Moen 1222 vs 1222B Cartridge: Which Do You Need?

When it comes to home plumbing, choosing the right products and components can make all the difference.

If you’re faced with the decision between the Moen 1222 and 1222B cartridge for your faucet, you’ve come to the right place. These two cartridges have similar features and characteristics, but understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.

The Moen 1222 cartridge is a versatile choice, compatible with a variety of single-handle shower valves. It is known for its straightforward installation process and reliable performance. On the other hand, the Moen 1222B cartridge, a genuine Moen replacement part, boasts improved durability and functionality.

With subtle distinctions between these cartridges, examining their design and compatibility will guide you in making the best choice for your home.

Moen 1222 and 1222b Cartridges Overview

Moen 1222

The Moen 1222 cartridge is a popular choice when it comes to upgrading or replacing your shower valve cartridge due to its high quality and performance.

It is designed to fit seamlessly with Moen’s Posi-Temp single-handle faucets, ensuring easy control of water temperature and pressure in your shower.

When you install the Moen 1222 cartridge, you can expect a few notable features:

• A pressure-balancing mechanism that maintains a consistent water pressure
• Temperature control, allowing you to adjust the water temperature easily
• Compatibility with multiple Moen Posi-Temp faucets for easy integration

The Moen 1222 cartridge is made of solid brass, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

Moen 1222b

The Moen 1222b cartridge is a variant of the original Moen 1222 cartridge. It offers the same performance and quality as the Moen 1222 but with a different appearance.

This cartridge is compatible with Moen’s Posi-Temp single-handle faucets, ensuring easy control of water temperature and pressure in your shower.

When you install the Moen 1222b cartridge, you can expect similar features as the Moen 1222 cartridge, including:

• A pressure-balancing mechanism that maintains consistent water pressure
• Temperature control, allowing you to adjust the water temperature easily
• Compatibility with multiple Moen Posi-Temp faucets for easy integration

The Moen 1222b cartridge also has a solid brass construction, providing durability and long-lasting performance.

Compare and Contrast Moen 1222 and 1222b

Brass Piston

When it comes to the construction of the brass piston, you’ll notice a key difference between the Moen 1222 and 1222b cartridges.

The Moen 1222 has a brass piston, which offers increased durability and a longer lifespan. On the other hand, the Moen 1222b comes with a plastic piston. Although this makes it more affordable, it may require more frequent replacement.

Control and Flow of Water

The control and flow of water in both Moen 1222 and 1222b cartridges are quite similar. They provide a smooth and consistent water flow, allowing you to have a comfortable shower experience.

However, there are a few differences to point out:

• The Moen 1222 cartridge allows you to control the temperature and water pressure separately. This means you have more precise control over both aspects of your shower.
• The Moen 1222b cartridge combines the temperature and water pressure control into a single lever. While this makes for a more compact design, it might not offer the same level of precision as the 1222 version.

When comparing the Moen 1222 and 1222b cartridges, consider your preferences and budget.

If you desire more precise control over your shower’s temperature and water pressure and don’t mind spending a little more, the Moen 1222 may be the better option for you. However, if you’re looking for an affordable yet functional alternative, the Moen 1222b would be worth considering.

Replacement and Installation Process

Tools Required

Before starting the replacement process, gather the following tools:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plumber’s grease
• Replacement cartridge (either Moen 1222 or 1222B, depending on your shower valve)

Replacing the Cartridge

1. Turn off the water supply. Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn off the water to ensure a safe and dry work environment.
2. Remove the handle and trim. Unscrew the handle screw with a Phillips screwdriver, then gently pull the handle off. Next, remove the trim by unscrewing the trim screws and pulling it away from the wall.
3. Remove the retaining clip. Using needle-nose pliers, remove the U-shaped retaining clip that holds the cartridge in place.
4. Pull the cartridge out of the valve. Use pliers to grasp the cartridge stem and gently wiggle it back and forth as you pull it out of the valve. If the cartridge is stuck, use a Moen cartridge puller or a pair of adjustable pliers for more leverage.
5. Prepare the new cartridge. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on your replacement cartridge (Moen 1222 or 1222B, depending on your shower valve).
6. Insert the new cartridge. Align the notches on the cartridge with the grooves in the valve, and gently push the cartridge in. Make sure it’s fully seated and flush with the valve.
7. Reinstall the retaining clip. Position the clip over the cartridge and use needle-nose pliers to push it back into place.
8. Reassemble the trim and handle. Attach the trim to the wall with the trim screws. Place the handle back onto the cartridge stem and secure it with the handle screw.
9. Turn on the water supply. Restore the water supply to your home by opening the main shut-off valve. Test your shower to ensure proper operation and check for any leaks.

Usage in Bathroom and Kitchen Faucets

Bathroom Faucets

To make the right choice for your needs, consider the following:

• Compatibility: Check if the Moen 1222 or 1222B cartridges work with your specific faucet model. You can find this information in your faucet’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website.
• Ease of installation: Installing a new cartridge can be easy if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Both the Moen 1222 and 1222B cartridges come with installation guides to help you through the process.

Kitchen Faucets

• Temperature control: Moen 1222 cartridges are engineered for temperature control, allowing you to adjust your water temperature with ease. In contrast, the Moen 1222B offers a more basic design without temperature control functionality.
• Pressure balance: If maintaining consistent water pressure is a priority, the Moen 1222 cartridge might be the better option. It’s designed to keep a balanced water pressure in your kitchen faucet, providing a comfortable and efficient experience.

Remember to always verify compatibility with your kitchen faucet before purchasing either the Moen 1222 or 1222B cartridge.

Compatibility with Showerheads and Tub Spouts

Shower Heads

When it comes to compatibility with shower heads, both Moen 1222 and Moen 1222B shower valve replacement cartridge work seamlessly with most models.

However, it’s important to note that some modern showerhead designs might not be fully compatible, particularly those with more advanced features.

To ensure a proper fit, you should:

• Verify the shower arm dimensions: The diameter should match the cartridge’s inlet and outlet size
• Check the connections: Both Moen cartridges follow a standard thread type, but it’s crucial to ensure that the shower head you’re using will connect smoothly
• Understand the water flow rate: Ensure that the maximum flow rate of your shower head is compatible with the Moen 1222 or 1222B cartridge

Remember, cold water supply should not be an issue with either cartridge, as they are pressure-balanced to maintain consistent water temperature, even during fluctuations.

Tub Spouts

Similar to shower heads, both Moen 1222 and 1222B cartridges are designed to be compatible with most standard tub spouts.

To avoid any compatibility issues, you need to consider the following:

• Confirm the spout’s dimensions: Make sure the diameter of the tub spout matches the inlet and outlet size of either the Moen 1222 or 1222B cartridge
• Inspect the connections: Double-check that the thread type on the cartridge matches the thread type on your tub spout
• Consider the water flow rate: Tub spouts typically have a higher flow rate than shower heads. Ensure your chosen cartridge can handle the required flow rate to fill your tub adequately

As with shower heads, both cartridges are designed to work with cold water supplies and regulate water temperature, so you don’t need to worry about unexpected temperature fluctuations while you enjoy your bath.