Genuine Moen 1225 Single-Handle Faucet Replacement Cartridge

About This Part

The Moen 1225 is the genuine OEM replacement cartridge for a wide range of Moen single-handle kitchen, bathroom, and bar faucets. It controls both water volume and temperature through a single handle and is the most common cause of dripping, leaking, or a stiff/hard-to-turn handle in older Moen single-handle faucets.

This is a genuine Moen part — not an aftermarket replica. It ships with the white plastic twisting tool (used to seat the cartridge correctly into the valve body) and copper retainer clips.

Key Features

• Genuine Moen OEM part — same cartridge originally installed at the factory
• Controls both water volume and temperature via single-handle operation
• Brass construction for corrosion resistance and long service life
• Includes white twisting installation tool and copper retaining clip(s)
• Fits kitchen faucets, bathroom/lavatory faucets, and bar faucets using the 1225 valve
• Fully interchangeable with 1225B — either suffix can replace the other
• Backed by Moen's limited warranty

1225 vs. 1225B — What's the Difference?

The 1225 and 1225B are functionally identical. The "B" designation refers to a brass stem variant, while the standard 1225 uses a composite stem — but both have the same external dimensions and fit the same valve bodies. Either can replace the other without issue. If you're in a hard-water area, the 1225B's brass stem offers slightly better resistance to mineral buildup over time.

Is This the Right Cartridge?

The 1225 fits single-handle Moen faucets that use a metal retaining clip (copper or brass) to hold the cartridge in place. If your faucet uses a plastic retaining nut, you likely have a 1255 Duralast cartridge instead.

Compatible Moen Faucet Series

The 1225 cartridge is used across many Moen single-handle kitchen, bathroom, and bar faucet lines produced prior to approximately 2009–2011. Compatible series include:

This list is not exhaustive. The best way to confirm compatibility is to check the faucet's model documentation or use Moen's online cartridge finder at moen.com.

Alternate Part Numbers

The 1200 is an older brass cartridge variant that fits the same valve body; the 1225 is its direct successor. Both the 1200 and 1225 share the same removal and installation procedure.

Installation Overview

1. Shut off the water supply — turn off the shut-off valves under the sink, or the main water supply if there are no local valves.
2. Open the faucet handle to release any remaining pressure until water flow stops.
3. Remove the handle — pry off the decorative cap, then remove the handle screw (usually Phillips head) and pull the handle off.
4. Pull out the stop tube (the outer sleeve around the cartridge stem).
5. Remove the retaining clip — use needle-nose pliers to pull the copper or brass clip straight up and out of its slot.
6. Extract the old cartridge — grip the brass stem firmly with pliers and pull straight up. Do not twist.
7. Orient the new cartridge — align the volume control holes parallel to the floor (ears facing front and back).
8. Seat the cartridge — use the included white twisting tool to push the cartridge fully into the valve body until the plastic tabs are flush with the valve body and centered in the cutouts.
9. Reinstall the retaining clip — the water cannot safely be turned back on until the clip is fully seated. If the clip is damaged, replace it before restoring water.
10. Reassemble the handle, restore the water supply, and test for leaks and smooth operation.

Moen provides a full video tutorial for the 1200/1225 cartridge replacement at moen.com — search "1225 cartridge removal and installation."

FAQ

How do I know if I need a 1225 or a 1255?

Check how the cartridge is held in place. If it uses a metal (copper or brass) retaining clip, you have a 1225. If it uses a plastic retaining nut, you have a 1255 Duralast. Your faucet's original documentation will also list the cartridge number. When in doubt, call Moen at 1-800-BUY-MOEN — they can confirm the correct part by faucet model number.

My faucet is dripping constantly — will replacing the cartridge fix it?

In most cases, yes. A worn or cracked cartridge is the most common cause of a dripping single-handle faucet. If the faucet still drips after cartridge replacement, check the O-rings on the cartridge body and the valve seat inside the faucet housing for damage.

Can I use an aftermarket 1225 cartridge?

Aftermarket cartridges are widely available, but quality varies. Genuine Moen cartridges are manufactured to the original tolerances and are covered by Moen's warranty. Using a non-genuine part may also affect your faucet's warranty coverage.

Do I need a special tool to install this?

The white plastic twisting tool included in the kit is important for properly seating the cartridge — it prevents the cartridge from being pushed in crooked, which can cause leaks. You'll also need standard tools: needle-nose pliers to remove the retaining clip, and pliers or vise grips to pull out the old cartridge stem.

Is the 1225 the same as the 1222 Posi-Temp cartridge?

No — these are completely different cartridges designed for different valve types. The 1222 Posi-Temp is a pressure-balancing cartridge used exclusively in Moen shower/tub valves where the handle rotates but does not pull in and out. The 1225 controls both volume and temperature in single-handle kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. They are not interchangeable.