Hi, I have a Moen two handle faucet for my bathroom sink. It looks to me that there is something broken inside the hot water handle. Even when the hot water handle is turned to the off position there's still water dripping from the tap. (picture 1)

I tried to shut off the main water supply valve beneath the sink (picture 2), but when the valve is turned to its off position there's water slowly dripping from the valve. When I turn the valve back to its old position, the dripping stops.

A plumber came this morning and took a look. He said I will have to replace a part (can't remember what it's called) inside the faucet for the hot water, and since the cost of the part is expensive, I might as well replace the whole faucet, which would cost $50-60 in total.

He also looked at the main water supply valve (beneath the sink) and said that if there's dripping only when the valve is at its off position I can just leave it, because it is a very common problem when the parts get old.

I have two questions:

1) I remember seeing (on youtube) a pro replacing the washer inside the cap of the handle of the faucet to fix a problem similar to mine, and he said the washer is very cheap, like a few bucks. This is very different from what my plumber has told me. Is my plumber over doing it to suggest that I replace the whole faucet?

2) Is my plumber right about leaving the main water valve like that? It's not dripping now, but if it drips when shut off there's got to be something wrong with it.

Thanks in advance.

That faucet probably uses a cartridge not a washer.

Moen warrants their parts for life. Call 1-800 BUY MOEN (1-800-289-6636) for free replacement part.


What you have at the stop valve is a leak around the valve stem.
It won't leak when turn off because the water is turned off. The leak would have stopped if you had open the faucet for a moment to relieve the pressure. Sometimes they leak when partially turn on but stop leaking when opened fully. Turn it on and off a few more times and it will begin leaking all the time it is open. The solution is to tighten the bonnet nut. That compresses the packing around the stem and stops the leak.
Tighten the bonnet nut about 1/4 turn to stop leak.

Post back when you have the replacement cartridge for guidance on installing.

Thanks a lot. I didn't know that Moen warrants their parts for life. That would be very helpful. Could you let me know how I remove the "cap" in order to replace the cartridge please? Don't want to turn the wrong part and break my faucet so just wanted to make sure first.
Actually, it's the other way around. The stop valve won't leak when it is turned on, and leaks when it is turned off. I will go buy two wrenches to tighten the bonnet nuts. Thanks!

Call Moen and get part. If you don't know model representative can probably determine proper cartridge from description.
You remove handle then remove the globe part below. Then pull out cartridge.

Wait until you have replacement cartridge.

I agree with Hkstroud that the cartridge needs to be replaced and also you can get a new cartridge from Moen call they at 800-289-6636 explain your problem them will send you new ones for free no carge to you, the Part number for your cartridge is 1224, to remove the hub and the elbow (the Handle) turn the hub counter clock wise the whole assembly will come off and you be able to change the cartridge, see the first image, I have also attachéd the link below similar to your faucet just for info, Make sure you ask Moen to send two cartridge, good luck.

http://www.moen.com/shared/docs/exploded-parts-views/t4570pt.pdf

John

Thanks so much John! That's very helpful. Really appreciate it.

Thanks again for your help hkstroud.

Hello Wun_bun,

Thank you it is our pleasure to help, if you need anything else please let us know some will help you, good luck.

John