The new cartridges come with a plastic "key" that you are supposed to use after pulling the retaining clip but before attempting to remove the cartridge. This loosens the barrel/sleeve to help ensure that it comes out when you pull.
Since you did not use it (or you did but the barrel/sleeve still got stuck), you will likely need to rent or buy a special puller tool. The good ones are expensive ($80) to buy but good plumbing shops rent them. Ask around plumbing and hardware shops (not the "big box" stores) to find somewhere that rents a "Moen Puller". Mine looks like this:
MOEN
moen.com › customer-support › installation-help › 1200-1225-cartridge-replacement-tutorial
Installing the Moen 1200 or 1225 Cartridge Tutorial | MOEN
Moen 1200 or 1225 Cartridge Replacement
Reddit
reddit.com › r/diy › replacing moen shower cartridge
r/DIY on Reddit: Replacing Moen Shower Cartridge
August 3, 2023 -
I'm replacing an ancient Moen shower cartridge at my girlfriend's house and I'm stuck. I got the old one out surprisingly easily and the new one (#1225) slid right in. However, I can't manage to get the flat brass locking pin (kind with two legs) to slide in to lock the cartridge in place. It feels like I'm getting solid resistance on both sides despite having lined the notches up as carefully as possible and making sure the new cartridge is seated all the way in. It almost feels as if the new cartridge is a mm or so longer than the old one.
I'm considering using a file or hacksaw blade to widen the slot for the locking pin a little. Any other ideas?
Top answer 1 of 3
5
Double check the old seal did not stay in the valve body. Compare the old w the new unit to verify all pieces are out. Also grease the seals on the new unit. Do NOT cut it. It will fit if it’s the right unit
2 of 3
2
Years of doing these have taught me two things. Always replace with kind.. don't switch styles. And always buy actual moen replacements. The Ace brand ones (made by Lasco I think?) Don't last two years.
plumbing - Replacing Moen 1225 cartridge - entire stem and top of cartridge came out - bottom did not - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
I'm the homeowner/landlord - I've changed the 1225 cartridges before with no problem....until tonight. It has the Chateau style handle. Needed a little CLR to loosen screw but it came out. Cartridg... More on diy.stackexchange.com
Replacing Moen #1225 Tub/Shower Faucet Cartridge - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Dishwashers, Tubs and Garbage Disposals - Replacing Moen #1225 Tub/Shower Faucet Cartridge - I am trying to replace this cartridge. I have removed the retainer clip. I have tried pulling the cartridge out with pliers and vise grips, but it won't budge. More on doityourself.com
Moen 1225 Cartridge replacement - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Make sure there is nothing additional in the tube. I did a video about the replacement process when I replaced my cartridge over the weekend. Moen Kitchen Faucet 1225 Cartridge Repair or Replacement - YouTube ... Repair a Single Handle Tub and Shower Cartridge Faucet By Sage C. More on doityourself.com
moen 1200 cartridge- same as 1225?
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com More on plbg.com
Videos
02:57
THE PROPER WAY TO REPLACE A MOEN 1225 CARTRIDGE (4 PRO TIPS) - YouTube
07:41
Replacing A Moen 1225 Shower Cartridge - Moentrol Replacement - ...
09:23
How to Replace a Moen Shower Valve Cartridge 1225 - YouTube
09:23
THE PROPER WAY TO REPLACE A MOEN 1225 CARTRIDGE - YouTube
02:59
How to Replace a Moen 1225 Shower Valve Cartridge (Easy DIY Fix) ...
09:23
Master Your Shower: Replace the Moen Valve Cartridge 1225 Like ...
Moen Solutions
solutions.moen.com › article library
1225 Cartridge: Single Handle Shower-Standard Valve - Moen Solutions
April 15, 2025 - This article will give step-by-step instructions on how to replace a 1225 flow cartridge in a single handle Standard valve shower.
Amazon
amazon.com › Essential-Values-1225-Replacement-Cartridge › dp › B07ZZL3CNQ
Essential Values 1225 Replacement Cartridge for Moen – Aftermarket Replacement Compatible with One Handle Kitchen and Bathroom Sink Faucets, Slick Polished Finish - Fine Metal - Amazon.com
Dual Seal 1225 Replacement Cartridge, Compatible with Moen 1225 1225B, One Handle Kitchen and Bathroom Faucet Cartridge Replacement, for Single Handle Faucet/Showers, Brass
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › lofqe-installed-moen-1225-single-handle-faucet-replacement.html
How to Replace a Moen 1225 Single Handle Faucet Cartridge - Expert Q&A
Loud noise from a Moen 1225 cartridge often results from high water pressure or debris trapped inside. First, check for sediment buildup by removing and flushing the cartridge. Inspect the cartridge’s rubber seals and springs for wear or damage. Ensure the cartridge is fully seated and tightened correctly to prevent vibration.
DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › plumbing, piping, water heating, wells, air & water filtration and conditioning › toilets, sinks, showers, dishwashers, tubs and garbage disposals › replacing moen #1225 tub/shower faucet cartridge
Replacing Moen #1225 Tub/Shower Faucet Cartridge - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
January 13, 2013 - Glad that you got it fixed. Did you get the cartridge out with just the plastic thingy or did you have to get the puller? ... The plastic thing did the job. Thanks, Denny ... Closing thread. OP fixed his issue. ... Repair a Single Handle Tub and Shower Cartridge Faucet By Sage C.
Terry Love
terrylove.com › home › forums
Moen 1225 Cartridge Replacement - Tips Please
June 29, 2010 - Terry Love Plumbing Advice, Remodel DIY & Professional Forum. The best plumbing forums in the USA and Canada. A place for home owners to ask questions and for professionals to share information.
Moen Solutions
solutions.moen.com › article library
How to Reverse Hot and Cold for a 1225 Cartridge in Shower - Moen Solutions
April 15, 2025 - This article will give you step by step instructions on how to reverse the hot and cold water flow for a 1225 shower cartridge .
DIY Home Improvement
diychatroom.com › home › forums › home improvement › plumbing
Moen 1225 cartridge | DIY Home Improvement Forum
June 20, 2025 - That link is for a 1222 cartridge, the parts that I installed are exactly what shows in this article. I have watched more U Tube videos and everything is how I did it unless there is something missing inside of valve , ,.https://solutions.moen.com/Article_Library/1225_Cartridge:_Single_Handle_Shower-Standard_Valve
Moen
shop.moen.com › products › 1225
Moen One-handle Replacement Cartridge
2 weeks ago - SKU: Model #1225 · Regular price · Web Price: $26.46 i Web price is valid for moen.com only and does not include any applicable tax or shipping charges. List Price: $39.50 · Regular price · Sale price $26.46 Unit price / per Sale Sold out ...
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › ms9ib-i-m-replacing-1225-cartridge-copper-clip-won-t.html
Expert Q&A: Moen 1225 & 1200 Cartridge Replacement and Installation
The new cartridge and the old one are identical. I contacted the manufacturer to confirm the correct part, and they informed me it was 1225. It matches exactly with the one I took out from the faucet base. The old cartridge was a bit challenging to remove; I had to use a light scrubber brush to clean off some of the buildup on it.
MOEN
moen.com › customer-support › cartridge-replacement › 1225-cartridge-removal-and-installation
1225 Cartridge Removal and Installation Guide for a One Handle Bathroom Faucet | MOEN
This customer support guide will help you to remove a 1225 Moen Cartridge from a One Handle Bathroom Faucet and then install a new 1225 Moen Cartridge
Greydock
greydock.com › wp-tw5-225
FlowRite Replacement Kit for MOEN 1225 / 1225B Stem Cartridge with Puller Tool - GreyDock.com
FlowRite Replacement Kit for MOEN 1225 / 1225B Stem Cartridge with Puller Tool
FlowRite Replacement Kit for MOEN 1225 / 1225B Stem Cartridge with Puller ToolThis FlowRite new replacement cartridge for Moen 1225, 1225B posi-temp single handle tub and shower is a perfect fix to your leaking issues. This product comes with retaining clips and fits all Moen single handle shower/tub valves except posi-temp and ExactTemp models. If you have an older, difficult, or frozen valve that you have trouble removing, this set also includes a heavy duty cartridge puller that makes the removal task much easier. It's the one the pros use and is made specifically for these cartridges. Made
Price $12.19
Moen
en.moen.com.mx › customer-support › installation-help › 1200-1225-cartridge-replacement-tutorial
Installing the Moen 1200 or 1225 Cartridge Tutorial
To complete the project, you should first gather the tools and all the parts you will need. Next, the basic steps are to disassemble the handle, remove the cartridge, reinstall the new cartridge, and test your water · You should have the following tools available to you before you start: ...
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › ocqz9-attempting-replace-1225-cartridge-pulled.html
Shower Cartridge Replacement Help: Troubleshooting Guide
March 5, 2024 - Contractor's Assistant: I understand that you're attempting to replace a 1225 cartridge for your Moen faucet. Is the new cartridge not fitting properly into the faucet? Customer: That's correct. It's a shower-only faucet, and I can't get it to go all the way in.
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › p › MOEN-Single-Handle-8-5-in-D-Replacement-Cartridge-1225B › 100051867
MOEN Single-Handle 8.5 in. D Replacement Cartridge 1225B - The Home Depot
MOEN Single-Handle 8.5 in. D Replacement Cartridge 1225B
The MOEN Single-Handle Replacement Cartridge works with many MOEN single-handle bathroom sink and kitchen faucets. The cartridge is made with cast metal and plastic for strength. The MOEN replacement cartridge installs quickly and easily, with instructions included.
Price $22.98
TikTok
tiktok.com › discover › how-to-change-a-cartridge-shower-moen-1225
How to Change A Cartridge Shower Moen 1225
November 10, 2025 - New starts, new goals, new energy. Join the journey and make this year your best chapter yet · Good quality at good prices🌟 All creator-tested, shopper-approved, you’ll actually love · Celebrate Super Brand Day on TikTok Shop! Discover the biggest brands and their best deals of the ...
Plbg.com
plbg.com › forum › read.php
moen 1200 cartridge- same as 1225?
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com