Moen Shower Valve Troubleshooting [15+ Easy Solutions]

Today we’ll discuss moen shower valve troubleshooting. Some major problems of a faulty Moen shower valve include: 

• Stuck shower handle caused by mineral deposits.
• The diverter valve not working.
• The faucet won’t turn off.
• The handle won’t stay in place. 
• The valve not mixing properly, and
• No hot or cold water from the shower. 

The reasons for most valve-related problems are mostly a faulty cartridge, wrong installation, and mineral buildups in the shower valve.

Now, let’s hop on to the discussion on how to solve these Moen shower valve problems.

Moen Shower Valve Troubleshooting Guide

Let’s have a quick overview of the major Moen shower valve problems and the potential reasons with easy-to-follow solutions.

Problems	Reasons	Solutions
Moen Shower Handle Stuck	> Clogged cartridge due to dirt, debris, mineral buildups, a broken shaft, or a faulty seal in the cartridge	> Clean out the debris, and mineral buildups.  > Replace the shower cartridge accordingly.
Moen Shower Valve Low Pressure	> Mechanically broken or corroded, and the O-ring seal of the cartridge may be broken	> Something is blocking the valve, the valve needs calibration, and the valve may be faulty
Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn Off	> Loose, stripped, blocked faucet handle or a faulty shower cartridge or valve, or worn-out stem washer	> Tighten the loose screw of the handle and replace the cartridge or stem washer if faulty.
Moen Shower Handle Won’t Stay In Place	> The connector might be broken or missing a metal washer. > The set screw that holds the handle in place may have come loose or fallen out	> Replace the broken connection or the metal washer.
Moen Shower Valve Not  Mixing Properly	> Incorrect Pressure balance in the shower valve, incorrect  installation	> Adjust the pressure balance properly Re-install if incorrectly installed.
Moen Shower Valve No Hot/Cold Water	> The cartridge may be clogged, broken, or installed incorrectly.  > Water leaks, clogged tank or supply lines, clogged shower valve, loose handle, broken valve stem, or clogged faucet or showerhead.	> Clear the blockage from the valve and calibrate if needed.  > If the valve is faulty, replace it entirely.
Moen Shower Valve Pressure Balance Problem	> Malfunctioning cartridge inside the faucet	> Replace the cartridge with a new one according to the model.
Moen Shower Valve Will Not Turn On	> Remove the clog, dirt, or mineral buildup from cartridges, tank, and valve, if any. > Reinstall the cartridge if there’s an installation fault. > Replace the valve stem or showerhead if broken.	> Remove the clog, dirt, or mineral buildup from cartridges, tank, and valve, if any. > Reinstall the cartridge if there’s an installation fault. > Replace the valve stem or showerhead if broken.
Moen Shower Valve Cartridge Won’t Come Out	> Due to mineral buildup or corrosion, overtightened screw.	> Use pliers to twist the plastic nut to loosen the cartridge. > You can also try using a Moen cartridge puller tool to remove the cartridge.

1. Moen Shower Handle Stuck

One of the major issues people face with the Moen shower valve is the handle gets stuck. Common reasons behind this issue include,

• A clogged cartridge due to dirt
• Debris, mineral buildups
• A broken shaft, or
• A faulty seal in the cartridge. 

How To Fix:

To fix the stuck handle, follow the below steps:

• Use a hex tool (7/64 or 3/32nd hex is the common size for most Moen showers) or a flat screwdriver (according to the shower type) to remove the screws from the shower handle. You’ll find the tools list in the user manual that came with the product.
• Now use a WD 40 rust remover spray, vinegar, or delimer to remove corrosion/rust from the handle. 
• After applying WD 40, vinegar, or delimer let it sit for a minute and wiggle gently, and the handle should come out easily.

If the shower handle has a broken shaft/seal, you may need to replace the cartridge rather than the handle itself. The shaft can break due to wear and tear or a stiff cartridge. If you face trouble turning the water on or changing its direction, the cartridge may be too stiff. See moen shower handle stuck for more.

