Maintaining Your Moen Drinking Water Faucet

Installing a high-quality faucet like Moen can be a worthwhile investment for your home. With proper care and maintenance, a Moen faucet will provide a lifetime of reliable service. But keeping your faucet in top condition takes a little effort. Here's a guide to cleaning, troubleshooting, and repairing common issues with Moen drinking water faucets.

A regular cleaning routine helps keep your Moen faucet looking beautiful and also improves performance. Hard water can leave behind lime and calcium deposits that clog aerator screens and contaminate water. Bacteria and mold can grow in stagnant water inside faucet lines. Follow these tips to properly clean and sanitize your drinking water faucet.

Cleaning and Maintenance for Moen Drinking Water Faucets

• How to clean exterior and interior parts
• Removing hard water deposits and mineral buildup
• Sanitizing to prevent bacteria growth
• Checking and replacing water filters

Start by wiping down all exterior faucet surfaces at least once a week using a soft cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch finishes. For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub. Moen offers a specialized faucet cleaner that will remove fingerprints and water spots.

To clean the faucet's interior parts, start by disconnecting and removing the aerator screen. Place the aerator in a bowl and cover with white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining debris. Run the faucet on full for a few minutes to flush the water lines.

For a deeper clean, remove the faucet handle and spout to access interior parts. Soak the faucet cartridge in vinegar or a lime removal solution. Use a small brush to clean crevices and prevent clogs. Reassemble the faucet once all parts are cleaned and dried.

To prevent bacteria growth inside your drinking water faucet, occasionally disinfect the lines using a mild bleach solution. Shut off the water supply and disconnect the faucet. Place the faucet in a large bowl and fill with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of bleach. Let it soak for 30 minutes before reinstalling.

Replace any in-line water filtration cartridges according to manufacturer instructions, usually every 3-6 months. Check other filters like an under-sink reverse osmosis system annually. Properly maintaining water filters optimizes water flow and removes sediments.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Low or uneven water flow
• Leaking from spout or handle
• Loose faucet handle
• Water has bad taste or odor
• Noise when faucet is turned on
• Water dripping from faucet head

Even with proper care, faucets may develop issues over time. Familiarizing yourself with common faucet problems can help you quickly diagnose and repair them.

If your faucet's water flow becomes uneven or decreases, the likely culprit is trapped debris or a damaged cartridge. Turn off the water supply and remove any debris blocking the aerator screen. If the aerator is clear, you may need to replace the faucet cartridge.

Persistent leaks near the faucet handle or spout indicate worn washers or O-rings inside the faucet assembly. Try tightening the adjusting ring under the handle. If leaks continue, you'll need to replace internal seals and valves.

Loose handles that wiggle or rotate all the way around mean that the securing nut needs tightening. Remove the handle and tighten the screw underneath using an Allen wrench. Be careful not to overtighten.

Unpleasant tastes or odors in your drinking water could be from bacterial growth or contaminated lines. Disinfect interior faucet parts as described above. You may also need to replace old supply hoses and add a water filtration system.

Squeaking, rattling noises point to worn washers and seals. Lubricating the faucet valve assembly with non-petroleum grease can temporarily quiet noises, but you'll still need to replace faulty internal parts.

A faucet that won't completely turn off allows water to drip from the spout. This is due to issues with the valve seats and springs. Replacing the faucet cartridge or washer kit will stop annoying drips.

• Identifying the faucet model
• Ordering replacement parts
• Replacing faucet cartridge
• Installing new handles or spout
• Fixing leaky connections under the sink
• When to call a plumber for faucet repair

Before attempting any repairs, always turn off the water supply lines under the sink. Then identify your Moen faucet model, usually located on the underside of the spout or handle. Moen's website has helpful videos and instructions for replacing common parts.

Many hardware stores carry replacement cartridges, O-rings, washers, and valve units that match Moen models. Original Moen parts can also be ordered online or by calling their support line. Have your model number handy for easy ordering.

Replacing old cartridges is often the best solution for restoring optimal faucet function. Use a faucet wrench to unscrew the valve from below. Insert the new cartridge and tighten by hand until snug.

For simple handle or spout upgrades, carefully pry off the old components with a utility knife. Clean the faucet mount, apply plumber's putty around the base of the new part, then screw into place by hand. Wipe away any excess putty.

Check under your sink for signs of leaky supply lines, rusted tailpieces, or cracked washers. Tightening joints may stop minor drips. But corrosion indicates that metal pieces need replacement. Use flex supply lines when reconnecting.

More complex issues like completely stripped interior parts or a cross-threaded faucet base require professional repair. A handyman can also ensure all new parts are properly aligned and sealed during faucet reassembly.

With basic maintenance and DIY troubleshooting, your Moen faucet can stay in good working order for years. But when problems persist, don't hesitate to call in an expert plumber for faucet repair or replacement. Investing in professional service ensures safe installation and fewer future leaks.

Moen has built a reputation for faucets that stand the test of time. Their high-quality construction and lifetime guarantee lead the industry. With proper care, your Moen drinking water faucet will continue providing clean, refreshing water for your home.