I planning on replacing the cartridge in my shower and it looks like I can get either the 1200 or the 1225. Looking on line it seems like the main difference is the 1200 is all brass and the 1225 has a plastic shell. Moen's site makes it sound like the 1225 is better but I wanted to find out if that is true.
Any plumbers out there who can give some insight into the difference in the two and which one I should get?
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The handle always slowly pushes out until the water starts again. The shower and faucet “piston”/push button works fine. The overflow drain is rusted through…
We tape down the handle between uses to keep the water off.
I assume the model is from the late seventies. Do we absolutely have to take it apart to identify the piece?
Help please, it’s been over a year !
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?
The other day the turn on this shower was very stuck. I managed to move it, but now the max hot is not as hot as it used to be (and not hot enough to shower) .
As I took it apart, I discovered the back of handle was broken. I think I was still able to move it to the max position, but it's possible it wasn't moving the actual cartridge. Other faucets are OK so I know it's not the water heater. Do you think just replacing the handle might fix the problem?
I'll first try to replace the handle... Though it might have broken bc the cartridge was sticky. Can someone help identify the right cartridge in case I need to? And am I on the right diagnosis path here? Also I've never replaced this but I'm decently handy... Any tips would be appreciated!
From what I can tell I don't have shutoff at the valve so I'd need to shut off the whole house water to replace (we don't have individual bathroom shutoffs). I'd like to avoid a cartridge replacement if it can bc if I fail at it, I'm out of luck until a professional can come repair my mess.
The house was built in 1993 in Texas. I'm not positive if this bathroom has been redone... It's definitely gotten a face-lift but the tile seems original.
Lastly, is there a replacement handle without valve change that is more lever action? This one turns right/left and the straight out to increase water flow. This shape is hard for my kid to use (also might be bc the cartridge is a little hard to move for a youngster)
Thanks
Hello!
We have a second bathroom that rarely gets used but we are going to be needing that shower soon. I went to turn the shower on but I could not get hot water to come out of the shower head. I did some research and it appears that the cartridge most likely needs to be replaced. It is a Moen shower head with a single handle. I was hoping to have Moen replace the cartridge but their website says they need the original receipt for the warranty and since it was in the house when we bought it, I don’t have that. So I need to go and buy one but I’m not sure what I need. Is there a way to figure this out without removing the cartridge?
I contacted Moen directly with this same question and they let me know that they recommended a model 1225 replacement cartridge instead (that's what I get for trusting the guy at the hardware store to look up the matching part for me). Technically either one will work but apparently the plastic 1225 offers a tighter fit than the brass (and more expensive) 1220.
Moen also recommended cleaning out the inside of the valve with an old toothbrush or bottle brush and then flushing thoroughly before installing the new cartridge.
I will update this once I know if the new cartridge resolves my leak.
Update: After the installation of the model 1225 cartridge, the faucet works without any leaks from the stem. With the addition of a new knob the whole fixture is working better than new.
The moral of the story here is, when in doubt, try to contact the vendor (and post your results!)
The same thing happened to me when I tried to replace the original Moen brass cartridge with a new brass cartridge (1220). I went to Lowe's and bought the plastic cartridge (1225) and put it in. No leaks, and the valve works with a finger tip touch. No more pulling on the knob to get the water started. In addition, with the original valve removed, I cleaned the inside of the housing with Lime-Away and a toothbrush so that it would be extra clean.
Who would have thought the plastic valve would be better than the brass?