2. Moen Shower Valve Low Pressure

Shower diverters are generally plumbing devices that control water flow in a shower system. Some common reasons behind the valve having low water pressure are it may be the valve worn out or corroded, and the O-ring seal of the cartridge may be broken.

Usually, shower diverters are not prone to mechanical failures but are susceptible to wear and tear over time and usage. If your shower diverter is faulty, water will leak from the faucet during the shower, the valve won’t engage due to rust.

How To Fix:

To fix your Moen shower diverter not working, you need to clean the cartridge and flush out the valve body to remove any sediment that’s causing the problem. To properly clean and flush the valve body follow the below steps.

Refer to the below table for the flushing procedure of different faucets.

For Deckmount Faucets

For Wallmount Faucets

> Prepare a sizable bowl and wrap the lower portion of the faucet with a towel. > Using a nylon bristle brush, gently scrub the interior walls of the valve body to remove any mineral build-ups. > To flush the system, water must be pushed through the valve body. One person should place a bowl upside down over the open valve body to direct water into the sink. And the other person should slightly turn on the water to allow a small flow through the system. If using hot and cold shutoffs, repeat the process for each side separately.

> Not applicable > Do the same thing as Deckmount faucets. Gently scrub the interior part of the valve body to clean up. > Same thing as the Decklmount faucet. Moen recommends standing outside the tub or shower as a safety measure when turning on the faucet shut-offs or water main supplies. Turn on the water slightly to allow a small flow through the system. > Also, as before, repeat the process for each side separately if you’re using hot and cold shut-offs.

Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines while flushing the valve body. If you’re not confident about how to do this properly, seek professional help. Here’s a detailed video you can watch for the flushing process. Shower valve flush

If cleaning and flushing out the problem doesn’t solve the issue, you’ll need to replace the cartridge. Based on the model of your Moen shower.

3. Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn Off

Your Moen shower is not turning off due to a loose, stripped, blocked faucet handle or a faulty shower cartridge or valve. Another possible cause is having a worn-out stem washer.

How To Fix:

To fix a loose moen shower faucet handle, follow the below steps:

• First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Now, remove the handle screw with a 7/64 hex key, the screw is usually located at the bottom part of the handle. 
• After removing the screw gently twist the handle, and it will come out. You’ll see another screw inside the valve as shown in the below picture. 
• Tighten the valve screw with a Philip or flat screwdriver but remember not to over-tighten the screw.
• If you find out the screw has been stripped due to wear and tear, simply replace the screw with a new one. You can find the screw details according to your shower model in the user manual.
• If you see the valve is clogged with mineral buildup, clean it first with vinegar or lemon juice. Then, reassemble the handle and put the screw back in place.
• Finally, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet handle.

If none of these fixes your problem that indicates the handle is damaged and needs replacement. Seek professional help to replace the handle.

4. Moen Shower Handle Won’t Stay In Place

During manufacturing, a lubricant (usually silicone) is applied to the cartridge, which can cause the faucet to shut off by itself due to the handle’s weight.

In models that use a handle connector, the connector might be broken or missing a metal washer which can lead to valve issues. Another possible cause is the set screw that holds the handle in place may have come loose or fallen out.

How To Fix:

To solve this issue, first, it’s crucial to determine the model of your faucet. You can do this by visiting our Find Your Product section. Now follow the below instructions:

• If your faucet uses a 1225 cartridge, ensure all the screws are tightened.
• For faucets with a 1255 cartridge, replace the cartridge entirely.
• If your faucet uses a 4000 cartridge, tighten the cartridge nut or replace the cartridge.

For faucets that have a handle connector, switch to a new connector. If you have replaced the cartridge, ensure to check the old cartridge stem for a gray metal washer. Additionally, it must be transferred to the new cartridge stem.

For knowing more detail read our comprehensive guide on Moen shower handle that won’t stay in place.

5. Moen Shower Valve Not Mixing Properly

Common issues behind your Moen shower valve not mixing properly include

• Thermostat issue
• Diverter issue
• Timer issue
• Cartridge issue
• Pressure-balance needs to be adjusted
• Incorrect installation.

