I have a Moen bathroom sink faucet Model Number 4570. It has been in place for about 25 years. I am the original owner. The cold water faucet finally failed and I ordered new parts from Moen (the cartridge plus various adapters and also their tool to aid in removing a cartridge nut. After removing the faucet handle and the cartridge nut, I then tried to extract the cartridge using needle nosed pliers as per the Moen instructions. After being in place for 25 years, it did not want to budge (not surprising).
I then looked on the internet to see if anyone else had experienced this problem and it looks like it has been a common problem. I read all the suggestions and tried putting vinegar on it to no avail. I was impressed with one proposal from an engineer in which he suggested attacking it from the underside by disconnecting the tubing and inserting a 5/8” rod and tapping it with a hammer.
I am 82 years old (also a retired engineer) and I did not feel like getting under the sink. I then tried to attack it from the top. I fashioned a loop out of some old pipe strap I had and I was able to attach the loop to the top of the cartridge with the screw that is used to attach the top extension to the cartridge. I then fashioned a lever arrangement using a block of wood and the lever that goes on my floor jack. See the attached photos. With this arrangement, the cartridge just popped out with very little effort.
Here is a photo of the Pipe Strap loop that I attached to the top of the cartridge. This photo shows the cartridge after extraction.
This photo shows the arrangement of the lever with the cartridge still in the housing.
I added some extra silicone to the two “O” rings on the new cartridge and then inserted the cartridge and finished the job. The valve turns extremely easily – maybe I did not need the extra silicone. Moen was very helpful in sending the parts (at no charge since I was the original owner).
Answer from Jeff on Stack Exchangereplacement - How to get a stuck Moen faucet cartridge out? - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Moen Cartridge core: Easy-Out or 1/2" Tap Method??
Moen cartridge pullers
How do I remove this cartridge, it’s a moen 1222 and the puller wouldn’t work because the stem is broken, the plastic tool also won’t work to twist it. The thing is just too tight, any ideas?
Needle nose pliers won’t work?
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So last night the posi temp 1222 went in our master shower, and I did battle once again. I completely destroyed my Danco puller in the process. The Danco didn't seat fully on the valve (the stem bottomed out in the puller), and I got to twisting too hard and the little "ears" on the puller got all munged up before I noticed. Usually the plastic on the cartridge goes first. Anyway, with the ears bent and frustration mounting, I went full 500 lb gorilla with the channel locks and unga'd my way through.
Got the cartridge out, but my puller is toast, and I don't want to buy the same garbage to replace it. I frequently had issues with the Danco. The space for the stem in the central threaded cylinder isn't deep enough, so you can't get full "bite" on the cartridge. Also, the posi temp valves have little "ears" on them that interfere with the outer puller nut. They'll shear off, but man do they jam themselves up in there.
So what's the "premium" tool for this job? Is there one? I'd love one that works for both 1222 and 1225 cartridges, but would buy two if they worked better.
I have a Moen bathroom sink faucet Model Number 4570. It has been in place for about 25 years. I am the original owner. The cold water faucet finally failed and I ordered new parts from Moen (the cartridge plus various adapters and also their tool to aid in removing a cartridge nut. After removing the faucet handle and the cartridge nut, I then tried to extract the cartridge using needle nosed pliers as per the Moen instructions. After being in place for 25 years, it did not want to budge (not surprising).
I then looked on the internet to see if anyone else had experienced this problem and it looks like it has been a common problem. I read all the suggestions and tried putting vinegar on it to no avail. I was impressed with one proposal from an engineer in which he suggested attacking it from the underside by disconnecting the tubing and inserting a 5/8” rod and tapping it with a hammer.
I am 82 years old (also a retired engineer) and I did not feel like getting under the sink. I then tried to attack it from the top. I fashioned a loop out of some old pipe strap I had and I was able to attach the loop to the top of the cartridge with the screw that is used to attach the top extension to the cartridge. I then fashioned a lever arrangement using a block of wood and the lever that goes on my floor jack. See the attached photos. With this arrangement, the cartridge just popped out with very little effort.
Here is a photo of the Pipe Strap loop that I attached to the top of the cartridge. This photo shows the cartridge after extraction.
This photo shows the arrangement of the lever with the cartridge still in the housing.
I added some extra silicone to the two “O” rings on the new cartridge and then inserted the cartridge and finished the job. The valve turns extremely easily – maybe I did not need the extra silicone. Moen was very helpful in sending the parts (at no charge since I was the original owner).
There is a cartridge removal tool you can use, I have never failed to get a cartridge out when resorting to it:
You can often borrow or rent this tool from a reputable plumbing shop (note importance of "plumbing shop", don't even waste your time at the big-box stores). There are other tools you will see, but they do not work as well as the one pictured.