When I turn on tub faucet I hear a loud medium pitched growl. It growls loudly at 1/4 turn (cold water) then it stops growling until I turn it fully opened (hot) I currently have the tub spout unscrewed from the wall and it still growls at these turn locations. The water pressure is lower at 1/4 turn then strong at mid turn and then lower again at full turn. (I am assuming this higher pressure at 1/2 turn is due to both hot and cold water rushing through). This problem only occurs at this faucet location. All other tubs and sink faucets are OK.

This particular tub faucet was installed three years ago and is a Moen single handle tub and shower. I replaced water heater 6 months ago. The growling problem began approximately four months ago.

I also replaced the cartridge in this tub faucet about one year ago.


Is my problem with the cartridge?----the shower diverter?-----Water pressure?----dirt or setiments in line??

I would hate to have to open the wall behind the shower but I will if I have to.

Thanks for any feedback.

Gary C.

It would most likely be the cartridge again,vibrations are caused by the washers and water pressure being at certain levels.

You can remove the cartridge as before and look into the workings,you might find than there is sediment from the new hot water heater,from the actual water from the street/well,etc.having high pollution content... etc.

I have removed some and dropped them into a bucket of CLR to clean them,it took away the deposits in short order, then offered the customer to buy a second unit for replacement in the future if anything failed.

You already know the process of removal and replacement,a bottle of CLR verses new cartridge? Not sure,but a back-up would be prudent in any case.