How To Fix:

You can check if the thermostat is working properly and replace the timer, diverter, or cartridge if faulty. Here’s how you can check the thermostat:

• To check the Moen shower thermostat, you can place the handle or handle adapter back on the shower, pull the handle to the on position and rotate left. 
• Use a thermometer to check the hot water temperature (not to exceed 120°F). If the temperature is still too hot, repeat the steps above. 
• If the valve isn’t mixing the water properly, it will either be too hot or too cold. You may need to replace the timer if it is broken or replaces the cartridge if it has become clogged with calcium deposits. 
• To check behind the wall, turn off all water valves in your home, unscrew and remove the shower head from your shower arm, and place a bucket under the shower arm.

You may need to replace the valve if there is more severe damage. If the Moen shower valve is incorrectly installed, reinstalling the valve correctly will resolve the issue.

6. Moen Shower Valve No Hot/Cold Water

If hot water cannot be flowing from your shower but is working normally elsewhere in your house there could be something blocking the valve. 

In some models, a lack of pressure feeding the hot and cold will be the cause. The valve may also need to be calibrated. The most likely scenario is that the tub valve has failed, even though Moen valves are pretty reliable.

How To Fix:

The fixing procedure may vary depending on your Moen shower model. So, refer to the below table for Posi-temp, Montreal/Standard, or ExactTemp models:

For Posi-temp:

• Ensure that the handle is properly attached. If it’s upside down, the handle won’t turn the cartridge to provide a mix of hot and cold water. 
• Just take off the handle and reinstall it. If the problem persists, replace the 1222 cartridge and flush the valve body.

For Montreal/Standard:

Replace the 1225 cartridge and flush the valve body. You can watch the below video.

For ExactTemp:

Confirm that the shut-off valves (check stop kit) are in the “open” position. You’ll find a screw in the center of the check stop kit that needs to be unscrewed counterclockwise.

Check if the hot and cold lines are reversed. If you can access the supply lines, feel the temperature of the pipes. 

The cold supply must be connected to the valve’s cold (right) side, and the hot supply must be connected to the hot (left) side. If this is the case, you’ll need to reinstall the valve. Note that the cartridge cannot be reversed to solve this issue.

7. Moen Shower Valve Pressure Balance Problem

A Moen shower valve pressure balance problem can be caused by a malfunctioning cartridge inside the faucet. The cartridge houses the valves that manage the water pressure of the shower stream. 

Also, If you experience a leak near the handle or a loss of control over the water temperature, the cartridge is likely the culprit.

How To Fix:

To fix the pressure balance issue, you must safely remove the faucet, disassemble the internal mechanism, replace the cartridge, and reassemble the faucet. See here for the cartridge replacement procedure.

If the problem persists, it could be due to wear and tear, a clog, or debris in the valve housing. In such cases, clean the valve housing thoroughly and replace the Moen shower mixing valve if necessary.

Precautions:

Here are the things you need to consider while replacing the cartridge.

• To prepare for fixing the shower, turn off the water supply. If there’s a dedicated valve for the showerhead or faucet, use that. Otherwise, turn off the main water supply to your entire house and drain any remaining water from the pipes.
• To drain the water, use the lowest faucet in your home. This will help prevent any mess or accidents with hot water while you’re replacing the cartridge.

8. Moen Shower Valve Will Not Turn On

If your Moen shower valve will not turn on, there could be several reasons. The most common cause is a cartridge issue, which may be clogged, broken, or installed incorrectly. Other possible causes include: 

• Water leaks.
• Clogged tank or supply lines.
• Clogged shower valve, loose handle.
• Broken valve stem, or clogged faucet or showerhead. 

How To Fix:

You need to replace the cartridge according to your Moen shower model. If you see the water is leaking, the first thing you should do is identify the leak’s source. If you find algae or mold in the leakage area it indicates that the tank might be leaking.

Seek professional help from Moen or a certified plumber who will fix the leak for you in the best way. If there’s no water leak inspect the supply lines for debris like mineral buildups.

You can use household vinegar or any WD 40 to clear mineral deposits easily. Here’s a video you can watch easy how to clean a Faucet and calcified minerals using household vinegar.

