Stuck set screw in Moen shower faucet

Users who are viewing this thread

Mikey47

New Member
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Eau Claire, WI
I have a Moen shower faucet (don't know which model) that is a single handle faucet that rotates to turn on and mix the hot/cold water.

My wife called me at work and told me that the shower wouldn't turn off. When I got home I see that the plastic handle is really loose - it spins from the six o'clock position (off) to the nine o'clock (on full hot).

No problem I think, it's just the set screw has somehow come loose. However, then I take the cover off the plastic faucet head to get at the set screw and try to turn the set screw -- it turns but it turns the shower on, if I keep turning it gets to the point where the shower is turned off. In fact I can just keep turning the set screw in circles and the shower goes from on to off to on to off, etc.

So it appears as though the set screw is stuck in the cartridge (since it just keeps turning round and round).

I have no idea where to go from here...any ideas? If the set screw is indeed stuck (like I think) should the cartridge just continuously turn in circles like I mention?

Please help as we are not restricted to turn the shower on and off via the set screw with a Phillips screwdriver!!! :eek:


EDIT: So we have Moen faucets in the bathroom too. I just took the plastic handle off of one of those and see how the plastic faucet is molded on the inside to cover the cartridge and hold it in place (or actually turn the cartridge to turn the water on) when turning the set screw. Could this mean that the plastic inside my shower faucet is broken (thus not holding the cartridge in place while turning the set screw)? If so, any alternative than to try breaking the plastic (or cutting it) to get the handle off?
 
Last edited:

Mikey47

New Member
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Eau Claire, WI
Call 1-800-BUY-Moen and they will send you the parts you will need....

OK, will do, but how do I get the old plastic faucet off? Hacksaw?

index.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Redwood

Master Plumber
Messages
7,335
Reaction score
13
Points
0
Location
Connecticut
Go here and find your faucet model number. https://www.moen.com/parts
Then post it here...

If you have several others which you have already disassembled and reassembled and what to do is not apparent to you then how would I know what you need to do.

All I know for sure is that it is a Moen tub/shower valve and it turns...
That narrows it down some but not enough...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Jerome2877

In the Trades
Messages
397
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Location
Vancouver Island , BC
Sounds like a posi temp valve. The acrilyic handle is broken on the inside so no harm in breaking it off then hold the catridge stem with channel locks and remove the screw. Take the handle with you to a plumbing supplier and match it up and replace it.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,038
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
The handle has the stop which limits the degree of rotation, so if it is broken then the stem can rotate, thus, you probably have to cut or break the handle off so you can hold the stem while removing the screw. Then you need a new handle.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks