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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?
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?