To fix a loose Moen shower handle, follow the below steps in the correct order:

• Remove the screw cover: Locate the small cover on the handle, which is usually a small plastic cap with the Moen logo or a decorative button. Carefully pry it off using a flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail.
• Tighten the handle screw: With the cover removed, you will see a screw securing the handle to the cartridge stem. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the type of screw) to tighten the screw until the handle is firmly attached to the stem.
• Test the handle: Gently wiggle the handle to ensure it is no longer loose. If it still feels wobbly, try tightening the screw a bit more.
• Replace the screw cover: Once the handle is secure, snap the screw cover back into place.

9. Moen Shower Valve Cartridge Won’t Come Out

The cartridge may be stuck due to mineral buildup or corrosion, or the retaining clip or nut may be too tight. 

How To Fix:

To remove the cartridge, you can try using pliers to twist the plastic nut to loosen the cartridge. You can also try using a cartridge puller tool to remove the cartridge. If the cartridge is still stuck, you may need to call a professional plumber to remove it without damaging the valve.

6 More Common Moen Shower Valve Problems

i). Moen Shower Head Not Working

If the shower faucet is not working, there could be something blocking the cartridge or the temperature limiter may need adjustment. If the showerhead is not working properly, it may need cleaning, or there could be stuck or damaged cartridges or failing O-rings. 

You may also experience issues like lack of hot water, cold/hot sides reversed, accumulation of dirt and debris, and spout drip or leaks in your Moen shower valve. To fix these issues, you can try cleaning the shower head, replacing the cartridge, or adjusting the temperature limiter. 

ii). Moen Shower Knob Keeps Breaking

If your Moen shower knob keeps breaking, rough valve movements, faulty installation, use of worn-out parts, and excessive water pressure are some of the probable reasons. The shaft of the knob can break from normal wear and tear, or it can also break because the cartridge became too stiff, requiring force to operate. 

If the item is not installed correctly with the white plastic rings that turn inside the thing, it can cause the knob to break. To fix the issue, you can try replacing the knob, cartridge, or stem, or adjusting the water pressure.

iii). Moen Shower Valve Is Hard To Turn

If your Moen shower valve is hard to turn, it could indicate the valve may be rusted or damaged, making the cartridge stem hard to rotate.

You can lubricate the cartridge with silicon grease to allow the stem to rotate more easily. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the cartridge.

iv). Moen Shower Valve No Water

If your Moen shower valve is not providing any water, there could be a few possible causes. Hot and cold water may not be supplied to the valve, improper use, or an obstruction in the spout/shower head could cause this to happen. 

To troubleshoot and fix the issue, follow these steps:

• First, verify that the hot water system in your home is operational
• Identify the model of your faucet from the Moen user manual.
• For Posi-Temp models, check if the hot and cold supply lines are reversed. The cold supply must be connected to the valve’s cold (right) side, and the hot supply must be connected to the hot (left) side.
• For standard valve models, check if shut-off valves are installed with the unit. Verify these valves are opened all the way.

• If the issue persists, you may need to remove the cartridge and reinstall it.

If hot water isn’t flowing from your shower but the hot water system in your house is otherwise functioning normally, something could be blocking the cartridge. 

It’s also possible that the cartridge is installed incorrectly or that the temperature limiter needs adjustment. You may need to remove the cartridge to make repairs or completely replace it if faulty.

v). Moen Shower Dripping Or Leaking Spout

If your Moen shower is dripping or leaking from the spout, the issue could be a continuous leak, water leaking from the handle, or stacking. Here’s how you can fix this issue:

• First, identify the type of valve system you have.
• If you have a standard valve system and the shower system continues running or dripping with the handle in the off position, replace the 1225/1200 cartridge

If the tub spout only leaks when running, this symptom is called a stacking leak. Stacking leaks have several causes. Refer to the below table:

