A leaking Moen faucet causes problems for your sink, since a wet sink is a breeding ground for mold or fungus, and all those drops will cost money if you pay for your water by the gallon. Fortunately, this problem is easy enough for the average handyperson to fix. Without help from a plumber or contractor, you can stop leaks by replacing the cartridge in the faucet. It takes about a half hour with the most basic tools.
Instructions
1. Shut the water valves on the pipes leading to the faucet, located under your kitchen sink, by turning them counterclockwise.
2. Take out the plastic plug in the back of the faucet and unscrew the Allen screw under it with an Allen wrench. Pull up on the handle to remove it from the faucet.
3. Rotate the spout retainer counterclockwise and pull it off the faucet. Unscrew the retaining nut, under the spout retainer, with a pair of channel-lock pliers, by turning it counterclockwise. Take out the cartridge by gripping the end with pliers and pulling it out of the faucet.
4. Place a new cartridge into the faucet. Return the retainer nut to the top of the faucet and tighten it down to secure the cartridge in place. Tighten by hand, or apply gentle pressure with a pair of pliers. Replace the spout retainer and handle. Mount the handle by tightening the screw in back with an Allen wrench.
Tags: moen, sink, faucet, spout retainer, Allen wrench, counterclockwise Take, with Allen, with Allen wrench, with pair