How to Fix a Leaking Moen 1225 Series Bathroom Faucet by Replacing the Cartridge

I recently noticed that my 1225 series Moen bathroom sink faucet was leaking slowly. Not wanting to pay a plumber for the repair, I decided to complete a repair on my own. While I worked, I captured the steps that I took on video so that other people who need to make a similar repair could use it for reference material. I inserted the video that resulted at the end of this post. For your reference, I'm also going to post the parts and tools that can be used to complete the repair.

 

Parts

Completing the repair requires very few parts. All you need is a new Moen 1225 series faucet cartridge. This is the one I got and it worked great:

• Moen 1225 One-Handle Bathroom Faucet Cartridge  (paid link)

Tools

The tools that I used to complete the repair were similar to the following. I've chosen tools that are well-priced but also have a reputation for being good quality, so you get the most value for your money. These are tools you can buy once and use for years and years:

• Picquic Multi-bit Screwdriver (paid link)
• I've had a Pic Quic screwdriver for years. They are well made and very useful. I use mine almost daily.
• Channellock Tongue and Groove Pliers (paid link)
• I love my channellock pliers - they're well built and useful in may situations.
• Hex Wrench Set (paid link)
• 7/64" was the size required for the repair. 
• Needle Nose Pliers (paid link)
• Optional, but useful. Probably required if you don't have the white tool that comes with the replacement cartridge as it is difficult to twist the cartridge otherwise.

Steps

To complete the repair, I took the following steps (as outlined in the video below). For your convenience, I've also produced a printable PDF of these steps.

1. Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative Moen emblem.
3. Use a hex wrench (7/64") to remove the screw in the front of the handle.
4. Pull the handle off the faucet.
5. Remove the handle adapter.
6. Remove the upper decorative ring.
7. Unscrew the threaded plastic ring. Gently use channel lock pliers if required.
8. Remove the lower decorative ring.
9. Remove the cartridge retaining clip.
10. Remove the limit stop.
11. Loosen the cartridge by twisting it back and forth using pliers or the white plastic tool included with the replacement cartridge.
12. Remove washer.
13. Remove the old cartridge. Pull it straight out.
14. Clean the area to remove debris.
15. Install the new cartridge, lining it up with the retaining clip notch.
16. Reinstall the limit stop, retaining clip, lower decorative ring, and washer.
17. Screw on the threaded plastic ring.
18. Reinstall the upper decorative ring.
19. Reinstall the handle adapter.
20. Reinstall the handle and screw it in place.
21. Reinstall the Moen emblem.
22. Turn the water supply back on.

Note: If hot and cold are reversed, remove the handle and handle adapter, then turn the cartridge stem (where the handle adapter threads in) 180 degrees. Then reassemble.

 

Video

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