1225 vs. 1225B and Beyond: Understanding Different Moen Cartridges

By Brian on February 24, 2026

Why Understanding Different Moen Cartridges Matters for Your Faucet Repair

Different Moen cartridges control the water flow and temperature in your faucets, and choosing the wrong one means your repair won’t work. If you’re dealing with a leaky faucet or stiff handle, identifying the correct cartridge model is your first step to fixing it.

Here are the main types of Moen cartridges you’ll encounter:

1225/1225B – Single-handle kitchen and bathroom faucets (pre-2009/2011) and Moentrol shower valves
1222 – Posi-Temp shower valves with pressure-balancing (rotate-only handle)
1224 – Two and three-handle faucets manufactured before Duralast cartridges
1255 – Duralast cartridge for newer single-handle faucets (features ceramic disc technology)
1248 – Two-handle Roman tub faucets with high flow rate
1200 – Original brass cartridge for older single-handle faucets
M-CORE (1212, 1213) – Ceramic disc cartridges for modern shower systems
ExactTemp – Thermostatic cartridges for precise temperature control

The good news? Moen has been using variations of these same basic designs for decades. That means once you understand how they work, you can tackle most Moen faucet repairs with confidence.

Standard cartridges (like the 1225 and 1222) are built from three main parts: a cartridge sleeve, a valve stem, and O-rings. They’re made from corrosion-free materials and designed to let debris pass through during installation.

Duralast cartridges (like the 1255) feature ceramic disc technology, which provides smoother operation and longer life. They’re used in most Moen faucets manufactured after 2009-2011.

For shower systems, Moen uses specialized cartridges with pressure-balancing or thermostatic features to maintain safe, consistent water temperature—even when someone flushes a toilet or starts the dishwasher.

Glossary for different moen cartridges:

How to Identify Your Moen Cartridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

The first, and often trickiest, step in any faucet repair is identifying the right replacement part. Moen has produced a wide array of faucets over the years, each designed to work with specific different Moen cartridges. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you pinpoint the exact cartridge you need by looking at your faucet’s type, how its handle operates, and where to find model numbers.

Identification by Faucet Type

The easiest way to narrow down the possibilities for different Moen cartridges is by considering where the faucet is located. Moen designs cartridges specifically for the demands of kitchen, bathroom, shower, and even Roman tub faucets. Each type of faucet has unique requirements for flow, temperature control, and handle operation, which directly influence the cartridge design.

Kitchen Faucets: These often feature single-handle designs, pull-down sprayers, or traditional two-handle setups. Identifying your kitchen faucet cartridge can depend on its introduction date and handle type. For example, many single-handle kitchen faucets launched prior to 2009 used the 1225 cartridge, while newer models often feature the 1255 Duralast. For a comprehensive guide, check out Moen’s official resource: Faucet Cartridges: Kitchen guide.
Bathroom Faucets: Similar to kitchen faucets, bathroom models come in single-handle or two-handle configurations. Single-handle lavatory faucets launched prior to 2011 typically used the 1225. For modern two-handle bathroom faucets, you might encounter the 1224 (pre-Duralast) or the 1234 (newer Duralast two-handle cartridges). To dive deeper into bathroom faucet cartridge identification, refer to: Faucet Cartridges: Bathroom guide.
Shower Valves: This is where things can get a little more complex, as shower valves often incorporate pressure balancing or thermostatic control for safety and comfort. Whether you have a single-handle, two-handle, or even a multi-function shower system, the cartridge type is crucial. We’ll explore these specialized cartridges in more detail later, but for specific identification, Moen provides an excellent guide: Faucet Cartridges: Shower guide.
Roman Tubs: These luxurious fixtures typically use two-handle setups and require a cartridge designed for higher flow rates to fill the tub quickly. The Moen 1248 cartridge is specifically designed for all two-handle Roman tub valves, engineered with a larger outlet port for that increased flow.

When we’re on a service call in Northern California, we always start by asking about the faucet’s location. It’s the first clue in our detective work to identify the correct cartridge!

Identification by Handle Operation

Once you know the faucet type, the way your handle operates provides crucial clues about the internal cartridge. Moen has cleverly designed its cartridges to correspond with specific handle movements.

Single-Handle Push/Pull (Volume Control): If your single-handle faucet requires you to pull the handle out to turn on the water and then rotate it for temperature adjustment, you likely have a Moentrol valve. This operation is characteristic of the 1225 cartridge, which offers both volume control and temperature memory.
Single-Handle Rotate Only (Cycling Valve): For shower or tub/shower faucets where the handle simply rotates to turn on the water and adjust the temperature, without a distinct pull-out motion for volume, you’re probably dealing with a Posi-Temp valve. These systems use the 1222 cartridge, which is known for its pressure-balancing mechanism.
Two-Handle Faucets: These typically have separate handles for hot and cold water. The handle operation often involves a 90-degree rotation (common with lever handles) or a 180-degree rotation (often seen with knob handles). The 1224 cartridge (for older models) and the 1234 cartridge (for newer Duralast two-handle models) are common here. Each cartridge allows for simple on/off and volume control for its respective water line.
Three-Handle Faucets: Less common now, these older systems usually have separate handles for hot, cold, and a diverter (to switch between tub spout and showerhead). The 1224 cartridge was designed to support these two- and three-handle valves prior to the introduction of Duralast two-handle cartridges.

