Fix Moen Kitchen Faucet Won't Turn Off - Step-by-Step Guide

Last Modified : Thu Jul 17 2025 By: Thilina Rathnayaka

Moen kitchen faucets are durable but can still leak or not turn off properly. This article provides step-by-step instructions on fixing common problems and addresses whether a plumber is needed and where to buy replacement parts.

A kitchen faucet is one of the most used appliances in a household, and when it starts to malfunction, it can cause a lot of inconvenience. Moen kitchen faucets are known for their durability and longevity, but even they can start to leak or won't turn off properly over time. In this article, we will discuss common problems that Moen kitchen faucets can have and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. From replacing O-rings to identifying the part number of your Moen faucet, we have got you covered. We will also address the question of whether or not you need a plumber to repair your faucet, and where to buy replacement parts. So, let's get started!

Why does a moen kitchen faucet won't turn off even if you tighten ?

There could be several potential issues causing this problem. One of the most common reasons is that the cartridge of the Moen kitchen faucet is worn out and has become defective.

If your kitchen faucet is a single handle faucet, you have a single cartridge that controls the water flow. And if it's a two-handle faucet where you have hot and cold water connections to control, there are two cartridges in your faucet. With time, these cartridges can become defective and will not function as they should, leading to dripping from the sprout of the faucet even if you tightly turned off the faucet.

Moen water faucets are manufactured in such a way that you can easily replace the cartridge. Check your warranty conditions to find out if they provide replacement kits free of charge. If so, you can contact them and get the replacement done. If not, you can buy a matching cartridge for your Moen kitchen faucet from a home improvement shop.

However, it's important to note that there could be other potential issues causing your faucet to leak, such as a damaged O-ring or washer, a worn out valve seat, or a problem with the water pressure in your home. It's always best to consult the Moen troubleshooting guide or consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.

What should I do if moen kitchen faucet is leaking from sprout even after fully turned off

If your Moen kitchen faucet is leaking from the sprout even after being fully turned off, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem. The first step is to determine the cause of the leak. The most common cause is a worn or defective cartridge, as previously mentioned. However, there are a few other potential causes to consider before starting repairs.

Check the O-rings: Inspect the O-rings located at the base of the spout. If they are worn or damaged, they may be causing the leak.

Check the valve seat: The valve seat is located inside the faucet body and can become corroded or damaged over time. If this is the case, it may need to be replaced.

Check the aerator: The aerator is located at the tip of the spout and can become clogged with debris. Cleaning or replacing the aerator may solve the leak.

Check the washer: The washer is located at the base of the faucet handle and can become worn or damaged over time. Replacing the washer may solve the leak.

Once you have determined the cause of the leak, you can proceed with the appropriate repairs. If the problem is a worn or defective cartridge, you can replace the cartridge as outlined in the previous instructions. If the problem is a worn or damaged O-ring, valve seat, aerator, or washer, these parts can also be replaced. If you are not comfortable making repairs yourself, it is always best to call a professional plumber for assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace O-Rings on a Moen Kitchen Faucet to Stop Leaks

Here are the steps to replace the O-rings of a Moen kitchen faucet:

  1. Turn off the main water supply to the faucet by closing the main shutoff valve.
  2. Open the faucet to release any remaining water and relieve the water pressure.
  3. Gather the necessary tools, including a pair of pliers, a basin wrench or adjustable wrench, and safety glasses.
  4. Remove the handle of the faucet by using a hex wrench or allen wrench to remove the set screw that holds the handle in place.
  5. Unscrew the bonnet nut by using a basin wrench or adjustable wrench.
  6. Carefully lift the valve cartridge out of the faucet body.
  7. Locate the O-rings on the valve cartridge and use your fingers or pliers to remove them.
  8. Replace the O-rings with new ones, making sure they are properly seated in the grooves on the valve cartridge.
  9. Reinstall the valve cartridge into the faucet body and screw the bonnet nut back in place.
  10. Reinstall the handle and reattach the set screw to secure it in place.
  11. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet for any leaks.

Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model of Moen kitchen faucet you have. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on your faucet's O-ring replacement process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace the Valve Seat on a Moen Kitchen Faucet

If your Moen kitchen faucet is leaking from the spout even after it has been fully turned off, it may be an issue with the valve seat. The valve seat is a part of the faucet that the cartridge sits on and controls the flow of water. If it becomes damaged, it can cause water to leak out of the faucet even when it is supposed to be off.

One way to fix a damaged valve seat is to replace the entire cartridge, as this will include a new valve seat. However, if you would prefer to only replace the valve seat, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the main water supply to your kitchen and open the faucet to drain any remaining water and relieve pressure.
  2. Gather the necessary tools, which may include a matching hex or allen wrench, an adjustable wrench, and safety glasses.
  3. Remove the trim and cartridge from the faucet. Unthread the set screw to detach the handle, and then remove the dome. Unthread the cartridge nut and remove the cartridge.
  4. Inspect the valve seat. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it.
  5. Remove the old valve seat by using a valve seat wrench or a seat dressing tool to unscrew it from the faucet.
  6. Clean the area where the valve seat was located to remove any debris or corrosion.
  7. Install the new valve seat by screwing it into the faucet body using a valve seat wrench or seat dressing tool.
  8. Reinstall the cartridge, dome, and handle, and hand-tighten the cartridge nut. Use an adjustable

If your Moen kitchen faucet is leaking from the spout even after you have fully turned it off, one possible solution is to replace the faucet cartridge. This is often a cost-effective and simple solution to this problem. To begin, you will need to identify the part number of your Moen kitchen faucet, so that you can find the correct replacement cartridge. The "1255™ Duralast™ cartridge" is a common cartridge that is shipped with many single handle Moen faucets manufactured after 2009.

Once you have identified the correct cartridge for your faucet, you can purchase it from a home improvement retail store or from a Moen product agent. Then, you will need to replace the cartridge by following the recommended steps provided by the manufacturer. It is important to note that if the valve seat is damaged, the cartridge replacement alone may not fix the leaking issue and you may have to replace the valve seat as well. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing the cartridge and if unsure, consult a professional plumber to avoid any further damage.

How to Remove the Cartridge on a Moen Kitchen Faucet and Identify the Part Number

The first step in removing the cartridge from a Moen kitchen faucet is to turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can typically be done by turning off the main shutoff valve for the house or by turning off the valves under the sink.

Once the water supply is off, open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure and to drain out any water that may be in the faucet.

Next, gather the tools you will need to remove the cartridge. This may include a matching hex or allen wrench, an adjustable wrench, and safety glasses.

To remove the cartridge, start by removing the trim and handle from the faucet. This is typically done by unthreading the set screw that holds the handle in place and then removing the handle.

Once the handle is removed, you will be able to see the cartridge inside the faucet. To remove the cartridge, you will need to unthread the cartridge nut that holds it in place.

Once the cartridge nut is removed, you can pull the cartridge out of the faucet.

To identify the part number of the Moen faucet, you can refer to the user manual or check the product code or model number of the faucet. Once you have this information, you can use the Moen's website or contact the company to find the correct replacement part number for the cartridge.

Alternatively, you can check the part number on the cartridge itself or on the packaging of the replacement cartridge, if you already have one.

Keep in mind that, If the valve seat is damaged, it will not seal properly, and water will leak through the faucet even when it is off. If this is the case, you will need to replace the valve seat in addition to the cartridge. In this case, you may need to hire a professional plumber to replace the valve seat.

How to Replace the 1255 Duralast cartridge of the moen kitchen faucet

This guide is assuming you have 1255 Duralast cartridge. If it is not your case then the steps may slightly vary.

