Corroded Retaining Ring Broke Off while attempting to replace Moen 1222 Cartridge!

[Steve_T]

Appreciate some help - need to replace my Moen 1222 cartridge because water wouldn't turn off.

A lot of corrosion on stop tube and retainer clip. Used WD-40 and was eventually able to remove stop tube but not the retainer clip.

Using razor blade in gaps to break off any corrosion between clip and other surfaces and sprayed more WD-40 and waited for it to do its magic.

Attempted to remove clip with needle nose but wouldn't budge. Tried placing small screwdriver in hole and prying it out but the retaining clip broken off.

Now on the forum seeking for your professional help.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Steve_T]

OK, I figured since the clip broke off, it no longer matter how gentle I had to be to prevent the clip from breaking off. I eventually removed all of the clip pieces... but now I realized the plastic twisting tool that came with the 1222 doesn't fit over the top of the old cartridge... maybe it's not the 1222 cartridge model?!

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Steve_T]

OK, able to pull out the old cartridge... I'm not sure if it came out completely or if parts are still stuck inside the pipe. Google Lens thinks this is a 1225 cartridge.

Any ideas?

 

[Steve_T]

OK, found out that the above picture was only of the core. The rest of the cartridge was stuck inside the valve!!!

But I was able to replace the original cartridge with new Brass Moen 1200 cartridge and now is working properly.

Just documenting the outcome for anyone stuck with similar situation...

Takeaways:
1) Older homes (mine is from 1980s) with a single handle that requires pull then rotate handle is most like model 1200. Can be replaced with another 1200 or 1225 cartridge.
2) Those non-Moen cartridge pullers from Home Depot are useless (Everbilt or Danco) due to the aluminum material used and tangs will most likely deform when twisting to try and loosen. Unfortunately, HD did not have any of the Moen cartridge pullers in stock in the whole SoCal area and required ship to store only. Besides it does not address the remaining cartridge body stuck inside the valve.
3) Ona Puller (PART # 999150-ALL) is a no-nonsense tool that truly works "easily" (https://barrywalter.com/ona.html) - able to easily remove the rest of the cartridge body from deep inside the valve. I didn't want to wait days if ordering online so I found local Plumbing Supply store that had it in stock -- unfortunately they are pricing gouging for 2.5x cost elsewhere online!!!
4) Clean and flush the valve before installing new cartridge
5) Make sure the cartridge is oriented properly otherwise your hot water may now be on the right side rather than left.