I can't remove the Moen 1224 cartridge from my double handled lave sink. I have pulled and twisted but no luck. The cartridge is flush with the top of counter, so I am unable to grab it with the pliers. Should I break the plastic somehow?

Sometimes you have to use a Moen puller. They can be rented from most hardware stores or you can buy one. Amazon.com: Moen 104421 Cartridge Puller, For 1200, 1222 & 1225 Single Handle Cartridges: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00083EC6C/ref=asc_df_B00083EC6C1768330?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B00083EC6C)

This question is several months old now, but I thought I'd chime in anyway considering it's still active. The Moen cartridge puller recommended above will NOT work on the 1224 plastic cartridges. The first stuck 1224 cartridge I tried to remove with pliers (per Moen instruction sheet) broke off flush with the top of the faucet body. I then proceeded to drill, scrape, pry, and pull the cartridge out in literally hundreds of pieces. I damaged the faucet body slightly in doing so, but the new cartridge fit and thankfully worked OK. I was recently advised by Moen tech experts to try inserting a "screw" into the threaded center of the faucet cartridge. I modified their advice slightly, finding that a #8 - 32 thread bolt matched the threads. I recommend using a long pan head style bolt, say 3". While at the hardware store picking that up get yourself some fender washers (large diameter with small center hole). Put the fender washer(s) on the 3" long #8-32 bolt and thread it as far as it will go (1 to 1.5") into the cartridge. This will give you a solid handle with which you can pull up with, by hand, on the cartridge in order to remove it. Note that the next time you have a leaking Moen faucet give Moen a call rather than purchasing a new cartridge. Their faucets carry a lifetime guarantee, which covers the dripping that leads to the need to replace the cartridge. In other words, they will provide the replacement cartridge.

Great reply GWood1. Almost 2 years old but best answer yet to a stuck 1224. Almost all answers I found sat to use the removal tool. When you look at the tool's instructions it lists which cartridges it will remove and the 1224 is not there. Even the web site links include cartridge numbers and 1224 is not included. When I first encountered the problem I thought I'd give it a try not knowing any better. I bought a Danco at HD. Packaging had no info on cartridge numbers but the direction big bold letters and no 1224. I thought well maybe but seeing how it works and knowing my problem, it was obvious - this ain't working. So it's off to the hardware store for scres and washers. Thanks again

I wish I found this thread years ago, but this works for most cartridges anyway. After removing the handle and being sure it is in off position, turn water on a very little until the cartridge pops up then shut off water immediately. You might get a little water but its out and was super easy.

Using water pressure to pop out a cartridge doesn't always work jf the "O" rings have swelled up tight. Moen makes a cartridge puller to yank those stubborn cartridges right out of the faucet. Good luck, Tom