Easily Replace Your Moen Kitchen Faucet with This Quick Removal Guide

Over time, constant use can take its toll on even the highest quality kitchen faucets. If your trusty Moen faucet has seen better days, it may be time for an upgrade. Replacing a faucet is a straightforward project that most homeowners can tackle themselves. With some basic tools, carefully following the steps for removal and installation, you can have a brand new fixture enhancing the look and function of your kitchen in no time.

In this comprehensive DIY guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to safely remove your old Moen kitchen faucet and install a shiny new replacement. From shutting off water lines to clearing all the necessary space under your sink, we have got you covered. Read on to learn just how effortless renovating this key kitchen component can be.

Assemble Handy Tools for the Task

Before starting any plumbing project, it is essential to gather the proper implements. Attempting to muscle off a stubborn faucet without the right tools is a recipe for frustration and potential damage. Most Moen kitchen faucet installations only require common household items, but specialty plumbing tools can sometimes simplify certain tricky steps.

Don't force anything that feels stuck! Having the proper specialized tool is always preferable to improvising and risking damage. For particularly stubborn clamps or over-tightened nuts that resist wrenches, a faucet cartridge removal tool or extraction pliers may prove helpful.

Shut Off Water Supply Lines Before Starting

The first crucial step in any faucet removal process is cutting off the water supply. Neglecting this precaution can quickly turn a straightforward project into a messy flooded cleanup. Begin by locating the shut-off valves beneath your kitchen sink, which control water flow into your faucet's supply lines. Most sinks have two separate valves - one for the hot water line and one for cold.

To turn off the water, simply rotate each valve clockwise as far as it will go. Then verify water is completely shut off by turning on your kitchen faucet. The flow should slow to a stop as residual water drains from the supply lines. Doing this depressurizes the plumbing system so you can work safely once the faucet disassembly begins. If handles are stiff, an adjustable wrench helps pry them into the closed position.

Disconnecting Supply Lines

Before detaching the supply lines, place a bucket under the area to catch any drips. Moen faucets use flexible braided stainless steel water lines at the base, which unscrew from the bottom of the faucet by hand or with pliers. Leftover water may leak out as they detach. Carefully twist the lines free and bend them down into the bucket below without kinking or damaging them, as they will reconnect later.

Removing Faucet Components

The first piece separating from the main faucet body is usually the spout. Simply grasp firmly and lift straight up to slide it off the faucet assembly. Spouts attach in various ways, from splined rubber gaskets to threaded connections or set screws. Occasionally, freeing a stubborn spout may demand penetrating oils, joint pliers or gentle taps with a rubber mallet.

Next, set your sights on freeing the cartridge assembly inside the faucet body. This part regulates water flow and mixing between hot and cold supply lines. Carefully pry off the small metal or plastic clip holding the cartridge in place. An everyday flathead screwdriver or even a butter knife often does the trick here. Don't lose this tiny but vital piece! Once released, the cartridge pulls directly out of the faucet frame.

Clear Out Remaining Mounting Hardware

With the functional faucet parts detached, all that should remain is the anchoring hardware fastening it to your countertop or sink. Removing the next components takes a bit of elbow grease but requires no special plumbing skills. First, take out the plastic white ring sitting around the faucet base. Grab firmly with your fingers or pliers and rotate counterclockwise to unscrew it off the threaded faucet shank.

Under this ring you will find a black rubber gasket or washer. Pull straight up to remove it. These flexible washers serve as seals between the hard faucet and sink surfaces. Take care not to tear or twist this piece, as you will reuse it later during installation. With the washer out of the way, all that should be left are the locking nuts holding your Moen faucet firmly down.

Faucet Base Nuts and Mounting Bolts

The last obstacles are the nuts and bolts anchoring the faucet shank into your sink or countertop. Their removal finally liberates the main faucet piece for replacement. After clearing any sealant residue or grime off the locking nuts, place a basin wrench or locking pliers around them to start loosening. Grab tightly and steadily twist counterclockwise, taking care not to strip their threads.

If you encounter significant resistance, penetrating oil around the threads can help loosen the bond. Some impact or vibration may also help jar them free. Try gently rapping the wrench handle with a hammer or rubber mallet as you turn. With persistence, the nuts should eventually break loose allowing the old faucet to lift out. Unscrew the lock nuts fully and set them aside with all disassembled components for later reinstallation.

Clean Sink Deck and Prepare for New Faucet

Before placing your shiny new faucet, take a minute to tidy up the recently vacated sink deck area. Remove any grime, old plumber's putty, silicone residue or debris left behind during extraction with a mild scrub cleaner. Carefully clear the sink holes that secure the faucet bottom. Avoid scratching or damaging these surfaces!

Optionally apply plumbers putty to the cleaned sink deck for an extra leak-proof seal later. If the existing faucet holes no longer align with your new fixture, drill fresh holes in the surrounding countertop to accommodate it. Now your sink is prepped and ready for that modern Moen faucet upgrade!

Avoid Problems - Measure Twice, Install Once

Before placing any new faucet, double check that it properly fits your existing sink setup. Measure the spaced bolt holes and height under your cabinet to ensure sufficient room for the replacement model. Nothing is more frustrating than needing to return a faucet that doesn't physically fit your space. If the previous holes don't align with your new faucet, consider enlarging them with a jigsaw or installing it in a slightly different position on your countertop or sink.

Mount New Moen Faucet and Reconnect Plumbing

Installation works basically in reverse order of the removal steps. After verifying fit, lower the new faucet shank down into the sink holes, hand tightening the locking nuts to hold it in place loosely. Ensure the faucet body sits evenly and is properly aligned before final tightening. Use an adjustable wrench to carefully snug the nuts until the faucet feels firmly anchored.

Don't over-torque or you may damage the sink! Wrap plumber's tape around threaded water line connections before reattaching supply lines. Hand tighten these snugly with a wrench or pliers. Restore incoming water flow by turning the previously closed shut-off valves counterclockwise all the way open. Test for minor leaks and nip them in the bud now by tightening connectors.

Reinstall Remaining Faucet Components

The home stretch is buttoning up your work by reattaching all the little but vital faucet pieces. Drop the cartridge back into its slot, securing the small metal retaining clip. Make sure the clip clicks into place or the cartridge will fly out when you turn on water! Insert any washers or gaskets into their original seats and hand press the spout firmly into its mount. Wipe away fingerprints before reattaching the decorative handle.

Congratulations, in just about one hour your outdated kitchen now boasts a superbly functional Moen faucet! Turn on the water supply and marvel at the solid water pressure and graceful arc flowing from the modern fixture. Make any final tweaks to the handles and spout for optimal comfort and visual appeal. Bursting with pride at a job well done, crack open a cold one from the fridge and toast your inner plumber!

Still nervous about tackling a first-time faucet replacement? Here are some handy pro tips to ensure success:

• Label small parts to simplify reassembly
• Spread a towel to catch messy drips
• Have a container for storing disassembled components
• Take photos during process for easy reference
• Watch online tutorials before beginning
• Ask a family member or friend to assist

Installing your own faucet takes a little care and patience but yields huge DIY satisfaction. Before beginning, make sure to shut off hot and cold water valves, have the necessary tools assembled, and read through all instructions twice. Expect the steps to take 30 minutes to an hour for basic Moen models. More complex faucet systems could run up to 2 hours including cleanup.

Follow our guide above while taking your time, and soon you will be the proud owner of an amazingly refreshed kitchen space! Dazzle guests with your upgraded appearance and improved functionality. Who knew the key to a renovated room could be as simple as a new faucet? Hopefully by walking through the removal and replacement process, we have demystified the basics of this common household repair.