Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn On [Why + How To Fix]

Are you experiencing the frustration of a Moen shower that refuses to turn on? I can feel you since I recently faced this before going to a job interview, my Moen shower suddenly refused to turn on. 

As someone who has personally encountered this issue, I can assure you that resolving it is simpler than you might think. So, I will share how to solve the Moen shower faucet won’t turn on.

For Posi-Temp models you’ve to simply rotate the handle in a clockwise direction to turn on the shower. For Moentrol models, you’ve to pull the handle. Also, for ¾” ExactTemp models, rotate the volume control valve counterclockwise. 

Lastly, for ioDigital models ensure the valve is working properly. If you’re an existing user and the Moen shower is not working, a clogged or stuck faucet, faulty diverter, stiff cartridge, or water leaks could be the reason behind the Moen shower won’t turn on.

Note: You can read our ultimate guide on Moen Shower Valve Troubleshooting.

How To Turn On Moen Shower

If you’re new to the Moen products, first you have to identify the product from the user manual or the Moen website. Different models come with different mechanisms to open the shower. 

In some models, you have to pull the handle to turn on the shower. Whereas in some shower models, you have to rotate the handle to turn on the shower. Let’s check out and solve your Moen shower won’t turn on issue.

For Posi-Temp models:

To activate the water flow, simply rotate the handle in a clockwise direction. It’s important to note that pulling out the handle won’t work with this particular model. Remember, in order to get any water from the unit, both hot and cold water supplies must be connected to the valve.

If your Posi-Temp valve is equipped with stops, you’ll need to open both of them. These stops can be found on the inlets of the valve and resemble small flat-head screws. To open them, make sure the flat part is positioned horizontally. If it’s vertical, it means the water flow will be shut off.

For Moentrol models:

When using Moentrol models, make sure you pull out the handle to activate the water. Simply rotating the handle won’t turn it on. Similar to Posi-Temp models, both hot and cold water supplies must be connected to the valve to ensure proper water flow.

If your Moentrol valve has stopped, it can be found on the valve inlets and appear as small flat-head screws. To open these stops, use a flat-head screwdriver and turn it counterclockwise until you reach a stop. This ensures that the valve is fully open. Turning the screw clockwise until you reach a stop will shut off the water.

For ¾” ExactTemp models:

Installation of these units requires a volume control valve in addition to the thermostatic valve. To activate the water flow, rotate the volume control valve counterclockwise. It’s important to note that the temperature adjustment is handled solely by the thermostatic control.

Similar to other models, stops are present on the inlets of the valve. These stops resemble small flat-head screws. To open the stops, use a flat-head screwdriver and turn it counterclockwise until you reach a stop. This ensures that the valve is fully open. Turning the screw clockwise until you reach a stop will shut off the water.

Note: For ½” ExactTemp valves, please refer to the original service manual.

For ioDigital models:

Before anything else, ensure that the controller is functioning properly and turning on. If it fails to turn on, please refer to the troubleshooting guide for ioDigital valve issues.

Make sure the shut-off valves are in the open position for proper water flow. The location and type of shut-off valves may vary depending on your specific IoDigital model.

If you’re using a Moen shower and it won’t turn on, there may be a problem with the product. The following are some of the reasons.

Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn On [5 Easy Solutions]

Let’s tell you the truth, no matter how old your shower faucet is, it won’t stop pouring water unless a part in the shower system is severely damaged and blocking the path of water. 

Even a few decades-old faucet can work although the water pressure and pattern would not be that good. So now, let’s find out what type of problems can make your Moen faucet not turn on.

Reasons	Solutions
> The shower faucet is clogged	> Turn the water supply back on
> The diverter isn’t working or is faulty	> Clean the clog with vinegar
> Shower faucet valve is stuck or damaged	> Turn the water supply back on
> Identify the source and fix the leak	> Replace the faulty diverter
> Water leaking from the pipe	> Clean the valve or replace it if faulty

1. Water Supply Is Turned Off

If your house is not too old, then you’d find the main supply valve for each compartment’s plumbing.

If the supply valve is turned off or the pressure is set on low, your shower faucet might not get the required water to make your shower pleasing. 

Solution:

• To turn your water supply back on, you need to locate and operate the main water valve
• The main valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. Once you have located the valve, turn it counterclockwise to open it and restore water flow.
• An extra step you can take is checking the pressure level of both hot and cold inlets behind the handle valve. If they are open and in the same position, then things are okay. 

Note: It is important to turn the valve slowly to avoid water hammer, which can damage your pipes.

2. Shower Faucet Is Clogged

If any of the shower components are clogged with dirt and heavy mineral, or rust they’d surely create a dead end in the water gateway.

