How to Remove Moen Kitchen Faucets in 7 Steps

Step by step process to remove Moen kitchen faucets
Step-by-step process to remove Moen kitchen faucets

No matter how great your faucet has been to you over the years, sometimes there’s just no getting around the fact that it finally needs to be removed!

Whatever the reason- be it faulty parts, kitchen renovations, or for temporary maintenance purposes- make sure to read below if you want to learn exactly how to remove a Moen kitchen faucet. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to remove Moen kitchen faucets whether you have access to the right tools or not.

The step-by-step guide will show you the exact process to remove and replace your Moen kitchen faucets.

Let’s get started.

remove moen kitchen faucets
Steps to remove Moen kitchen faucets

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How to Remove Moen Kitchen Faucets 

The most common (and practical) way to remove Moen kitchen faucets is with the right tools. 

Using the appropriate tools makes it far easier to get the job done quickly and efficiently than if you were without the proper equipment.

It would actually be close to impossible to remove a faucet if you didn’t have any tools- unless every screwable component has loosened to the point of being unscrewable with your fingers.

Commonly-Used Tools to Remove a Kitchen Faucet

These are the tools you’ll need to uninstall a Moen kitchen faucet:

Tools to Remove a Kitchen Faucet
Tools to Remove a Kitchen Faucet
  • 7/64” hex wrench to remove the Moen kitchen faucet handle screw situated behind the plug button
  • 3/32” hex wrench for removing the handle screw located at the back of the handle
  • An adjustable wrench for any and all screw sizes, and to save the trouble of switching between wrenches
  • A Phillips head screwdriver for any Phillips head screw parts in your model of Moen kitchen faucet
  • A flat-head screwdriver for the same purpose as above
  • Pliers 
  • A cartridge removal tool, if pliers are not cutting it

Related guide: Best touchless kitchen faucets to buy

Things to Remember While Removing a Kitchen Faucet 

  • Turn the water off: Before commencing the removal of your Moen kitchen faucet, it is important you remember to turn the water off. This should be done at the supply line valve
  • Drain the pipes: Any residual water that is left in the pipes must be drained into a receptacle, otherwise you’ll run the risk of water damage under your sink
  • Prepare a bowl or bucket: Having something handy to catch any spilled water underneath your working area is crucial, as residual water may spill out when unscrewing and removing faucet components
  • A screwdriver: Parts of your Moen kitchen faucet may be bolted on and unscrewable with a wrench, and you will need a standard-size screwdriver to unscrew any flathead or Phillips head screws 
  • The order of the parts: You will be taking apart an item that consists of multiple components.

It’s vitally important therefore to make note of their order and association, so that come time to install a new faucet or reinstall the old, you will not be lost as to which bolt goes where!

Related guide: Best USA & German faucet brands to try

How to Remove a Moen Kitchen Faucet with Tools

Step 1. Completely shut off the water to your faucet

This should be done by closing the supply line valve. Remember to turn off both hot and cold valves

Step 2. Drain the pipes

Any water that is left in these pipes needs to be drained out into a receptacle, such as a bowel or a bucket

Using your screwdriver, unscrew the screws beneath the sink that are holding the faucet handle, then lift it up. You will then see something called a set screw. Use the wrench to unscrew this, and remove the handle completely.

Step 3. Remove the plastic sleeve

Next, you’ll need to remove the plastic sleeve, which will also be bolted in. Unbolt it with your wrench, and pull out.

The handle mechanism will be protected by a plastic sleeve. It will most likely be screwed in, so use your screwdriver to unscrew it from the sink. After you have done so, the mechanism can then be removed safely. Be careful, as this part is especially fragile!

Step 4. Remove the white washer

In this step, you need to remove the white washer which is a small circular plastic ring that acts as an insulator/protector.

Step 5. Lift out the spout

This should be easy, as all other component parts supporting it have been unscrewed and removed at this point

Step 6. Remove clips

Next, you’ll find a screwed-in clip underneath the spout that needs to be removed with your screwdriver

Step 7. Remove faucets cartridge

Finally, if your faucet is of an older make, you will also have to remove its cartridge. This can usually be done with pliers. However, special cartridge removal tools exist, and you may have to resort to using one if standard pliers cannot do the job.

Here’s a quick video of replacing the Moen faucet’s cartridge:

Need to replace the kitchen faucet cartridge?

Kitchen faucet cartridge
Kitchen faucet cartridge

How to Remove Moen Kitchen Faucet Without Tools

Unless the various bolts and screws holding together your Moen kitchen faucet are incredibly loose, it’s impossible to remove the whole faucet unit without tools, as a wrench and screwdriver are needed to unscrew various hardware components.

Removing a kitchen faucet using wrench
Removing a kitchen faucet using wrench

How to Remove Moen Kitchen Faucet with a Sprayer 

See the detailed steps above to remove a Moen kitchen faucet with a sprayer is the same process as removing one without a sprayer. Simply:

  • Turn off the water underneath the sink
  • Unscrew and unbolt the faucet sprayer using your screwdriver and wrench
  • Undo the set screw connecting the sprayer to the water pipes
  • Remove the sprayer!

If you’re a video person, check out this video on replacing your kitchen faucets with the right tools:

How to Remove Moen Kitchen Faucet without Screws

If you own a screwless model faucet, you might be wondering how to remove a Moen kitchen faucet without screws. It’s even easier than removing a kitchen faucet unit that has screws! 

Follow all the steps above, ignoring instructions related to screws and screwdrivers.

Your screwless Moen kitchen faucet should in theory be able to be removed simply by undoing the bolts, then attaching it to the sink and to the water pipes below.

If replacing the complete kitchen faucet is the only option you have, check out the following Moen kitchen faucets (best by reviews):

Further reading:

Final words

In this guide, we have shown you the complete steps (including video tutorials) to remove your Moen kitchen faucets. If you still have any questions or doubts, let me know in the comments.

FAQs

Are Moen kitchen faucets guaranteed for life?

Because of the high standard and quality of products, Moen is able to provide a lifetime warranty on selected kitchen faucets. Otherwise, your Moen products will surely have a 5-year warranty period from the date of purchase.

Are Moen kitchen faucets good?

Moen is a well-known and respected brand in the world of plumbing fixtures. Their kitchen faucets are generally considered to be of good quality. This is why most of the kitchen faucet products of Moen are warranted for life.

How do you uninstall a Moen faucet?

Removing or uninstalling a Moen kitchen faucet is a straightforward process that includes steps like shutting off the water, draining the pipes, and removing the plastic sleeve, whitewashers, and faucet clips.

Is there a special tool to remove kitchen faucets?

You can remove a Moen kitchen faucet with or without using any tools. Some useful tools to remove kitchen faucets are hex wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, and flathead screwdrivers.

How to take apart a Moen kitchen faucet?

The steps to take apart a Moen kitchen faucet are to turn off the water supply, loosen the mounting nut, pull the faucet away from the sink, and remove the cartridge from the faucet.

What is the easiest way to remove a kitchen faucet?

The easiest way to remove a kitchen faucet will depend on the type of faucet you have and the tools you have available. The easiest way to remove a kitchen faucet is with taking help of tools such as wrench pliers, and screwdrivers.