How To Determine Correct Moen Faucet Cartridge? [Explained]

To maintain the water flow in hot & cold temp, a lot of folks use the Moen faucet cartridge. When this thing wears out, it gets hard to find the exact part (happens to me too).

So, how to determine correct Moen faucet cartridge? It’s easy if you try the smart steps instead of stressing out. Here’s the direction –

Close the water supply shut-off valve
Detach your Moen faucet cartridge
Learn about cartridge types & behavior
Identify the Moen faucet cartridge

I know the steps seem unclear, and that’s why this guide will show you all the missing details and explain the topic. Keep On Reading Till The End!

Moen Cartridge Identification:

No matter if it’s about fixing a leaky Moen faucet cartridge or other replacement, you’ll have to remove the parts and insert the right one. For that, the determination of the right type is needed. Here’s how to identify the Moen faucet cartridge −

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply Shut-off Valves

Locate the faucet shut-off spot, which should be under the sink, inside the closet access, behind the shower, or maybe around the tub area. If needed, read the user manual to find the zone.
Go to the room where the water meter is located.
Turn the shut off clockwise until they all are tightly closed.
Open the faucet, shower head, and other water sources to confirm that the water line is completely shut down.

Step 2: Remove Your Faucet Cartridge

Locate the small hole either on the side or below the handle. Inspect carefully to find the spot and then go to the next step.
Take the L shape wrench and use it inside the hole of the handle. In some cases, you might need to use a screwdriver to remove the small star-shaped bolt.
Twist it anticlockwise to remove the chrome shell handle.

Detach one screw from the black plastic piece using the screwdriver. Then, take the black plastic piece out.
Pull out the 2 white plastic pieces.
Take out the metal ring collar using slight hand force.
Grab a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip.
Insert the cartridge polar on the cartridge and tighten the screw out with a tool. Then, simply pull the cartridge out. Or, you can use adjustable pliers to do so.

Note:

Based on cartridge type (kitchen, shower, and bathroom), the location can be different. So, be sure to check the user manual if the above instruction seems confusing.

Step 3: Know the Moen Faucet Cartridge Based on Types

Next, learn how many types of faucet cartridges are available for the shower, bathroom, or kitchen (based on where you are using them). Then, know about its inner trait and check all of them to find the right one.

1. Moen Kitchen Faucet Cartridge

Moen Single Handle Kitchen Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Retainer	Handle Rotation	Handle Screw Spot
Cartridge 1225	U-shape copper clip	360° in 7300 Series 180° in the top-mount handle 130° in separate handle & spout	Under the cap (above the handle) On the rear side of a plug button (front of the handle)
Cartridge 40002 (CFG)	Hexagon nut with the inner or upper thread	110° in the top-mount handle 110° in the side-mount handle	Bottom of the handle (in the small hole) On the rear side of a plug button (front of the handle)
Cartridge 4000	Hexagonal metallic brass nut	110° in the top-mount handle 110° in the side-mount handle	Bottom and back of the handle (in the small hole)
Cartridge 1255, 160657, 150257, & 205013	Hexagon but in different shapes.	110° in the top-mount handle 110° in the side-mount handle	On the rear side of a plug button (front of the handle) or rear of the handle On the rear side of a plug button or in the small hole on the bottom of the handle
Cartridge 210381	2-distinct flat metallic brass nut	90° in the side-mount handle	In the small hole on the bottom of the handle

Moen Dual Handle Kitchen Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Retainer	Handle Rotation	Handle Screw Spot
Cartridge 1224	Hexagon nut with the inner or upper thread	90° in the lever handle 180° in knob handle	Below the cap on top of the handle Behind a plug button in the side of the handle
Cartridge 1234	Hexagon nut with the inner or upper thread	90° in the lever handle 180° in knob handle	Behind a plug button in the side of the handle

2. Moen Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Moen Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Retainer	Handle Rotation	Handle Screw Spot
Cartridge 1225	U-shape copper clip	360° in 4400 & 4500 Series 180° in the top-mount handle	Below the cap above the handle On the rear of the plug button in front of the handle
Cartridge 1255, 160657, & 150257	Hexagon but in different shapes.	110° in the top-mount handle 100° in the side-mount handle	Top Mount: # Below the cap above the handle # On the rear side of the plug button in front or back of the handle Side Mount: # On the bottom of the handle (in a small hole)
Cartridge 202233	Hexagon non-metallic black nut	100° in the top-mount handle	On the back of the handle (in a small hole)

Moen Dual Handle Bathroom Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Retainer	Handle Rotation	Handle Screw Spot
Cartridge 1224	Center mini ring-like nut Widespread embedded nut	90° in lever handle 180° in knob handle	Below the cap above the handle Behind the plug button on the handle side.
Cartridge 1234	Center mini ring-like nut Widespread embedded nut	90° in lever handle 180° in knob handle	Behind the plug button on the handle side.

3. Moen Shower Faucet Cartridge

Moen Single Handle Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Escutcheon Screws	Handle Work	Valve Function
Cartridge 1225	Standard	Push/pull on-off and volume	Volume control
Cartridge 1225	Original Moentrol	Push/pull on-off and volume Adjust the temperature by rotating	Volume control Pressure balanced
Cartridge 1225	Moentrol	Push/pull on-off and volume Adjust the temperature by rotating	Volume control Pressure balanced
Cartridge 1222	Posi-Temp	Rotate it	Pressure balanced Cycling valve with no volume control
Cartridge 1212	M-Core Valve: 2 Series	Rotate it	Pressure balanced Cycling valve with no volume control
Cartridge 1213	M-Core Valve: 3 Series	Push/pull on-off and volume Adjust the temperature by rotating	Volume control Pressure balanced

Moen Dual Handle Faucet Cartridge

Faucet Cartridge	Escutcheon Screws	Handle Work	Valve Function
Cartridge 1224	Under escutcheon	Rotate it	Hot or cold control flow
Cartridge 1224	Under escutcheon	Rotate it	Hot or cold control flow Diverter handle to flow water to the tub spout or showerhead

Pro Tip:

Be sure to check the images to match yours and find the right Moen faucet cartridge.

Step 4: Determine Your Moen Faucet Cartridge

Based on the upper details, select which one or more types seems close to yours. If you are thinking, “how do I know which Moen cartridge I need?” it’s possible if you check the model or series number.

Find the Moen faucet model number and search it on the official website to identify the exact part that you are using and replace it easily. Done!

Are All Moen Faucet Cartridges the Same?

Not at all! The manufacturer made different kinds of cartridges based on diverse purposes. You’ll find a Moen cartridge that has diverse looks as well as functions.

In the Moen kitchen faucet cartridges, there are a total of 10 kinds, including cartridges 1225, 1224, 1234, 1255, 40002 (CFG), 4000, 160657, 150257, 205013, and 210381.
In the Moen bathroom faucet cartridge, you’ll find a total of 7 kinds, including cartridges 1225, 1224, 1234, 1255, 160657, 150257, and 202233.
The Moen shower faucet cartridge is 5 in total (based on the single and dual handles), including cartridges 1225, 1222, 1212, 1213, and 1224.

All of the cartridges have huge differences from the water flow to cold-hot water supply and other factors.

Overall Thought

Now that you know exactly how to determine correct Moen faucet cartridge, it will be easier to do so. Just remove the cartridge from the faucet and match the appearance of it from the given list or search the model number to get the exact part. See You Later, Farewell!

How To Determine Correct Moen Faucet Cartridge? [Explained]

Moen Cartridge Identification: