Whichever brand of faucet you have in the kitchen, over time, you may face any issue with the tap. Moen faucets are popular among homeowners but when the Moen faucet handle hard to turn, you will need to put extra force to turn it off. Sometimes, it does not always turn off entirely, and water pours from it. It does not occur overnight. That happens gradually, and we don’t notice anything different at first.
Fixing a hard-to-turn Moen faucet is quite simple and anyone can do it with the simple tricks that are mentioned in this article. After repairing, Moen’s handle will turn smoothly.
Why Is My Moen Faucet Handle Hard To Turn?
Damaged Cartridge
The cartridge is the heart of the Moen faucet handle. When it functions properly, it regulates the water flow. Although, with continuous use and exposure to water and other elements cartridges may get damaged.
When the cartridge is damaged, it makes many issues with the moen faucet handle. You may see leaks from the handle, hard to turn the handle, reduced water pressure, and more. If you don’t replace the damaged cartridge, it leads to significant water wastage and higher bills.
Replace The Cartridge
Make sure you have everything you need to change the cartridge before you start. They consist of a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable pair of pliers, and a fresh Moen replacement cartridge.
Start by removing the handle’s set screw with a Phillips screwdriver in order to remove the old cartridge. Using pliers, remove the Moen faucet’s handle before removing the retaining clip holding the cartridge in place. Certain cartridges might need to be removed from the fixture body using a Moen cartridge removal tool.
You may slowly pull the cartridge out of the faucet body once it is free. If it’s stuck, you may gently rotate the cartridge back and forth while removing it by grasping it with pliers.
To guarantee a watertight seal before installing the new cartridge, first, lubricate the cartridge with the plumber’s grease. Make sure the tabs on the cartridge line up with the slots in the fixture body before inserting it.
Reattach the retaining clip and use pliers to tighten it after the cartridge is in position. Use a Phillips screwdriver to reattach the faucet handle and secure the set screw. Always take your time, use the right equipment, and use caution to prevent part damage while working.
Stripped or Damaged Handle
A stripped or damaged handle is another cause of the Moen faucet handle being hard to turn. A stripped handle won’t settle into a normal position. When threads of the handle are worn out, the handle won’t move properly. It becomes tight and sticky. You can’t turn the handle with normal hand pressure.
If there are cracks or damages on the handle, it won’t function properly. In this scenario, you will need to replace the handle. You can order the exact handle of the Moen faucet by using the Moen faucet model number.
Replace The Handle
Determine the method of connection by looking at the faucet handle. Typically, retaining clips or nuts that thread onto the tap base and slide over the valve stem are used to secure Moen tap handles. For access to the retaining clip, you might need to pry off an index cap or button.
Using pliers or a tool, remove the holding clip or nut. Lift the handle from the valve stem and slide it up.
To get rid of any mineral deposits or accumulated filth, clean the valve stem. Clean and remove any portions of the previous handle that are still visible.
Onto the valve stem, slide the fresh faucet handle. Ensure that the handle’s hub or base is positioned over the faucet base.
Hand-tighten the retaining clip or nut after screwing it on. The retaining clip can then be tightly tightened using pliers or a tool. If required, replace the index cap or button to conceal the retaining clip.
The buildup of Mineral Deposits
Although mineral buildup might seem like a minor issue, it can seriously damage your faucet. Calcium and lime minerals can build up in your faucet over time, obstructing the flow of water. As a result, it could be challenging to turn the faucet handle, and you might notice that the water pressure has dropped or that the water is not flowing smoothly.
Clean Buildup
To clean the buildup inside the faucet handle, you need white vinegar, a soft-bristled brush, towels, and pliers. By cleaning buildup, not only the handle will become loose but also it will increase the lifespan of the tap. Make sure you have turned off the water supply before starting to clean the buildup.
- To drain any residual water in the pipes, open the faucet.
- To stop tiny pieces from going down the drain, cover the sink drain with a cloth or stopper.
- In a dish or other container, combine equal volumes of white vinegar and water.
- Enter the vinegar solution with the soft-bristled brush.
- Use the brush to scrub the faucet handle and other impacted areas to get rid of the mineral buildup.
- If there are any difficult-to-reach pieces that need cleaning, use pliers to remove them.
- After rinsing the components with water to get rid of any last traces of vinegar solution and mineral buildup, pat them dry with a towel.
- Reposition the cleaned components in the original locations.
- Any screws or bolts that came loose during cleaning should be tightened.
How Do You Lubricate a Stiff Faucet?
You may easily lubricate it to restore it to its smooth, easy-to-use condition. Nevertheless, before you begin, cut off the water supply to the faucet you’ll be working on. This will help to avoid mishaps and provide a clean and simple repair process.
Next, using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, remove the Moen fixture handle. You’ll also need to detach the escutcheon plate that covers the valve from the faucet. This will allow you to access the valve stem, which is the portion of the faucet that regulates the flow of water.
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It is time to oil the valve stem and all other components that touch the handle with the plumber’s grease. You don’t need to be concerned about any hazardous chemicals getting into touch with your water supply because the plumber’s grease is a silicone-based lubricant that is safe to use with drinking water.
Reattach the faucet’s handle and escutcheon plate after using the plumber’s grease. Ensure that everything is correctly aligned and fastened. The water supply may now be turned back on, and you can test your newly lubricated faucet.
Final Thoughts
Any faults with your Moen faucet handle must be quickly found and fixed. Failure to do so may result in more damage and perhaps more expensive repair. Many homeowners don’t realize how important good faucet maintenance is until there is an issue. Yet in the long term, adopting precautions can help you save time, money, and irritation. You can make sure your faucets work correctly and supply you with clean, dependable water by maintaining good care of them.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.