House Hacking Project: No Hot Water

Have a single handle shower faucet? Chances are that without frequent use, the hot side sticks closed. Little to no hot water is available at the appliance. This is horrible in a guest bath, especially when they have to use another shower for hot water! Luckily a cartridge replacement is cheap and easy. Let’s get started.

The first steps are to determine your make and model of your appliance, and order the correct parts. We have a Moen fixture, and again head to moen.com to type in the model number to find our replacement parts. We are looking to replace the cartridge insert, and that is part #1222. We order it from Amazon, and wait a few days.

With a new cartridge in hand, it is time to disassemble the fixture. This has a plastic cap in the end, when removed exposes the retaining screw.

Under the handle you will find the handle stop. This piece of plastic pulls right out; set aside.

Our install required us to remove the escutcheon to access the retaining clip. Another two screws and a gentle nudge was all it took.

Many online DIYs say a special puller tool is required to remove the cartridge, but luckily Moen came up with a work around. They included a plastic tool that you insert, and turn 45 degrees. This creates a cam action that pulls the part out. The picture I had of that is too blurry to use 🙁

Insert removed. You want to check inside to make sure no rubber parts are stuck inside from the old cartridge.

Time to start wrapping this job up! Grab the new insert, and apply the assembly lube to the rubber surfaces. This is so they don’t adhere to the walls upon install. Once it is lubed, a firm and slow push will seat it completely.

The retaining clip pushes back into place. Make sure it is completely flush.

Refit the escutcheon, and reinstall the screws and handle stops. Mount the handle back and you are all set! Turn the water back on and enjoy hot water again.

One note: our handle in the off position was actually on. We flipped the handle 180 degrees and were finished! Not bad, a $37 part and 10 minutes of time found us back in business.

If you have any questions, post a comment, send a text to (760) 814-1850 or email info@1850realty.com