Phillips head screwdriver - Flat head screwdriver - Pliers - Bucket - Rags - New faucet cartridge (if necessary) - New O-rings (if necessary) - Plumber's grease ### Step-by-Step Repair Guide: 1.

Turn Off the Water Supply:

- Locate the water supply valves under your sink or behind the bathtub. - Turn the valves clockwise to shut off the hot and cold water supply to the bathtub faucet. 2.

Remove the Faucet Handles:

- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nuts on the faucet handles. - Once the nuts are loose, remove the handles by pulling them straight off the faucet stems. 3.

Remove the Escutcheon Plates:

- Use the flat head screwdriver to pry off the escutcheon plates that cover the base of the faucet stems. 4.

Loosen the Packing Nut:

- Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut located at the base of each faucet stem. - Be careful not to drop the packing nut into the drain. 5.

Remove the Faucet Cartridge:

- Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws securing the faucet cartridge to the faucet body. - Once the screws are removed, pull the cartridge straight out of the faucet body. 6.

Inspect the Faucet Cartridge:

- Inspect the faucet cartridge for signs of wear or damage. - If the cartridge is damaged, replace it with a new one. 7.

Replace the O-Rings:

- Inspect the O-rings around the base of the faucet cartridge. - If the O-rings are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones. 8.

Apply Plumber's Grease:

- Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the O-rings and the threads of the faucet cartridge. 9.

Reinstall the Faucet Cartridge:

- Insert the new faucet cartridge into the faucet body. - Secure the cartridge with the Phillips head screws. 10.

Reinstall the Packing Nut:

- Reinstall the packing nut at the base of each faucet stem. - Tighten the packing nut until it is snug. 11.

Reattach the Escutcheon Plates:

- Reattach the escutcheon plates to the base of the faucet stems. 12.

Reinstall the Faucet Handles:

- Reinstall the faucet handles by pushing them onto the faucet stems. - Tighten the retaining nuts until they are snug. 13.

Turn On the Water Supply:

- Turn the water supply valves under your sink or behind the bathtub counterclockwise to turn on the hot and cold water supply to the bathtub faucet. 14.

Test the Faucet:

- Turn on the bathtub faucet and check for leaks. - Adjust the packing nuts if necessary to stop any leaks. ### Additional Tips: - If you are replacing the faucet cartridge, be sure to purchase the correct replacement cartridge for your specific Moen bathtub faucet model. - If you are having difficulty removing the packing nut, you can use a pair of pliers to loosen it. - Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this could damage the faucet. - If you are still having problems with your Moen bathtub faucet, you may need to call a professional plumber for assistance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully repair your Moen two-handle bathtub faucet and restore it to proper working condition.