Causes	Fixes
The tub spout gate is blocking the water.	> Replace the tub spout. If the problem persists ensure there are no additional Sharklbites or snap adapters are used.
Incorrect installation of the valve.	> Make sure the distance between the valve body and the tub spout and showerhead outlets follows the guidelines in the instructions. > If not, re-plumb the outlets to the right spacing. >The tub spout should be 6″ to 11″ below the valve body, and the showerhead must be at least 46″ above the valve body.
Incorrect piping or tubed used.	> Use 1/2″ metal pipe (like Copper, Galvanized, or Brass IPS) from the valve body to the tub spout outlet. > If you’re using the wrong pipe, replace it.
The valve body is installed upside down. (Single-handle)	> Make sure the single handle is installed with the “UP” side facing the ceiling. > If it’s not, you may need to reinstall the valve body to fix it.
The valve body is installed upside down. (Two-handle)	> For two-handle valves mounted upside-down to fit ceiling water supplies, the flow director needs to be moved to the side where the water enters. > Remove it and install it properly.

vi). Moen Shower Cold/Hot Sides Reversed

If the hot and cold sides are reversed in your shower, you need to adjust the cartridge stem. Here are the troubleshooting steps you need to follow.

For a Moen 1225 cartridge,

• Rotate the stem 180 degrees (1/2 turn) without removing the cartridge. 
• If the hot supply is on the left and the cold supply is on the right, the notch on the cartridge should face the 6:00 position.

For a Moen 1222 cartridge,

If the hot and cold are reversed, the supply lines are reversed, or the cartridge is installed upside down, remove and rotate the 1222 cartridge 180 degrees.

Still Not Fixed? Reach Out To Moen Technicians

If you have tried troubleshooting your Moen shower valve and are still experiencing issues, you can reach out to Moen customer support for assistance. You can contact Moen’s dedicated customer support at 1-800-289-6636. Call 1-844-633-8356 for Smart Water Network product support.

How To Replace Moen Shower Valve

To replace a Moen shower valve, simply follow the below steps:

Step 1: First, turn off the water supply to the shower.

Step 2: Then, remove the shower handle and trim plate.

Step 3: Also, remove the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge.

Step 4: Now, pull the cartridge out of the valve body.

Step 5: Install the new cartridge into the valve body.

Step 6: Reinstall the retaining clip or nut.

Step 7: Reinstall the trim plate and handle.

Step 8: Finally, turn the water supply back on and test the shower.

Here’s a video you can watch if the steps are confusing about how to replace MOEN tub/shower valve.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Moen Shower Valve

The cost of replacing a shower valve or its internal parts can range from $100 to $575. For homeowners who only need to replace the stem and internal parts, the average cost is around $310 when hiring a professional plumber.

On the other hand, if you need to replace the entire shower valve, you can expect to pay an average of $540 for the complete installation. This cost includes the price of the new valve, removal of the old/broken shower valve, parts and supplies, and labor costs.

This cost will vary depending on the type of valve and the complexity of the replacement. For instance, if you have a thermostatic valve, the cost may be higher. 

Similarly, if the valve is located in a hard-to-reach area, behind a wall with limited access, or if the plumbing work involved is more complex, the cost may also be higher. Refer to the below table for part cost.

Parts	Average Cost to Replace (Estimated)
Shower cartridge	$100 – $350
Shower mixing valve	$225 – $575
Shower diverter valve	$225 – $575

How To Prevent Moen Shower Valve Problems

To prevent Moen shower valve problems, follow these maintenance tips:

• You should regularly clean the shower head and valve to remove any buildup of dirt and debris.
• Check the water pressure regularly to ensure it is not too high, which can damage the valve.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the valve’s finish.
• Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully to ensure the valve is installed correctly.
• If you notice any leaks or other issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

It is also recommended to have a professional plumber inspect your shower valve periodically to ensure it is functioning properly and to address any potential issues before they become major problems.

FAQs:

Final Words:

That was everything about Moen shower valve troubleshooting. Hope now you can solve your Moen shower valve issues without any hassle. Always remember debris like mineral buildup is one of the major causes behind valve issues.

To prevent dirt and debris buildup, clean your shower head and valve regularly. Overall, moen showers are pretty durable and reliable in terms of quality and usage. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below. We’ll try to cover those in our next write-up.