Repair Instructions for a Moen Cathedral Faucet
Moen Cathedral faucets feature a distinctive high-arc design and come in a wide variety of models to suit almost every need. A benefit to owning a Moen Cathedral faucet is a lifetime warranty covering all parts required when repairing problems such as leaking or faucet drips. While Moen does have a good reputation for quality, age and environment can eventually lead to repair issues. Among the most common are water flow problems, leaks and drips, and worn or broken faucet handles.
Problems With Water Pressure
Water pressure issues commonly trace back to a dirty or worn aerator. Hard-water buildup can cause scaling and block water flow. Close the sink drain to prevent small brass washers from falling down the drain. Unscrew the aerator from the mouth of the faucet and try cleaning it before making a decision to replace it. Soak the aerator in a lime scale remover and water solution; scrub with an old toothbrush. If this doesn't work, replace with a new Moen aerator.
Problems With Leaks and/or Drips
Moen Cathedral faucets use a fully warranted one-piece cartridge in place of washers or springs to guard against drips, and a plastic O-ring to seal the area around the base of the faucet and prevent leaks. If the faucet develops drips, first try cleaning the cartridge.
Before removing the cartridge, turn off the water supply to the faucet using the control valves under the sink. Turn both valves counterclockwise until water is no longer flowing to the sink; turn the faucet on to allow any water remaining in the line to run out. Unscrew the faucet handle and use a wrench to remove the retaining nut holding the cartridge in place. An older cartridge may be dirty and difficult to pull out. Consider purchasing a Moen cartridge puller to assist you-a cartridge puller fits tightly over the top of the cartridge and provides greater pulling power. You can also try to pry the cartridge out using a flathead screwdriver.
Once the cartridge is out, check the condition of the plastic O-ring and replace if it shows signs of wear or if the faucet is leaking from its base. Soak the cartridge in a 50 percent water/50 percent vinegar solution for four hours; replace the cartridge and turn the water valves back on.
If cleaning the cartridge doesn't work, locate the part number on the cover page of your instruction manual and call the Moen Helpline at (800) 289-6636 to order a free replacement. If you no longer have the manual, locate your faucet model number on the underside of the spout.
Problems With Faucet Handles
A broken handle usually means a handle that will not close all the way, resulting in water leaking from the faucet. Moen Cathedral faucet handles have a one-piece construction design with both one and two handles that makes replacement much like changing a cartridge.
Turn off the water supply and locate the setscrews on the underside of the faucet handle. Loosen with an Allen wrench and remove. Gently pry the handle away from the sink with a screwdriver and pull to remove. Screw in the new handle. Turn water back on and test the faucet for leaks. If leaks occur, the faucet isn't tight enough. Use a wrench to tighten, with a soft cloth in the center to avoid scratching.
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