[coblas]

A plumber replaced the shutoff valves and supply lines under my bathroom sink. The supply lines connect to the copper tubing under the faucet with compression connectors. Now the faucet drips, so I tried to remove the (Moen) cartridge to replace it and it won't budge. It looks like I need a new faucet. Can the supply line compression connectors that were just installed be disconnected and transferred to the new faucet or do I need to replace them?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Coblas

Yes, you can reuse, but if the plumber used brass nuts and ferrules you'll need to purchase new nuts and ferrules... but can keep the compression connector... make sense?

Mark

[coblas]

Sounds reasonable. I hope I can do this myself, since the plumber said a new ferrule (I assume the nut is included) would be around $7 on top of the cost of his original work. I'll also need them for two other sinks so we're looking at $42 just for that. How do I measure them to get the right replacement parts? Better to remove the brass nut and ferrule from one supply line and take them to the plumbing department of a big box store? Thank you for your help.

[massplumber2008]

All sinks use 3/8" compression nuts and ferrules... about $1.00 at local home improvement stores.

[afaroo]

Hello Coblas,

On top Mark's instructions I added the link below please open and watch the Youtube will show you have to remove and install a compression nut, Thanks.

John

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wNYj57PqSw

[coblas]

Thank you for the link. I thought I could remove the nut with a wrench and this would release it from the ferrule. The ferrule doesn't even need to come off the copper pipe coming from the faucet, since the faucet and pipe with the ferrule on it will be replaced. The new faucet has a new copper pipe attached to it. Is there any reason I can't reuse the nut? It looks like it screws onto the end of the supply line. I want to be sure it fits. This might sound like over-detailing to you, but I have a knack for having even little things go wrong and want to plan as thoroughly as possible. I appreciate your patience.

[hkstroud]

Show us a picture of the supply lines of the new faucet.

[coblas]

Sorry. I don't have the capability to take a picture. They're 2 copper tubes. I bought this faucet because it was the same connection setup as the one being removed.

[hkstroud]

Disconnect old faucet at stop valves and remove.
Install new faucet using
3/8 in. O.D. x 3/8 in. O.D. x 12 in. Faucet Supply Line Braided Stainless Steel-7223-12-38-4 - The Home Depot

[coblas]

I was resisting getting new supply lines and hoped I could adapt what I have. I may look into returning the new faucet and getting one with the supply lines already attached.

[hkstroud]

When you tried to remove the Moen cartridge, had you remove the little horse shoe shaped retaining clip?

[coblas]

Yes, I removed the clip and was able to turn the cartridge after considerable effort. That's the best I could do. I also soaked the thing with vinegar and let it sit overnight--no luck--and later used a penetrating lubricant. Still no luck.

[hkstroud]

Do you have a pair of vice grip pliers?

[coblas]

Yes, I have vice grips, but couldn't get enough pull even standing on the countertop over the faucet. (I'd like to know any other tips for removing the cartridge since I have others I'll need to deal with eventually.) I tried putting a hex wrench into the small hole on the cartridge and pushed it against a pair of pliers on end to pry the cartridge up, but that didn't work either. By the way, the new faucet I bought isn't quite what I thought. I hadn't actually opened the box since I told the person at Moen what I had and that I wanted the same thing so the new connection the plumber installed would fit. The new faucet has 2 copper pipes of about 1/4" diameter (as opposed to the 3/8" on the old faucet) and there's a brass connector soldered to the ends of the (new) copper that is threaded on the outside and smooth on the inside. I can give you the diameter of the connector if you tell me which measurements you need. I apologize for telling you the wrong thing.

I do think I need to replace the old faucet since it's 44 years old and, even if I got the cartridge out now, I imagine I'd have the same problem next time. I tried to remove the supply line the plumber recently installed on the copper pipe under the faucet, but the nut near it also turns, even when I use a wrench to hold it while trying to turn the larger nut. I was able to turn the nut near the shutoff valve, though.

[hkstroud]

Turn off water. Remove handle. Turn spout to one side. Remove cartridge retaining clip. Place vice grips on stem horizontally.

Place a small piece of wood about 12-16" long (or some other prying tool) under the vice grips and on top of the back splash.

While holding the vice grips with one hand, lift up on the end of piece of wood (or prying device). The cartridge will come out. The "O" rings and seals have just swollen making it difficult..

Call 1-800-BUY-Moen. Moen will provide you with a new cartridge.

[coblas]

The spout is fixed and can't be turned to one side. It's also at about a 45 degree angle (not vertical), which makes getting leverage more of a challenge. The new faucet, Moen L4621, has a similar profile. I tried it as you suggested, but still no luck. Thank you for the suggestion.

[massplumber2008]

Since you have more than one Moen faucet, purchase a MOEN CARTRIDGE PULLER from online or at a local plumbing supply store... that'll get the cartridge out pretty easily! See image..

[coblas]

I'm aware of the puller, but didn't want to spend $50 on it and vise grips have always worked before (44 years and counting).

[massplumber2008]

Available on eBay for about $20.00

[coblas]

Thank you. I should have thought of eBay. This time, though, I still need to figure out the connection situation for the new faucet. The old faucet looks pretty beat up from the time I attacked the hard water deposits too aggressively.