We have seen hundreds of faucets around us till today but hardly have examined one properly. So, as you are here looking for the best Moen replacement cartridge, we may assume that now is the time that you have done the reading and already know what a faucet cartridge is. Faucet cartridges are one of the most common tools we use in our everyday life without even noticing it. It is like any other faucet in your room but works differently. In this case, instead of having two separate taps or knobs for both hot and cold water, there’s simply a lever above one tap. To get the water flow, you have to raise the lever. You can control the temperature by pushing the lever to either left or right.
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Faucet cartridges have a more complex design, and it includes smaller parts than a faucet with separate taps. In this case the hot and cold water run-up to the base of the faucet where it remains separated using a diverter mechanism set just below the spigot called ‘cartridge’. When you raise the lever to turn the water on, by pushing the cartridge forward both water lines unblock. When centered, the cartridge lets water from both lines pass equally. When you press the lever to the left, the cartridge lets more water from the hot-line pass than the cold line. Similarly, when you press the lever to the right, the cartridge allows more water from the cold-line flow than the hot-line until the hot-line is blocked entirely. Finally, when you push the lever down, by blocking both water lines, you turn off the water flow.
Moen is a very reputed manufacturer of cartridge faucets. All the products that the brand offers are of superior quality. Moen 1200 and 1225 are two such excellent options which make plumbers and peoples confused very easily. So, we have compared these two editions from the brand to give you an idea of which one is the best and worthy of your choice
P.S. If you wanted to find out how to replace a Moen 1222 Cartridge we have a great article on that too.
Things To Consider Before You Buy A Moen Replacement Cartridge for Your Faucet
There are many types of faucets available in the market. But when you have decided to go for cartridge faucets, you must choose the best. Buying just any cartridge faucet may not satisfy you which is why we have made the following list of some features that you must consider before purchasing a faucet cartridge. So, whether you are planning to buy a new cartridge or are looking for a Moen replacement cartridge because of leakage or some other issues, consider these following points before buying one. It would help you get the best faster.
- Installation
The cartridge that you are planning to buy should be an easy one to get installed. Installing a faucet properly is very important. Therefore, an easy-to-install faucet cartridge would only help you in that process. The good build quality of a Moen cartridge also facilitates smooth fixing of the cartridge into the faucet. Therefore, go with a cartridge which is easy to install.
- Longevity
Like any other shower and kitchen faucets and valves, their repair parts should also be durable enough so that when you replace the broken or damaged part, the new cartridge can work for years without causing any problem. The build quality of the cartridge, therefore, plays a huge role in ensuring the longevity of your faucet cartridge.
- Design
The design of the cartridges plays a vital role in the performance of the faucet. The price of a cartridge also depends on the material that it is made of. Faucet cartridges come in the single handle and two handle designs. So, before you buy a cartridge, make sure which type you need.
- Warranty
Warranty is another important point that you must not overlook before buying a cartridge. It secures your investment by ensuring the longevity of the cartridge. So, while you buy a cartridge, do check the warranty period that the brand is offering you. When you buy a Moen cartridge, you get a good warranty period, and their products offer you excellent service too.
- Compatibility
Compatibility is another critical factor that you should never ignore. Cartridges are used as replacement tools. Hence, before you buy a cartridge, you should check whether the cartridge would support your faucet or not.
Moen 1200 & Moen 1225 Faucet Cartridges Compared
Moen is a well-known manufacturer of cartridges. Both the series of Moen cartridges present some excellent features which are hard to get in any other brand. Hence, many people get confused while choosing one between these two brands. Previously we have mentioned certain points that you should consider before buying a faucet cartridge. By comparing those points in the two series we will be able to get the best among those. Below, we have described the two series differently.
Moen 1200 Faucet Cartridge
Moen 1200 series cartridge replacement is one of the best single handle bathroom or kitchen cartridges as compared to other versions. Moen 1200 comes with many amazing features and an easy replacement procedure, allowing the repair process easier. This Moen replacement cartridge is also compatible with most Moen one handle bathroom and kitchen faucets. The robust build quality of the cartridge surpasses most other reputed brands too. This version probably has the best market value in the market.
- Installation
Moen 1200 is designed to allow a quick and easy installation process. It offers you a straightforward set up while replacing the broken cartridges in your bathroom or kitchen faucets. Due to its all-round solid brass construction, installing becomes more secure during replacement or upgrading an old cartridge. So, Moen 1200 is easy and an excellent repair option for simplicity in installation.
- Longevity
Moen 1200 has an excellent build quality. There is no doubt that Moen cartridges are designed ultimately with durability in mind. Moen 1200 has the most sturdy and robust design and comes with all-round solid brass construction. The solid build quality ensures the longevity of your cartridge. Hence, the Moen faucet cartridge is sure to surprise you with it’s more extended time performance.
- Design
Design is another most vital factor while choosing a faucet cartridge. Moen 1200 cartridge has the best design in the class. It comes with a high-quality brass design which also makes it costlier than its other competitors. But, in terms of design, Moen 1200 undoubtedly leads the run.
- Compatibility
Moen 1200 cartridges are compatible with almost any kind of faucets. It has a perfect repair option on its top surface that offers simplicity in installation and usage. But, Moen 1200 faucets do not support Posi-Temp valves.
Moen 1225 Faucet Cartridge
The 1225 is a beautiful Moen replacement cartridge from single handle bathroom faucets. It is an upgraded version of Moen 1200 that comes with an added twisting cap to help in loosening the installed cartridge for efficient operation. It has 1GPM water discharge rate, which saves substantial amounts of water.
- Installation
Moen 1225 offers a comfortable fitting for your kitchen and bathroom faucets. It has a bent cap that permits faster reinstallation or removal without any expertise required. All these features make Moen 1225’s installation faster and easier.
- Longevity
Moen 1225 is made of stainless steel, plastic and brass material. On the outer part, you get stainless steel and plastic while the inner part is made of brass. Although it resists corrosion, it is not as strong as Moen 1200.
- Design
Moen 1225 is made of high-quality material. It features stainless steel and plastic on the outer body while brass for the inner part. Moen 1225 has light-weight and looks beautiful. It has a 180-degree rotating angle and supports almost any single handle faucet.
- Compatibility
Moen 1225 cartridges support almost any kind of single handle faucet in your bathroom or kitchen. Hence, you do not have to worry about compatibility with this faucet cartridge. Most importantly, the Moen 1225 is an easy-to-install cartridge which doesn’t need any expertise.
moen 12801 replacement cartridge is Moen 1225 cartridge
The Moen 1225 is the same cartridge as the Moen 12801 just rebranded on on the packaging. As per the image below, the packaging says Moen 1225, but when you open it and look at the actual cartridge, the part number on the actual cartridge still stays 12801.
You can also see from the Moen 12801 replacement cartridge video below that the packaging says Moen 1225 but the part number on the Moen 1225 cartridge still says 12801.
Final Verdict
Moen faucet cartridges are one of the most famous cartridges in the market. Moen 1200 & 1225 cartridges are two such series which make most of us confused. The comparison was meant to find out the best among these two choices. Following the comparison, we can see that both the cartridges come with a simple installation process. So, you would not need the expertise to install it.
Build Quality, Design, Durability – Moen 1200 is the winner
But in terms of build quality and design, Moen 1200 undoubtedly leads the path. Moen 1200 has an all-round brass design which ensures longevity in the long run.
Performance, Price – Moen 1225 is the winner
But in terms of performance, Moen 1225 can offer you better performance with its 1GPM water discharge rate. While Moen 1200 does not support Posi-Temp shower valves, Moen 1225 is compatible with almost any faucet. Both the cartridges enjoy one year of the warranty period from the brand.
It’s your call
Both have their pros and cons. Comparing these advantages and disadvantages, you can easily find the best among these. As you can see, while Moen 1200 offers you better durability, Moen 1225 (the upgraded version of 1200) can offer you better performance. Hence, choosing the one is up to you. Choose the one which you feel is better for you.
You may also be interested in How To Remove And Install The Moen 1222 Cartridge
I like you use water every day in everything I do. I love to find better ways to filter water I drink, soften hard water and find amazing water bottles for when I’m on the go.
I want to share what I find with you and review the options you might be looking for.
Author Profile – Tony Cosentino
I highly recommend checking out the Delta Faucet brand. They offer a wide range of high-quality faucets that are not only stylish but also durable. Their faucets are known for their innovative features such as touchless technology and water-saving options. I have personally used a Delta Faucet in my kitchen and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. It not only adds a modern touch to my kitchen but also functions flawlessly. If you’re looking for a faucet that combines style, functionality, and durability
While it is true that faucets are a common fixture in our daily lives, it is important to note that their functionality and design have been thoroughly studied and analyzed by experts in the field. Faucets are not just simple devices for delivering water; they have evolved over time to incorporate innovative features and technologies that enhance their performance and efficiency.
For instance, modern faucets often come with motion sensors or touchless technology, which not only provide convenience but also promote hygiene by reducing the spread of germs.
I found your post on faucets to be quite interesting. You mentioned that we often overlook faucets and don’t examine them properly. I was wondering if you could expand on why you think this is the case. Is it because faucets are seen as mundane objects that we take for granted? Or is there another reason why we don’t pay much attention to them? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
While it is true that faucets are a common fixture in our daily lives, it is not accurate to say that we have not examined them properly. In fact, many individuals, particularly those in the plumbing industry, have extensively studied and analyzed faucets to ensure their functionality and efficiency.
Furthermore, it is important to note that not all faucets are created equal. There are various types and designs available, each with its own unique features and benefits. By overlooking this fact, the author fails to acknowledge