plumbing question from no plumber

[streetglider]

I am trying to replace the cartridge on a 20 year old Moen 4600 series faucet. I have searched for information on it but cannot find information on this particular faucet. My problem is I have removed the screw in the center but the handle will not come off. Having broken many other parts with too much force, I am wondering if there is something I am not seeing that needs to be removed as well. Here are some pictures and if you wouldn't mind helping an obviously inexperienced person with suggestions, I would appreciate it.

 

[rlitman]

A lot of wiggling, and maybe some penetrating oil where the screw was. The handle sits snugly on the shaft and is retained only by the screw. You can see the brass shaft in the screw recess.

Just wiggle the handle, and it will pull off.

 

[yatg]

Also a lot of calcification on that faucet, probably got up inside the handle. Maybe try some CLR or similar product.

 

[Shiftless]

Is all of that gunk corrosion or just surface crud?

If it’s corroded, you might just want to replace the whole faucet and not fool around with a new cartridge.

20 years is not a bad run for a faucet.

 

[fsae0607]

I'd use a small plastic mallet to rap the handle a bit while pulling it off.

Unless you really, really like that faucet, I'd replace it. Seems to be a lot of hard water deposits on there.

 

[BD1]

My Moen faucet was similar. Only the one screw holding handle. Yes, I had difficulty with knob removal too. Once off, the existing cartridge was frozen. I got the Moen cartridge puller and did get it finally.
In your case, just replace entire faucet. You'll definitely have to buy a cartridge puller if you decide on cartridge replacement.
If you think removing knob is difficult, that's nothing compared to getting cartridge out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stokefire7]

They DO make handle pullers.

 

[streetglider]

Thanks. I think I will take your advice and replace the faucet. In the meantime though now I can fool around with it and not worry if it does break. Biggest mistake I ever made was building a house with only one full bath that is constantly in use.

 

[nadogail]

In case you missed it, there is a Horse Shoe shaped retainer clip holding Moen Cartridges into the faucet. The flat retainer has a hole in it so that you can insert a hook and pull it out.

 

[CraigStu]

I have messed around w/ similar models. Sometimes I get lucky and it comes apart w/ some effort and I put in the cartridge. Unfortunately the cartridge doesn't always fix it because the inside of the faucet body is junk. So I agree, replace the faucet and both of the flexible hoses. And be real careful disconnecting the flex hoses. Hold the pipe (I am guessing copper) fitting with one wrench and the hose w/ another wrench. You want to apply the twist force to the hose end while making sure there is no twist force applied to the pipe. In these situations there isn't always room but my method is to arrange the two wrenches so they can be squeezed together to do the loosening.

 

[b-boy]

Honestly, I think modern faucets have about a 5 year lifespan.

I bought a $600 faucet 4 years ago. I've replaced both cartridges twice (at $25 a pop), and I just had to buy a new aerator ($22 with shipping). That, and the finish is chipping off in a few spots. This is a Kingston Brass faucet.

Prior to that I had a Moen that crapped out after a few years.

 

[Jackfre]

As a plumber I hate repairing old faucets. By the time you buy the parts and puller you are on the way to a new faucet anyway. Unless your are enjoying the challenge, buy a new one.

 

[nadogail]

I am really fond of Moen faucets because of their warranty.

Moen Incorporated/Customer service
1 (800) 289-6636

 

[HoosierMark]

I have a lot of faucets in my rentals and have learned something. If it is a challenge to take apart, you might as well just replace the faucet. It will be cheaper and less hassle in the long run. I have learned to accept that even though the replacement part costs minimally, the time and the fact that there probably will be another problem in the near future, replacement is a better long term solution.

 

[glentre]

For us with rental properties, there is an added advantage to replacing an old faucet rather than messing with a repair and that is tenant satisfaction that you are thinking about them.

Glen

 

[olouttt]

A plumber answear form a non-plumber: "Better hire a plumber"

 

[flat350]

That old of a Moen lav faucet probably has a brass cartridge, metal handle is probably just corroded to it,. You sure it's only 20 years old, it looks like it's from Moen's old International collection ?

 

[WillyBoy]

Just a comment without criticism, if the original poster hasn't solved the problem by now, after 2 years and 7 months, it's probably too late to offer more advise.

 

[Two Speed]

Yeah but, more advise might help the next guy going down the same path.