The sound of a dripping shower is not only annoying, but the increased water and electricity bills resulting from it call for an immediate response to the problem. So, what is the right approach when your Moen shower faucet won’t turn off?
Your Moen shower faucet won’t turn off because of a faulty cartridge, a loose faucet, or a malfunctioning valve. A worn-out stem washer and a damaged faucet handle can also cause the issue. Depending on the cause, you can fix the problem by tightening the faucet or replacing the damaged parts.
The appropriate solution for a Moen shower faucet that won’t turn off depends on the cause, thus making troubleshooting a necessary step.
You can easily fix your malfunctioning Moen shower faucet at home with the right tools and by following the correct steps. However, not everyone can handle this problem and are better off calling a professional plumber to avoid worsening the issue.
Keep reading to find out why your Moen shower faucet won’t turn off and the appropriate solutions.
Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn Off (Quick Fixes)
| Cause | Recommended Fix | |
| 1. | Faulty cartridge | Replace the old cartridge with a new one |
| 2. | Loose faucet | Tighten the Moen shower faucet |
| 3. | Faulty valve | Replace the old valve with a new one |
| 4. | Worn out stem washer | Replace the stem washer with a new one |
| 5. | A damaged or stripped faucet handle | Replace it with a new one |
| 6. | Obstructed Moen faucet handle | Remove the obstruction and clean it |
How Do You Fix A Moen Shower That Won’t Turn Off (Causes And Solutions)
The plumbing in your shower features cartridges, valves, gaskets, and seals that must work properly for your shower to function optimally. Your shower will start malfunctioning, including the shower continuously running even after turning off the faucet when some parts don’t work correctly.
Below are the reasons why your Moen shower faucet will not turn off and how to fix the problem.
1. Loose Faucet
Examining the faucet should be the first thing you do when your Moen shower faucet doesn’t turn off since a loose faucet can make your shower continue running. The small screw in shower faucet handles is responsible for keeping them in place and ensuring the faucets control the water flow.
A loose or broken faucet screw doesn’t offer a tight seal to stop the water from flowing after turning off the faucet. Therefore, tighten or replace your Moen shower faucet to restore the proper functioning of your shower.
Besides a loose screw, your shower faucet may also malfunction because it is loose or stuck, thus slipping off constantly.
Solution
Follow the steps below to tighten your loose Moen shower faucet.
- Turn off your bathroom’s mains water supply. The valve controlling the water supply to your bathroom is typically found close to the water heaters.
- Open the faucet’s cover plate using a flat-blade screwdriver or any other sharp tool.
- Tighten the shower handle screw using a spanner or a screwdriver.
- Reinstall the cover plate.
- Restore the water supply to your bathroom, then test the shower faucet by turning it on and off.
The problem is fixed if the water stop running once your turn off the Moen shower faucet. However, if it doesn’t, you will need to repeat the process to ensure you didn’t make any mistakes before exploring other solutions.
2. Faulty Cartridge
A shower cartridge regulates the water flow and temperature while you turn the shower handle. This part of your shower needs to work appropriately for the shower to function well and stop water from flowing out of the showerhead after turning off the faucet.
Therefore, a faulty cartridge should be replaced.
Solution
Here’s how to replace a faulty Moen shower cartridge. The procedure slightly differs from other cartridge types.
- Shut off the mains water supply and protect the tiny parts by covering the drains.
- Remove the plastic cover on the control valve top to access the screw found at the shower handle center.
- Pull the escutcheon plate from the wall by unscrewing the screws that are holding it in place using a screwdriver. Using a flat object or a screwdriver, you can pry the plate safely off the wall.
- Pull the stop tube towards you to slide it off the cartridge.
- Use pliers to detach the u-shaped cartridge from the body of the valve.
- Slide the spacer washer off the shaft and set it aside.
