Reader deals with a sticky situation

Q. Perhaps you can help me with my problem: I have a Moen sink faucet in my bathroom that has become increasingly difficult to operate. I know the faucet is at least 26 years old, because that is how old my home is.

It’s the pull-push type to open and close.

I contacted Moen via a toll-free number, and they were kind enough to send me a new cartridge free of charge. So far, so good.

Now the problem is in removing the old one.

I followed the instructions on the Moen Web site, including removing the retaining clip, but the old cartridge still refuses to come out. I’ve tried WD-40, Liquid Wrench, Gumout, and even carburetor cleaner, but nothing works. I need help!

Thanks in advance. — Norm T., Coeur d’Alene

A. Norm, the instructions on Moen’s site assume that the cartridge comes out without any difficulties. Since you are having a hard time removing it and it’s been 26 years since the sink faucet has had any maintenance, I would guess that you have a brass cartridge.

Moen manufactured cartridges both in brass and plastic. Depending on water conditions and the length of time a cartridge has been in the valve, it can be very difficult to remove, especially if it’s a brass cartridge.

I was taken aback by the products you had used to help loosen the cartridge. Those products all have a petroleum base. Even if you were able to get such products down and in between the cartridge and the walls of the valve body (which is highly unlikely), you would do more harm than good. ‘

Moen’s brass cartridge uses O-rings, and its plastic cartridge has a combination of O-rings and pads. Made of neoprene, the O-rings and pads are designed to withstand water temperature changes but not exposure to petroleum-based products.

Basically, these products would soften only the neoprene, making the cartridge even more difficult to remove.

A product such as CLR would have been a better approach to help soften and break down mineral deposits.

Understanding the difference between Moen’s two cartridges will help you to decide how to approach the project and the tools you will need.

The stem in the plastic cartridge is designed to be removed from the backside. This design allows you to use a stem-and-cartridge tool to pull both the stem and cartridge out at the same time. However, the brass cartridge has a small retainer clip around it that holds the stem in place. Do not remove this retainer clip . Doing so leaves the cartridge behind in the valve body when the stem is pulled out and the cartridge then requires a special puller for removal.

Even using tools designed specifically for this type of application, some plumbers have spent up to (and possibly more than) an hour to remove a stubborn brass cartridge.

If you are still willing to take on this project, check out the many styles of stem and cartridge pullers that sell for less than $20. If you are a Moen fan, then it would probably be a good investment to purchase a combination tool for your plumbing toolbox.

You can always rent these tools as well.

To remove the cartridge, first turn off the water to the faucet. Then carefully pry off the cover to the handle using a small flat-head screwdriver.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw to the handle so you can remove the handle and the limit stop. As you have already done, remove the horseshoe retainer clip that locks the cartridge to the valve body.

When Moen sent you the new cartridge, they should have included a white plastic tool. Insert this tool onto the cartridge stem so it straddles the ears, and use an adjustable open-end wrench on the tool to twist the cartridge back and forth to loosen it in the valve.

Then grasp the cartridge stem with a pair of pliers and pull it straight out as you wiggle the cartridge at the same time. If this doesn’t work, you will need a stem puller to remove the cartridge.

When you work on a firmly seated brass cartridge, it is possible that the small retainer clip could break when you pull on the stem. When this happens, you may find yourself taking a step or two backwards only to find the stem in your hand and the cartridge still in the valve’s body.

Don’t panic. Use a cartridge puller to pull out the cartridge.

After you get the cartridge out, be sure to use a flashlight to check inside the valve body for any foreign material or any pieces of the O-rings or pads before you install the new cartridge.

If you fail to get the cartridge out, then I suggest you contact a licensed plumber to take over the project.

Good luck!