Beyond Bending Tell You How
If you own a Moen 7400 kitchen faucet, you may eventually need to replace the cartridge. Over time, wear and tear can cause the cartridge to malfunction, resulting in leaks or reduced water flow. Fortunately, replacing the cartridge is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself with the right tools and a little know-how. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace your Moen 7400 cartridge.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, gather the tools you’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Moen cartridge removal tool (optional)
Having these tools on hand will make the process easier and more efficient.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin disassembling your faucet, turn off the water supply to prevent any accidental flooding. Locate the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Step 3: Remove the Handle
Next, remove the handle from your faucet. Depending on your model, there may be a small screw underneath the handle that you’ll need to remove with your Phillips screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, lift the handle off the faucet.
Step 4: Remove the Escutcheon Plate
The escutcheon plate is the decorative plate that covers the base of the faucet. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the mounting nuts that hold the plate in place. Once the nuts are removed, you should be able to lift the escutcheon plate off the faucet.
Step 5: Remove the Cartridge
With the escutcheon plate removed, you should now have access to the cartridge. Use your needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place. Once the clip is removed, use your Moen cartridge removal tool (if you have one) or your pliers to pull the cartridge out of the faucet. If the cartridge is stuck, you may need to use a little force to remove it.
Step 6: Install the New Cartridge
Once you’ve removed the old cartridge, it’s time to install the new one. Moen cartridges are designed to be installed in only one orientation, so make sure you insert the cartridge the right way. Push the cartridge all the way into the faucet until it clicks into place.
Step 7: Reassemble the Faucet
With the new cartridge in place, it’s time to reassemble the faucet. Replace the retaining clip to hold the cartridge in place, and then reattach the escutcheon plate and handle. Tighten the mounting nuts on the escutcheon plate with your adjustable wrench.
Step 8: Turn On the Water Supply
With everything reassembled, it’s time to turn the water supply back on. Turn the shut-off valves counterclockwise to restore the water supply to your faucet.
Step 9: Test the Faucet
Finally, turn on your faucet and test it for leaks and proper water flow. If everything looks and sounds good, congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your Moen 7400 cartridge.
