Moen 1200 One-Handle Kitchen and Bathroom Faucet Cartridge Replacement, Brass

I ordered one of these on November 1st, 2012 to replace a plastic stem in our Moen bathroom sink faucet which kept requiring an o-ring replacement or lubrication. I thought maybe being a Genuine Moen part, and of brass construction the sealing valve surfaces for the moving O-rings would be of higher quality and not need such frequent attention. This sink gets a lot of warm water usage, dozens of cycles on this valve every day. As of February 17, 2013 this stem is already worn out, and presents extreme resistance to pulling the faucet handle. I removed it and carefully pulled the inner stem out and cleaned and lubricated it with FDA approved silicone grease, and re-assembled it. It doesnt leak, but it is still hard to pull and actually squeaks when pushed closed. The sealing o-rings look like new, but since half the O-ring seals in this model are mounted inside the barrel into grooves, instead of having all of them mounted in grooves on the removable stem (stupid design!!) it would be very difficult to try to remove the hidden o-rings and get a new set installed without scratching the brass in the process, which could lead to premature damage of any newly installed o-rings. So I am replacing this piece of junk and going back to the cheap plastic style of stem. At least those CAN be serviced, after which they work very well for several months, until their o-rings wear out and need to be replaced and re-greased. Of course, if Moen could simply make a faucet that did not NEED all this attention, I would not be in this predicament. But at least this lasts longer than the lousy single handle Delta model it replaced.

This brass cartridge is superior to the plastic ones I found at Lowes & Home Depot. It has 4 O rings instead of only 2.

Works and installs as expected. Worth watching a online video or two before installation just to make sure you do it right.

OEM product works great in my old Moen tub/shower valves.

Works well once you get the old one out!

If you are the original owner and can show receipts, Moen will send one free of charge. Otherwise, this is a good deal on an original Moen part. These brass cartridges work much better for me than the plastic ones commonly found in the big box stores.

Had a hard time removing the 20 year old cartridges. Hunks of rubber remained in the neck even after flushing it out. Had a hard time until I took it back apart and looked down the neck with a flashlight and found more chunks of rubber. Fished them out and it work as intended. Whatever you do make sure the neck is spotless.

The item fit and was the same size. The item was not the same as original equipment. It had much less rubber and designed differently. Poorly made. The handle was loose and felt cheap and moved all over loosely after the install. I double checked the model of the faucet and replacement part numbers. It still leaked just in a different position than before. Since it had been installed I did not return. Just wasted $25.00. I pitched it. Bought a new faucet. I do not recommend buying this part.

I replaced this easily enough but within a month it failed and started leaking again, stiff to open and close, etc.. Still fresh in my memory, lets have a look. I went to pull out packing and only the inner stainless shaft came out, the outer brass valve stayed inside housing. The spring steel (outer) C-clip failed. Fortunately Im only out the $25 I paid for this Chinese Moen knock off. Also check your review, whoever monitors this likes to change your 1 star rating 5 stars.

Feb 2019...buy this,its OEM and brass ...nothing else to say