Shower cartridge stuck and won't come out

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1. Make sure the retainer is really out

• Moen 1222/1225/1200: a U-shaped clip slides out of the top of the brass body. If you can't reach it, take the escutcheon off.
• Delta 13/14 and 1300/1400: unscrew the bonnet nut. Use a strap wrench, or a towel and groove-joint pliers, if it's tight.
• Pfister Avante (974-292): unscrew the collar nut.

2. Break it loose with a twist, not a pry

• Moen 1225: use the plastic twisting tool (it comes with a new cartridge) to turn the cartridge a quarter turn either way, then pull the stem out and pull.
• Moen 1222: twist slightly with the tool until the body loosens, then pull by the stem.
• Delta RP46074: Delta says don't pry with a screwdriver. Put the handle back on, rotate it about 1/4 turn counterclockwise past the stop, remove it, then pull the brass stem straight out.
• Pfister Avante: thread the handle screw back into the cartridge and pull on it with pliers.

3. Use a puller

For Moen 1200, 1222 and 1225, Moen sells the 104421 cartridge puller. In short:

1. Remove the clip. For 1200/1225, pull the stem to full open. For a 1222, turn the stem with a wrench so the notch faces up.
2. Fit the tool's tabs between the cartridge tabs and screw the knurled screw into the stem by hand until it stops.
3. Run the hex nut down onto the valve and twist the tee handle to rotate the cartridge.
4. If it still won't move, hold the tee handle and tighten the hex nut with a wrench. That draws the cartridge out.

Moen 104421 puller on moen.com

4. The stem came out but the shell is still in the valve

• Moen 1200/1225: Moen's method is to cut threads into the shell with a 1/2"-13 NC or 1/2"-20 NF tap. Remove the tap and drop in a 3/8" hardwood dowel cut 1-3/4" long. Then thread the tap back in. As it bottoms on the dowel, it pushes the shell out. Hold the cartridge tabs with a small screwdriver so the shell doesn't just spin.
• Moen 1222: remove the clip, thread a 7/16" tap wrench into the center opening where the stem broke off, and pull the shell out. If that fails, Moen asks you to call them (1-800-289-6636) before trying anything else.

5. After it's out

Check for leftover fragments, then clean and flush the valve body before you install the new cartridge. Moen recommends a nylon brush, then running a little water through with you standing outside the tub, because it comes out with force. Dry the bottom of the body with a paper towel, or the new cartridge may not seat fully.

If none of this works, call a plumber before the valve body gets damaged. A damaged valve body is a much bigger repair than a cartridge.