Most of the time, rubber washer, aerator, stem, and cartridge is affected by heavy deposits after years of use. 

Solution:

• Firstly, turn off the water supply in your bathroom. 
• Then, use a wrench or Moen remover tool to put down the shower faucet from the wall. 
• Now dismantle and separate each part of the faucet for cleaning using a screwdriver. Take a large bowl filled with 1:1 vinegar water and soak those components for a few minutes. 
• Use a metal scrubber to scrub off wastes from metal components. You can also use a toothbrush to clean rubber parts. 
• If the do-ring seal of the cartridge is damaged from mineral deposits you’ve to replace the cartridge with a new one.
• Finally, reassemble all the parts of the faucet.

3. Shower Faucet Valve Is Stuck Or Damaged

 The faucet valve or pressure valve controls the whole water pressure and supply mechanism. It works on the direct command of the users. 

When the cartridge or any part of the valve becomes idle, the water supply either stops flowing or starts draining from the faucet. A Moen shower handle won’t turn the water on if the cartridge or valve has become deadlocked. 

Mainly, a broken, cracked, clogged, or overtight valve can block water from passing through. This is a very common reason why a Moen shower won’t turn on. 

Solution:

• First, turn off the water in the bathroom
• Free the valve area from the main construction.
• Clean the shower faucet valve. 
• Reinstall it and make sure the handle and other screws aren’t overtightened. 
• Finally, change the old cartridge with a new replacement shower cartridge if the old one is in very poor condition. Cartridge replacement Internal link 

4. Diverter Isn’t Working Well

With a Moen shower system, the main piping connects a diverter valve to both the showerhead and tub faucet. The purpose of the diverter valve is to control the flow of water and direct it to the appropriate outlet. 

When you notice that the showerhead is receiving an adequate amount of water, but the tub faucet is not releasing any water at all, it is likely that the diverter valve is the cause of the problem. Here’s the solution.

Solution:

• To replace a Moen shower diverter, you need to disassemble the faucet and remove the old diverter.
• The specific steps may vary depending on the type of diverter, but generally, you need to gently pry off the handle cap, unthread the Phillips screw, and pull the handle and wall tube off.
• Then, remove the old diverter by using a 7/8″ deep well socket or pliers to unthread it counterclockwise.
• After removing the old diverter, you install the new one and reassemble the faucet. If you need to replace the spout, you can unscrew it counterclockwise with pliers and replace it with a new one.

Typically, a Moen shower diverter can cost around $100-$200. Here’s a video you can watch on how to remove and insert a Moen shower valve diverter.

5. Water Leaking From The Piping

If the shower knob turns but no water comes out, while other faucet components are in good shape, it is possible that there is a leak in the water lines specific to the shower system. 

Any leakage or lose joints at the bottom of the line can break the water supply by releasing water before it goes to the faucet. 

Solution:

• First, check if any spot on the bathroom wall is molded or faded. If there’s one, then you can be sure that the leaking area is behind that spot. 
• You can’t fix leakage in plumbing alone. Call a plumber and show him the possible leaking spot to fix. 
• But before that, make sure you’ve emptied your water tank. 
• Finally, ask the plumber to recheck the faucet after fixing the area. Because there might be a few other leaking spots in the water line. 

So, these are the most possible reasons why a shower faucet won’t give water. 

How To Replace Your Moen Bathtub Faucet

If none of the above solutions work for you, it’s time for a replacement.

There are a few signs that indicate you need to replace your faucet. 

• Persistent Leakage: If you notice persistent leaking or dripping from the faucet, even after attempting to fix it, it may be a sign of worn-out internal components or seals. In such cases, replacing the faucet is often the most effective solution.
• Poor water flow or pressure: If your bathtub faucet is delivering weak water flow or reduced water pressure consistently, despite having no clogs, it means the faucet’s valve or cartridge is faulty. Replacing the faucet can help restore proper water flow.
• Corrosion or visible damage: Over time, faucets can develop corrosion, rust, or visible damage. If the corrosion is severe or affects the functionality of the faucet, replace it immediately. 

Similarly, if there are cracks or significant physical damage that cannot be repaired, a replacement is necessary.

FAQs:

Final Thoughts

I hope that solves Moen shower faucet won’t turn on. Moen products are pretty durable and long-lasting. However, problems like blockage or no water in the tub faucet can happen suddenly. 

Go for the permanent solutions that we’ve mentioned today. If you don’t take the necessary steps ASAP. If you face some trouble while fixing a dead faucet, feel free to reach us. We’d be happy to help you. Meanwhile, you can see Moen’s shower handle knob keeps breaking.