Which Moen Cartridge Do I Need? 1222 vs 1225 vs 1200 vs Posi-Temp

Moen uses a handful of cartridge numbers across millions of faucets and shower valves, and several of them look alike. Ordering the wrong one is the most common mistake in a Moen repair. This guide explains the differences between the 1222, 1225 and 1200 cartridges, what Posi-Temp means, and how to identify your cartridge from the way the handle works, before you take anything apart.

The short answer

• Moen 1222: the Posi-Temp shower cartridge. The handle only rotates. It turns the water on and sets the temperature, with no separate volume control.
• Moen 1225: the one-handle cartridge used in Moen's standard (non-pressure-balanced) single-handle tub and shower valves and in Moentrol valves. The handle pulls out to turn on and push in to turn off, and rotates to set temperature. It is also used in many one-handle Moen kitchen and bathroom faucets.
• Moen 1200: the original brass Moen one-handle cartridge, found in older faucets and valves. In many single-handle applications the plastic 1225 is used as its replacement, but confirm the fit for your model before you order.

Step 1: Identify your cartridge by handle operation

Moen's own identification guide sorts single-handle shower valves by how the handle moves. Turn the shower on and watch what the handle does:

The difference between Posi-Temp and Moentrol trips up many people because both are pressure balanced. The quickest test is the handle: a Posi-Temp handle only turns, while a Moentrol handle also pulls out and pushes in.

Moen 1222 vs 1225

These are the two cartridges people confuse most often, and they are not interchangeable.

1222 Posi-Temp

• Used in single-handle Posi-Temp tub and shower valves.
• Pressure balanced: it adjusts to sudden changes in hot or cold pressure, such as when a toilet flushes, to help prevent temperature swings.
• Handle rotates only. Flow is on or off, with no volume control.
• Moen also sells a 1222B listing. Plumbers commonly report the B suffix as a packaging difference for the same cartridge; check the product details when you order.

1225

• Used in standard single-handle tub and shower valves that are not pressure balanced, and in Moentrol valves, where the pressure balancing is handled elsewhere in the valve.
• Pull/push handle for on, off and volume; rotate for temperature.
• Also found in many one-handle Moen kitchen and bathroom sink faucets.
• Also sold as the 1225B.

Moen 1225 vs 1200

Moen describes the 1200 as its original cartridge for one-handle operation. It has a brass body. The 1225 has a plastic body and is widely used today in the same kinds of single-handle faucets and valves. The Moen 1200 is still sold, and on certain Moentrol valves with an integrated transfer valve, Moen lists the 1200 as the diverter cartridge behind the upper handle, not the temperature cartridge. If your existing cartridge is brass, check your faucet or valve model in Moen's parts information to confirm whether a 1200 or a 1225 is specified.

Step 2: Confirm with the old cartridge

Handle operation narrows it down. To be certain, compare the old cartridge after you remove it:

• Markings: many Moen cartridges are stamped or molded with the part number or the Moen name.
• Material: brass body (typical of a 1200) or plastic body (typical of a 1225).
• Length and stem: lay the old cartridge next to the product photos and compare overall length, stem shape and the position of the ports and O-rings.
• Model number: if you still have the faucet or valve paperwork, the model number is the most reliable way to match the part.

Step 3: Replace the cartridge

1. Shut off the water to the faucet or shower. Many Moen shower valves have integral stops on the valve body, visible once the trim is off. Otherwise close the branch or main shutoff.
2. Remove the handle and escutcheon plate.
3. Pull the retaining clip (usually a U-shaped clip on 1222 and 1225 valves). Note the orientation of the cartridge stem before removing it.
4. Pull the cartridge straight out. Old cartridges can stick; a cartridge puller tool made for Moen cartridges helps avoid damage to the valve body.
5. Install the new cartridge in the same orientation and reinstall the clip.
6. Turn the water back on and check that hot and cold are on the correct sides. If they are reversed, the cartridge stem needs to be rotated. Follow the instructions included with the cartridge.
7. On shower valves, check and set the handle's limit stop, then reinstall the trim.

For full valve work and pressure-balance vs thermostatic valves, see our guide How to Replace a Shower Valve.

Shop Moen cartridges

We carry the 1222, 1225, 1200, 1224, 1248 and M-CORE cartridges. See all replacement cartridges, including other brands, in our faucet cartridges collection, or shop all Moen parts.

FAQ

Can I use a 1225 in place of a 1222?

No. The 1222 is the Posi-Temp cartridge and the 1225 fits standard and Moentrol valves. They fit different valve bodies.

Is Posi-Temp the same as Moentrol?

No. Both are pressure balanced, but a Posi-Temp handle only rotates and uses the 1222 cartridge. A Moentrol handle pulls out for volume and uses the 1225 for temperature and flow.

What does the B in 1222B or 1225B mean?

It is commonly reported to be a packaging difference rather than a different cartridge. Check the product details on each listing.

Why is my shower still dripping after a new cartridge?

Check that the cartridge is fully seated and the clip is in place, and that the O-rings were not damaged during install. If it still drips, the valve body may need attention from a plumber.