The degrees of rotation can also be a hint:

The 1200 cartridge has 180-degree rotation from hot to cold.
The 1222 cartridge features a 270-degree rotation.
The 1224 cartridge has 90-degree rotation for both hot and cold.
The 1225 cartridge provides 180-degree rotation from hot to cold.
The 1248 cartridge also offers 180-degree rotation for hot and cold.

Observing these subtle differences in handle movement can quickly guide you toward the correct cartridge for your Moen faucet.

Using Moen’s Official Resources

Sometimes, visual cues and handle operation aren’t enough, especially if you have an older or less common Moen model. That’s when we turn to the manufacturer’s own resources. Moen offers excellent tools to help homeowners identify their products and find the right parts.

Model Number Location: If you can find your faucet’s model number, it’s often the quickest way to identify the correct cartridge. Model numbers are usually located on the underside of the spout, behind the handle, or on an identification tag on the water supply lines beneath the sink.
Moen’s Identify My Product Tool: Moen provides an invaluable online tool that walks you through a series of questions about your faucet’s appearance and features to help you identify it. We highly recommend using their Moen’s Identify My Product tool if you’re unsure. It’s like having a Moen expert virtually by your side!
Contacting Moen Support: If all else fails, or if you believe your cartridge issue might be covered under warranty, don’t hesitate to contact Moen directly. They are known for their excellent customer service and can often help identify your cartridge based on photos or descriptions. For warranty replacement cartridges, contacting them is essential. You can reach them here: Contact Moen Customer Support.

By leveraging these resources, you’ll be well on your way to confidently identifying the specific Moen cartridge you need for a successful repair.

A Deep Dive into the Different Moen Cartridges

Now that we’ve covered how to identify your cartridge, let’s explore the fascinating world of different Moen cartridges. From the classic standard models that have stood the test of time to modern Duralast and specialized shower cartridges, we’ll break down the most common types and their specific applications. Understanding these differences will not only help you choose the right replacement but also appreciate the engineering behind your daily water flow.

Standard vs. Duralast: The Two Main Categories

When discussing different Moen cartridges, the primary distinction often comes down to “Standard” and “Duralast.” These represent two evolutionary paths in Moen’s cartridge technology.

Standard Cartridge Construction: Moen’s standard cartridges, like the venerable 1200, 1222, 1224, and 1225, have been the backbone of their faucets for decades. They are built from three main parts:
1. The Cartridge Sleeve: This outer shell houses the internal components and has ports for hot and cold water to enter. Depending on the model, it can be made from materials like high-temperature thermoplastic, polyphenylene, acetal, or polysulfone.
2. The Cartridge Valve Stem: This is the moving part inside the sleeve, connected to your faucet handle. It controls the mix of hot and cold water and sometimes the flow rate.
3. O-rings: These rubber rings surround the sleeve, creating a watertight seal within the faucet body.
These standard cartridges are celebrated for their simple yet efficient design, allowing smooth water flow and optimal hot/cold mixing. They are generally made from corrosion-free materials, contributing to their longevity, and many are designed to allow small debris to pass through without clogging.
Duralast Cartridge Construction: Introduced in many of Moen’s newer faucets (typically those launched after 2009-2011), Duralast cartridges represent an upgrade in technology. The key feature of Duralast cartridges, such as the 1255 and 1234, is the incorporation of ceramic disc technology. Instead of traditional washers or rubber seals, Duralast cartridges use two highly polished ceramic discs that slide against each other.
Benefits of Duralast:
- Durability: Ceramic is incredibly hard and resistant to wear, corrosion, and mineral buildup, leading to a longer lifespan.
- Smooth Handle Feel: The ceramic discs provide a much smoother, more precise, and effortless handle operation compared to older designs. This means less friction and a more luxurious feel every time you turn on your faucet.
- Leak-Free Performance: The tight seal created by the ceramic discs significantly reduces the likelihood of leaks.

While Duralast cartridges offer improved performance, they are generally not interchangeable with older standard cartridges. For example, the 1224 and Duralast two-handle cartridges are distinct and cannot be swapped. Always verify compatibility before purchasing a replacement.

Common Moen Cartridge Models and Their Uses

Let’s break down some of the most frequently encountered Moen cartridge models. This table summarizes their key characteristics and primary applications, making it easier to understand the variety among different Moen cartridges.

| Model | Type | Primary Use | Key Feature The Moen