This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
There comes a time when every kitchen needs a little renovation, and it’s likely that at some point, you’ll need to remove your kitchen faucets.
Moen faucets are a common feature in kitchens across the US, and the good news is that their removal process is easier than you might think.
While it may be tempting to call a professional plumber, the process is relatively simple. We’re here to talk you through exactly how to remove a kitchen Moen kitchen faucet safely, allowing you to save much-needed time and money while following the appropriate precautions.
Tools Required to Remove a Moen Kitchen Faucet
Faucet leaks can cause serious damage to your flooring and cabinets, often resulting in costly repairs and expensive water bills. That’s why it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible, and doing the job yourself can often be quicker than calling a plumber.
Fortunately, Moen faucets are easy to replace, and there are only three main tools you will need to carry out the removal process. A flat head screwdriver is required to loosen the faucet handle, while an Allen wrench can help you detach the handle screw.
It would also be a good idea to have some needle nose pliers to hand, as these will be used to remove the old faucet cartridge.
Step by Step: How to Remove a Moen Kitchen Faucet
1. Switch off the cold and hot water supply lines
The first step in removing a Moen faucet is to turn off the water supply. Reach under the kitchen sink to locate the waterline and shut the valve. If you have separate supplies for hot and cold water, it’s essential to close them both.
Closing the waterline is essential for a hassle-free removal process as it prevents water from spraying out of the faucet while you carry out the removal. As completing this step blocks water from flowing from your main supply into the faucet, you’ll be able to work in peace and concentrate on the main task at hand.
2. Drain the pipe
It is crucial to ensure that you drain out the pipes surrounding the faucet, as you can not begin the removal process until you have done so. Simply turn the faucet on and empty out any remaining water until all pipes have been completely drained.
Failure to drain the pipe can result in water seeping into the kitchen, damaging floors and cabinets while also posing a tripping hazard. In addition, draining the pipes makes your job of removing the kitchen faucet considerably easier.
This is crucial in preventing calcium buildup in your faucets and getting rid of faucet corrosion.
3. Remove the faucet handle with a screwdriver
First, remove the decorative cap, if there is one, which will reveal a screw underneath. Loosen this screw with the flathead screwdriver, and the handle should come off.
Under the handle, you will find the connected set screw. In order to extract it, you will need to unscrew it using the wrench, loosening it until you can carefully remove the faucet.
Read more: How to remove a faucet with no screws
4. Remove the plastic sleeve and handle mechanisms
Once the handle has been extracted, you’ll need to remove the plastic sleeve. Removing the handle should expose a small dome which you can slide out to reveal a black jacket. The jacket must be removed using the wrench, which should be twisted in a counter-clockwise direction.
Next, you will need to extract the handle mechanism. This will be located underneath the black plastic sleeve, and it is this mechanism that regulates the water flow of your kitchen faucet. For this reason, you should take great care when completing this essential step, detaching the connecting screw by using the screwdriver.
5. Remove the washer and spout
Locate the white ring underneath the handle mechanism, and remove it to reveal a washer which will also need to be extracted. It is important to note that you should keep the ring where it will not be misplaced, as you will need it when installing a new Moen faucet or reinstalling your current one.
Use the wrench to remove the washer located under the ring. You should now be able to detach the spout without the need for tools. Once again, use the screwdriver to remove the clip underneath the spout.
An older Moen kitchen faucet will need to have its cartridge removed. This can be done using pliers, which should hold the stem while you loosen the faucet. Failing that, a cartridge puller may be required to complete the removal.
Check out our resource on the different faucet parts to make sure you know what you’re doing.
Possible Moen Kitchen Faucet Repairs
Leaking from the base
A common repair is the issue of water leakage around the faucet base. In this situation, water puddles around the base when the handle is on. When this happens, it is likely that the O-rings around the base are faulty.
The solution here is to replace the O-rings after thoroughly cleaning the valve. Firstly, you should remove the handle before extracting the spout. Once you have done this, you’ll need to clean all major parts of the valve, from the outer body to the internal elements.
