Hello,
I just replaced an old leaking Moen 1225 cartridge. The plastic removal tool was useless against the stuff holding the old cartridge inside the tube. I ended up having to basically chisel the old cartridge out in pieces. The new one went in just fine and the initial problem is fixed.

Now, however, there is an obstruction. I've narrowed its location down to between the cartridge and the spout/shower. Most likely a piece of the old cartridge and a bit of sand are the culprits. I verified it by exhaling into the cartridge tube and it's definitely obstructed. I've tried snaking it with some stiff wire, but there's too much of an angle inside the cartridge housing to allow the wire to work...

I'd like to blast it clear with pressure. Is there a way? I'd welcome any suggestions!

Thank you!

Hello,
I just replaced an old leaking Moen 1225 cartridge. The plastic removal tool was useless against the stuff holding the old cartridge inside the tube. I ended up having to basically chisel the old cartridge out in pieces. The new one went in just fine and the initial problem is fixed.

Now, however, there is an obstruction. I've narrowed its location down to between the cartridge and the spout/shower. Most likely a piece of the old cartridge and a bit of sand are the culprits. I verified it by exhaling into the cartridge tube and it's definitely obstructed. I've tried snaking it with some stiff wire, but there's too much of an angle inside the cartridge housing to allow the wire to work...

I'd like to blast it clear with pressure. Is there a way? I'd welcome any suggestions!

Thank you!

I wish you would have talked to me before you attacked the cartridge. Moen makes a cartridge puller,(see image) for just those stubborn suckers. It would have saved you a heap of hassle.
Remove the knob and chrome cover plate and shut the water off at the screwdriver stops located at each inlet. Now pull the cartridge, the diverter spout and the shower head. That was the easy part. The hard part's going to be figuring how to attach a hose on to the 1/2" female threads on the shower arm. A 1/2" female IPS to a female hose connection adapter would do the trick. You could go to a plumbing shop and explain your problem but you'll most likely end up duct taping a hose over the shower arm. Put pressure to the hose and stand back. Whatever's in there going to shoot out the open hole in the valve body or the copper spout pipe. Good luck, Tom

Tom, many thanks to you, sir! The hose to the shower arm did the trick. Yet another trip to the store saved by duct tape!

Tom, many thanks to you, sir! The hose to the shower arm did the trick. Yet another trip to the store saved by duct tape!
Damm! But I love it when a plan comes together! Glad you're fixed up. Cheers, Tom