Plumbing advice

[cactusjack]

This has absolutely nothing to do with Nomads, or even motorcycles in general. I am posting this here in the event we might have a member who is a plumber.

The tub faucet in one of our bathrooms has been trickling water for awhile. We have really hard water here, so it wasn't inconceivable to me to have to replace faucet parts in a house that's 5 years old. I got tired of the leaky faucet so I bought a new Moen #1222 replacement cartridge. I pulled the old cartridge out and cleaned the inside of the housing with some Lime Away and a round brush. I installed the new cartridge, and I'll be damned if the faucet doesn't leak more than it did before. It's not a drip, it's almost a steady stream with the handle in the "off" position. I installed it according to the directions that were packed with it.

How complicated can it be? You pull out the old cartridge, slip in the new one. There's no washers or adjustments.

So I am hoping that someone here might have some experience with this type of faucet and maybe even some professional plumbing advice.

[glwilson]

Google Moen and you'll find that they are known for cartridge problems.

They are famous for leaking. I have a Moen in my kitchen. Spent a forture on it (well into the hundreds)... and guess what? 2-years later it leaks around the base.

Was told to replace the cartridge... did that and guess what? It still leaks.

As you said... there are no other parts to replace in these things... thus the leak remains.

I plan on pulling the Moen and buying a cheap faucet that is lower-tech... you know... one that still has washers in it so I can replace them ever so often.

Sorry I couldn't be any help, other than co-miserate with you on a well-known fault of Moen faucets. Makes you really happy you paid a premium price for a Moen.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Google Moen and you'll find that they are known for cartridge problems.

They are famous for leaking. I have a Moen in my kitchen. Spent a forture on it (well into the hundreds)... and guess what? 2-years later it leaks around the base.

Was told to replace the cartridge... did that and guess what? It still leaks.

As you said... there are no other parts to replace in these things... thus the leak remains.

I plan on pulling the Moen and buying a cheap faucet that is lower-tech... you know... one that still has washers in it so I can replace them ever so often.

Sorry I couldn't be any help, other than co-miserate with you on a well-known fault of Moen faucets. Makes you really happy you paid a premium price for a Moen.

Well, I wish it was a sink faucet, because I could easily replace that. This is a bathtub/shower enclosure and I'd have to do some major demolition since the valve is roughed-in before the drywall and tub enclosure is in place.

But thanks for the support, Greg. Misery loves company, eh?

[glwilson]

Ouch CJ!! Sorry to hear that.

I have soft-water here... so my problem is not related to calcium and lime build-up.

These things just simply wear-out whereby the fittings no longer hold a tight seal -- even when replacing the cartridge.... so I have been told.

You may have to break-down and get an expert plumber to look at it and see if they have a trick or two in their tool-box for these things.

If they do... please post it so I'll know, if you don't mind.

[Cajunrider]

Sorry CJ, I have Kohler BR fixtures with the washers. I did purchase a Moen for my double kitchen sink and installed it 3 or 4 years ago. No problems so far. And yes Greg, it was well over $100.

[macmac]

Odd, I just did the kitchen sink last week. Thje catridge was ok, the the side seals were worn out. These are curved rectangles with a target like pair of raised ribs and the hole dead center.

glwilson, I'ld say your other O rings are dead. The faucet if it is like mine, single lever no ball valve, you just yank the spigot hard up and then you will see something like 3 o rings.


CJ I have no idea what your shower set up is like. If it is anything like the sink valve you could have the same worn seals, probably larger, and or the brass well they ride in could be fubarred.. If this is anything close I have no idea.

[glwilson]

Thanks Mac...

Yes mine is a single handle spigot.

I'll look at what you are referring to and see if I can find it. Hopefully so. One thing... these things... at least mine... doesn't come apart very easy. I'll let you know how that works out.

Sounds like CJ's problem is a bit bigger.

[cactusjack]

Well, here is an interesting twist. I was on Moen's website yesterday looking for troubleshooting information and I used their contact form to ask their technical support people about my problem. They responded today and asked me to call and speak with them in person. They said that there isn't a whole lot of things that can go wrong with one of these cartridges, but they are sending me a free replacement, because the cartridge I bought yesterday at Home Depot carries a one year warranty. They are expediting it via Fedex and it will be here on Thursday. That's pretty decent service. These cartridges sell for $60 each on their website. I paid $39 at HD for it.

So we'll see what happens after I receive the new unit.

[ringadingh]

They are pretty decent on some of their products. I had a similar problem a few years ago and when I called them they sent me out all new innards by courier.
I have since found out that Moen isn't the best choice if you have hard water. Im still using them in the kitchen but the days are numbered.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Google Moen and you'll find that they are known for cartridge problems.

They are famous for leaking. and guess what? 2-years later it leaks around the base.

Was told to replace the cartridge... did that and guess what? It still leaks.

As you said... there are no other parts to replace in these things... thus the leak remains.

Is Moen owned by Harley? just askin' cause of all the expensive leaking going on..??!!

Still sticking with a leaky product Greg! You can't go wrong! LOL

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

Is Moen owned by Harley? just askin' cause of all the expensive leaking going on..??!!

Still sticking with a leaky product Greg! You can't go wrong! LOL

Weak. Really week. I expect more from you than that, Brad.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Weak. Really week. I expect more from you than that, Brad.

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[macmac]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Thanks Mac...

Yes mine is a single handle spigot.

I'll look at what you are referring to and see if I can find it. Hopefully so. One thing... these things... at least mine... doesn't come apart very easy. I'll let you know how that works out.

Sounds like CJ's problem is a bit bigger.

With your set up the order is:

pry off cap

remove screw

unlatch lift lever

remove clip (small brass horse shoe thingymabob)

Haul out the cartridge (with padded pliers pulling hard)

That about does it for the cartridge.

You don't need to pull that catrdige for this, just have the lifter lever off.

Haul off the spigot, it is a tight snap fit.

Unscrew the gizzmo (another high tech term) The gizzmo has 3 o rings, and get new ones.

Check the white??? nylon insert..

[Sin City Stan]

Sorry CJ, if it was electrical I could help you but I absolutely HATE plumbing and there's a good reason for it. I suck at it.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by macmac

With your set up the order is:

pry off cap

remove screw

unlatch lift lever

remove clip (small brass horse shoe thingymabob)

Haul out the cartridge (with padded pliers pulling hard)

That about does it for the cartridge.

You don't need to pull that catrdige for this, just have the lifter lever off.

Haul off the spigot, it is a tight snap fit.

Unscrew the gizzmo (another high tech term) The gizzmo has 3 o rings, and get new ones.

Check the white??? nylon insert..

Thanks Mac.