As most Moen faucets are relatively easy to replace, a qualified professional plumber would have no trouble repairing your faucet. However, it is always worth calling a professional if you are in doubt about any part of the process.
Disassemble the faucet
Leaking can also be caused by a faulty cartridge or worn seals, so it is important to get this issue under control to prevent further damage. To do this, you’ll need to disassemble your Moen kitchen faucet, allowing you to access the faulty cartridge and remove it.
Locate the waterline under the kitchen sink and switch off the supply. Next, open the Moen faucet and use a screwdriver to extract the screw cap.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to find the handle screw – this can be identified by the Moen logo on its surface. Next, detach the screw with a key and pull off the handle; however, you may need to use a hammer to loosen the handle if this does not work.
The next step is to remove the cartridge holding nut with locking pliers. You’ll need the screwdriver to loosen the cartridge before you can remove it, and then you can pull up the old cartridge while gripping onto the valve stem.
Cleaning the faucet cartridge
A build-up of water residue is another common cause of leaking, and this is an issue that can be resolved by a thorough clean of the cartridge. As with the disassembly, you’ll need to switch off the waterline, and having drained the faucet of excess water, you should now shut off the drain.
Remove the decorative cap on the handle to access the connecting screw. Once you’ve extracted the handles, you’ll need to detach the cartridge assembly. Use your wrench to loosen the cartridge and remove it from the faucet.
To clean your cartridge, you’ll need to direct the water towards the drain. This can be done by positioning an upturned plastic bowl over the faucet hole. Switch on the waterline and allow the water to flow for up to four seconds. You should complete this step twice for both hot and cold water, washing away any residue.
After flushing out the sediment, it’s time to rinse out the cartridges. Fill a small bucket with fresh water and wash each cartridge separately, making sure to turn the valve stem in order to open and close them. It may be worth reinstalling the handle temporarily if you are struggling to move the cartridges.
Need help on what to use when cleaning? Have a look at this faucet cleaning guide.
Reinstalling Your Moen Faucet
1. Position the faucet and install washers below the sink
Once you’ve diagnosed the issue and carried out the repair, it’s time to rebuild your Moen kitchen faucet in its former position. First, you should make sure that there is no sediment in your faucet cartridges. It may be a good idea to give them an extra wipe with a cloth.
Position the faucet over the base and use one hand to hold it in place. This will keep the spout steady while allowing you to tighten the Allen screw. Secure the screw in place until it shows no signs of movement, but ensure that you don’t over-tighten it in case you want to remove it in the future.
After this, you can hold the Moen kitchen faucet in place from underneath. Install the washers and securing plates underneath the kitchen sink, and use a box spanner to tighten the washers in place.
2. Connect the water supply
Installing a compression fitting will help you connect the water lines, and it is often seen as one of the easiest methods of connecting the lines. As well as requiring little maintenance, they eliminate the need for soldering, and as a result, their installation process is relatively simple.
Connect the water lines to the shutoff valve using Teflon tape if necessary, and ensure that the hot and cold water lines are positioned six inches apart. This prevents the cold water line from absorbing heat from the hot water.
3. Tighten the supply lines
It is essential to ensure that the supply lines are tightened enough, as this helps prevent leakages and maintain a strong connection. However, it is equally important not to over-tighten, as in this case, you could actually cause damage to the waterline.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to follow this simple direction. First, tighten the water lines by hand until you cannot pull any further. Then, make a final half or quarter turn using an Allen wrench. Following this step will reduce the risk of water leaks and ensure that both waterlines support a strong connection.
Read more: How to tighten a loose Moen faucet handle
4. Tighten the base of the faucet
You can secure the base of the faucet by hand without the need for tools. Simply fix the faucet in position and twist the base in a clockwise direction, turning until the unit is tight and secured to the spout and faucet.
Now you can turn on the mains supply, and your faucet will be ready for use. We recommend checking the faucet and ensuring there are no leakages under the sink. If everything seems to be working, you’ve successfully reinstalled your faucet!