  1. Turn off the main water supply to the kitchen sink by turning off the main shutoff valve located under the sink or near the main water line.
  2. Open the faucet to drain out any remaining water and relieve the water pressure.
  3. Gather the necessary tools, which include a matching hex or allen wrench (depending on the model of your faucet), an adjustable wrench, and safety glasses.
  4. Remove the trim and the cartridge. To do this, unthread the set screw located on the handle of the faucet using the hex or allen wrench. Then, remove the dome that covers the cartridge. Next, use the adjustable wrench to unthread the cartridge nut and remove the cartridge.
  5. Identify the part number of the cartridge. The 1255 Duralast cartridge is a common replacement part for Moen kitchen faucets manufactured after 2009. If it is not the correct cartridge for your faucet, consult the manufacturer's website or manual to find the correct replacement part.
  6. Install the new 1255 Duralast cartridge. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet, making sure that the tabs on the cartridge align with the grooves in the faucet.
  7. If the cartridge nut is brass, use it with the new cartridge. If the cartridge nut is plastic, replace it with a new one that comes with the cartridge.
  8. Hand-tighten the cartridge nut and secure it in place using the adjustable wrench.
  9. Finish the installation by reassembling the faucet by installing the dome and handle back in place.
  10. Turn the main water supply back on and test the faucet for any leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully replaced the Moen kitchen faucet cartridge.

Do I need a plumber to repair my faucet if it won't turn off

If you're experiencing a problem with your Moen kitchen faucet where it won't turn off even when fully closed, it's important to determine the cause of the issue before deciding whether or not to call a plumber. In most cases, the problem is caused by a worn or damaged cartridge, which can be easily replaced by the homeowner. However, if you're not comfortable with basic plumbing repairs or don't have the necessary tools, it's recommended to call a professional plumber to handle the repair.

To determine if the problem is caused by a damaged cartridge, you can check for a leak from the sprout of the faucet even when the water is turned off. If this is the case, then replacing the cartridge is likely the best and most cost-effective solution. To replace the cartridge, you'll need a set of basic tools such as a hex or allen wrench and an adjustable wrench, as well as safety glasses.

First, turn off the main water supply and open the faucet to drain out any remaining water and relieve the water pressure. Next, remove the trim and the cartridge by unthreading the set screw to detach the handle, removing the dome, and unthreading the cartridge nut. Then, insert the new cartridge, making sure that the tabs on the cartridge align with the grooves in the faucet.

When installing the new cartridge, be sure to use the correct type of cartridge nut. If the original nut was made of brass, reuse it with the new cartridge. If it was made of plastic, replace it with the new one that comes with the cartridge. Hand-tighten the cartridge nut and secure it in place with the adjustable wrench. Finally, install the dome and handle back into the faucet to finish the repair.

If, after following these steps, the leak persists, it's best to call a professional plumber to inspect the issue and repair it. They may be able to identify other problems such as a damaged valve seat or other internal issues that may require more advanced repairs.

Where can I buy moen faucet replacement cartridge

If you are looking to replace the cartridge in your Moen kitchen faucet, there are a few options for where you can purchase a replacement. One option is to visit a home improvement store such as Home Depot, Lowe's, or Menards, which typically carry a wide range of Moen products and replacement parts. Another option is to purchase the replacement cartridge directly from the Moen website, or through a Moen product agent.

Additionally, you can check online retailers such as Amazon, Ebay or Walmart. These retailers often have a wide range of Moen products and replacement parts available at competitive prices.

It is important to note that when purchasing a replacement cartridge, you will need to know the specific model number of your Moen faucet in order to ensure that you are getting the correct replacement part. You can find the model number of your faucet in the instruction manual, packaging or on the Moen website.

Online Sellers

  1. Do it Best
  2. Amazon
  3. faucet.com
  4. ACE
  5. wayfair
  6. build with ferguson
  7. menards
  8. ferguson
  9. FaucetDirect.com
  10. Lowe's
  11. Home Plumbing
  12. Home Depot

Retail shops

  1. The Home Depot
  2. Ferguson
  3. Bed Bath and Beyond
  4. Hd Supply Facilities
  5. Thomas Somerville Co
  6. Lowe's
  7. Capital Mechanical
  8. ACE
  9. True Value
  10. Vamac Inc.

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