[Cricket2970]

We can't turn off the hot water at the sink. We have a Moen faucet that is 16 1/2 years old, single spout, two separate handles. We've had to replace these darn faucets in the past (via an out of town parent, now elderly, or a plumber, who I pray we don't need.), but I don't remember if that is one of them. Over the past two months or so, the hot water handle started to get hard to turn and, over time, had to be turned even more toward the wall to turn off. Worn cartridge, right? I believe we have an extra faucet that Moen had sent as a spare when we complained. Anyway, the handle stopped working altogether to shut off the hot water. When he opened the handle later you could see a red plastic thing inside was literally broken in two. So we tried to turn off the water at the supply valve under the sink. Husband said it was also leaking a little down there. The shut off valve turns but won't shutoff the water. He thenntried to turn off the hot water supply from the tank to the house but could find no shutoff valve at the tank - the tank is a Maytag, replaced about 2003, I think. He turned off the main at the house. He's on his way to Home depot. It has no idea what to buy. I ray we can do this.

As an aside, the roman tub in the same bathroom also has a non working hot water handle. This is a whirlpool tub. We could take apart the handle but a plumber told us that replacing this would be a long, expensive job (we got agreement from other plumbers we talked to) because of the "marble" wall that runs along the front of the tub. Why couldn't that just be removed by a silicone dissolver or something to get access? I hate Moen faucets now. We had to replace the one in the kitchen (why do they use cast iron, which rusts, in a potentially wet area in a faucet?). We bought a Price Pfister but that is now giving us early problems in the same vein, plus is showing corrosion on the faucet. We've had a Kinetico water softener since the house was built, and the tests verify the softness.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Cricket

It should be as simple as replacing the cartridge to fix the issue at the faucet.

Later, when you have some extra time/money you will definitely want to consider installing shutoffs that work so you can use them if an emergency (broken supply hose, for example) happens, OK?

Finally, the reason no one wants to mess with the marble front is because if it breaks for any reason they'll have to replace it. Simply put, I am sure you couldn't pay a plumber enough money... not unless you would agree to not hold them responsible should the front break... make sense? In other words, this is your issue and the plumber would only be coming in to help... not be responsible for your bathroom marble. They could, of course, cut in an access panel if you asked them... ;)

I would also make note here that all faucets are being made kind of cheaply nowadays (except the really expensive $500.00 faucets) and you can expect to be repairing your faucets every 3-5 years! I know.. awaful as it is, it is the way it is and that's that!

Back to you...

Mark

[Cricket2970]

Thank you, Mark! He did force the cartridge to close when he got back from Home Depot. He also picked up a new shutoff valve that a HD employee suggested. However, he said it was the wrong type or size. He also says that one of the lines to or from the valve is actually soldered. Moen is sending 3 replacement faucets he forgot to request the tub one, so we'll jump that hurdle in due time. The tub actually does have an access panel, but it's at the far end! I had questioned it with the builder and I think they said it was for the motor. So now we do have hot water again, except at that sink. Thank you again. Much appreciated.