Match Your Moen Shower Cartridge Before Ordering

Match the valve family before ordering a Moen shower valve cartridge. Posi-Temp uses 1222; Standard and Moentrol single-handle valves use 1225; M-CORE 2-Series uses 1212; M-CORE 3-Series uses 1213. Handle movement narrows the choice, but it does not identify every Moen system on its own. Moen’s shower cartridge chart separates these families and their replacement parts.

Shower Parts Store is an identification reference, not a parts retailer. Use the checks below to establish the part number before buying elsewhere.

1. Match the controls to the valve family

Observe how the handle normally operates; do not force a stuck handle to test it. The escutcheon is the trim plate against the wall.

What you can observe	Valve family to confirm	Cartridge
One handle rotates only; escutcheon screws at approximately 2 and 7 o’clock	Posi-Temp	1222
One handle pulls out to turn on, pushes in to turn off, and rotates for temperature	Standard or Moentrol	1225
One handle rotates only; no visible escutcheon screws; temperature indicators at 3 o’clock	M-CORE 2-Series	1212, gray
One handle pushes/pulls for flow and rotates for temperature; no visible escutcheon screws; temperature indicators at 9 and 3 o’clock	M-CORE 3-Series	1213, blue
Separate hot and cold handles, possibly with a third diverter handle	Moen two- or three-handle Standard system	1224 for the hot/cold controls—not the diverter

These clues come from Moen’s cartridge chart, its Posi-Temp identification guidance, and its M-CORE identification guide.

The important exception: rotation-only does not always mean 1222, and push-pull does not always mean 1225. M-CORE duplicates those operating patterns with different cartridges. For M-CORE, check the series number in the trim kit’s installation guide; Moen states that its flow cartridge is supplied with the trim kit rather than the rough-in valve. M-CORE series identification

If you have confirmed an older Posi-Temp, Standard or Moentrol system, our 1222 versus 1225 identification guide covers that narrower comparison.

Stop if the controls do not fit these rows

A thermostatic temperature knob, separate flow control, outlet-selector handle or electronic control needs its own model-specific identification. Moen’s ExactTemp systems, for example, have separate temperature and flow cartridges, with part numbers differing by generation. A transfer valve also uses a different cartridge from the valve that mixes hot and cold water. Do not choose 1222 or 1225 simply because the trim says Moen. Moen’s full chart covers these additional systems.

For a multi-outlet shower, first distinguish the transfer valve from the mixing valve.

2. Check whether the symptom points to the cartridge

A correct part number does not prove that replacing it will solve the fault.

• Confirmed Posi-Temp keeps running or dripping with the handle off, or leaks at the handle: Moen directs replacement of the 1222 cartridge. Posi-Temp leak guidance
• Water comes from the showerhead while running the tub spout only: the same guidance classifies this separately as a stacking problem, not the same diagnosis as a continuous off-position leak.
• Shower is not hot enough: verify that both hot and cold supplies are available, any supply stops are fully open, and the model’s temperature-limit setting is correct before assuming cartridge failure. On Moentrol, Moen also directs inspection of the separate 1423 balancing spool before moving to 1225 replacement if the problem remains. Moen’s temperature troubleshooting

3. Confirm the replacement and plan safe removal

Before ordering, record the valve or trim model, photograph the controls and screw positions, and compare the exact replacement number with Moen’s parts documentation. If identification requires removal, photograph the old cartridge’s body, stem, seals and any markings. Measurements can help resolve an uncertain match, but should not override a model-specific part number.

Shut off the water supply before disassembly and verify that flow has stopped. Cover the drain and follow the instructions for the identified family—not a generic Moen cartridge video.

For 1222 and 1225, the retaining clip must be removed before extraction and correctly reinstalled before restoring water. Moen explicitly warns not to turn the water back on if the clip cannot be installed; its 1222 instructions also prohibit restoring water with a damaged or broken clip. See the manufacturer’s 1222 instructions and 1225 instructions.

Once the family is confirmed, use our Moen shower cartridge removal guide. If isolation is unreliable, the valve body moves during extraction, or the retainer will not seat, stop and have a plumber assess the repair before restoring service.