- Find a white nut-like tool in the new cartridge packaging, then interlock it with the old cartridge by slipping it over the shaft. Hold the tool with pliers and turn it back and forth to release the old cartridge from the body of the valve. Use the pliers to remove the tool, then grasp and pull out the cartridge from the valve body using pliers.
- Slip the new cartridge into the valve body. Place the nut tool on the new cartridge and use it to ensure the valve body and cartridge are properly aligned. The cartridge ears need to be at the top and bottom.
- Put the u-shaped retainer clip back into the valve body, then snap it in place. You must ensure there’s a snap; if not, readjust the new cartridge and try again.
- Reinstall the other pieces in the right order.
- Turn on the mains to test the new cartridge, making sure your shower is leak-free when you turn off the shower knob.
3. Faulty Valve
The valve and cartridge are typically used interchangeably to regulate the water flow and temperature while you turn the shower handle. Therefore, you need to replace a faulty valve to restore the proper functioning of your shower.
Solution
Follow these steps to replace a Moen shower faucet valve:
- Turn off the bathroom’s mains water supply.
- Install the stop tube by sliding it over the cartridge.
- Replace the trim plate by placing caulking around the trim plate’s outside edge, then press it against the shower wall. Ensure you also attach the escutcheon screws. Moreover, slide in place the key-and-temperature stops.
- Screw in the level-handle adapter.
- Place the shower handle on the level-handle adapter, then tighten the set or hex screw.
- Put the thread tape on the pipe end, caulk on the spout base, and then screw it in place.
- Put thread tape on the showerhead pipe end, then screw the showerhead into place.
4. Worn-Out Stem Washer
A worn-out washer can also cause the shower faucet not to turn off since this component aids in sealing off the water upon turning the faucet handle. It’s normal for the washer to deteriorate with time since it’s rubber-made.
Solution
Replace the worn-out stem washer with a new one. Below is the correct procedure for replacing the stem washer.
- Switch off the water supply to the shower.
- Use an Allen Wrench to loosen the handle, then remove it.
- Take out the faucet stem and the washer.
- Inspect the stem washer to determine if it’s old.
- Replace it if it’s worn out or damaged.
- Reassemble your Moen shower faucet, then restore the water supply.
5. A Damaged Or Stripped Faucet Handle
The faucet handle will not settle well into its place if it’s cracked or stripped. Due to this, the handle won’t turn and tighten the valve responsible for stopping the water flow.
Solution
Replace the damaged, stripped, or cracked faucet handle. You will need to remove the old one first, which can be difficult if it’s corroded, but it can be done with the right tools.
In addition, consider replacing the entire faucet, especially if the damage is extensive.
6. Obstructed Moen Faucet Handle
Your Moen shower faucet handle may be in good condition but obstructed by rust or debris, causing it to stay open; hence the water keeps running even after turning off the water. Broken pieces can also cause obstruction, so examine the handle carefully.
Solution
You must remove the obstruction to restore the proper functioning of your shower faucet handle. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Turn off your bathroom’s water supply.
- Unscrew and remove your Moen shower faucet handle.
- Inspect the handle for visible obstructions and get rid of them.
- Use an old toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Reassemble the faucet handle, making sure you position it well, screw it well, and tighten it properly.
- Check if the problem is solved by turning the shower on and off.
New Moen Shower Faucet Won’t Turn Off
Typically, a new Moen shower faucet should function flawlessly, which can be frustrating if it fails to turn off. Perform Moen shower valve troubleshooting when this happens to diagnose and fix the problem.
These troubleshooting procedures include checking for loose connections, stem washer damages, and faultiness in the valve, cartridge, and handle.
Closing Remarks
You’ll need to first look into the discussed cause if your Moen shower faucet won’t turn off and follow the fixes to restore the normal functioning of your shower. However, keep in mind that the problem could be more severe and will need a trustworthy plumber to diagnose and handle the issue.
Remember, the first step in fixing the issue is discovering its cause.
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