faucet won't stay on

[colinml]

This is in regard to a 15 year old Moen single handle bath faucet. I can pull the handle to open the flow of water into the tub, but as soon as I let go, the handle sinks back to the almost closed position, shutting off the water. It's as if there is a vacuum pulling it closed (and making it a little hard to pull open).

I've tried replacing the 1225 style cartridge already. This seemed to make things better initially, but within a few weeks the same problem returned.

Is there some other component I should be replacing along with the cartridge? Are defective cartridges common? Is there some other problem that I should be looking for?

Thanks,
Colin

[plumber1]

Your complaint is somewhat unuseual.
The next time replace that cartridge with the more expensive all brass one.
I only suspect that you are using the less expensive plastic one.
Over the years I've noticed that some of the plastic ones start out being slippery and as you use them they become hard to adjust.

[hj]

I have heard about it being a frequent complaint with the plastic ones, although I have not had it happen on any of my repairs. It is apparently because of the extra slippery grease Moen uses on the plastic ones. Sometimes the only cure is to use the metal one.

[colinml]

Thank you. I didn't realize there were different kinds of replacement cartridge. Just grabbed the only one I saw at Home Depot. And, I'm pretty sure it was plastic. I'll search on-line for a metal one. Thanks again.
Colin

[colinml]

Hmm...not having any luck finding a metal one. Everything I find looks just like the one I put in. Whether Moen brand, or import version, they all look like plastic with a brass stem. I honestly don't recall whether the one I put in was Moen or an OEM brand, but I'm fairly sure it was kind of expensive, so I'm guessing Moen brand.

In any case, it sounds like what you are saying is that the problem must be related to the cartridge. There's not really anything else that could cause this? Is that correct?

Thanks

[plumber1]

Look up Moen and call them. They may just send you one if your having problems.

[colinml]

Hi,
Yes, Moen is sending me one. THanks for the help.

[dubldare]

Moen has addressed this issue with an auxilliary o-ring to be installed on the packing (handle) side of the stem.

[Cass]

If I understand you right I don't know what that would do? It would just ride up and down with the stem.

[dubldare]

Sorry, it's meant to be installed adjacent to the o-ring on the handle side, so it's inside the outer housing. Basically, it's only there to increase friction.

In most cases, I find that running very hot water through the problem faucet for 5 minutes or so will take care of it. The trick is just keeping the faucet open that long.