Maintenance: How to Clean a 1423 Balancing Spool- Moentrol with Integrated Transfer Valve

Egg-Shaped Escutcheon Plate (Prior to 2007):

Disassembly:

1. Remove the upper mounting cup (#2A), use a Phillips screwdriver to unthread the upper mounting cup screws (#1A) counter-clockwise. Repeat this step for the lower mounting cup (#4A) and lower mounting cup screws (#3A).

Note: The stop tubes (#6A) may come off with the mounting cups (#2A and #4A). If they are still attached, they do not need to be removed for this process.

2. Slide off the escutcheon plate (#5A).

3. To remove the balancing spool (#7A), use a large flathead screwdriver to unthread the balancing spool (#7A) from the valve body (#8A).  This will require about six full rotations before you can pull the balancing spool (#7A) from the valve body (#8A).

Cleaning the Balancing Spool:

1. Using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, swish the balancing spool (#7A) around in the solution and allow it soak for 5-7 minutes. Use a tooth brush to clean the outside of the balancing spool (#7A). Once this is done, shake the balancing spool (#7A). It should rattle like there is a metal ball inside (similar to the sound a spray paint can makes when you shake it). If there is no sound, the balancing spool (#7A) will need to be replaced, reinstall the current balancing spool (#7A) until you are ready to install a new one. Note: Without a balancing spool installed, the water cannot be turned back on.

Assembly:

1. Slide the balancing spool back (#7A) into the valve body (#8A), using the Flathead screwdriver, screw it back down into the valve body (#8A). If the stop tubes (#6A) came off during disassembly, slide them back onto the valve body (#9A).

2. Position the escutcheon plate (#5A) with the word "Moen" upright and slide it onto the valve body (#8A).

3. Position the upper mounting cup (#2A) so the screw holes lines up with the screw holes on the valve body (#8A). While holding the upper mounting cup (#2A) in position, use a phillips screwdriver to thread the upper mounting cup screws (#1A). Repeat this step with the lower mounting cup (#4A) and lower mounting cup screws (#3A)

Oval-Shaped Escutcheon Plate (After 2007):

Disassembly: 

1. To remove the escutcheon plate (#2B), use a Phillips screwdriver to unthread each of the four escutcheon screws (#1B) counter-clockwise.

Note: The stop tubes (#3B) may come off with the escutcheon plate (#2B). If they are still attached, they do not need to be removed for this process.

2. To remove the balancing spool (#4B), use a large flathead screwdriver to unthread the balancing spool (#4B) from the valve body (#5B).  This will require about six full rotations before you can pull the balancing spool (#4B) from the valve body (#5B).

Cleaning the Balancing Spool:

1. Using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, swish the balancing spool (#4B) around in the solution and allow it soak for 5-7 minutes. Use a tooth brush to clean the outside of the balancing spool (#4B). Once this is done, shake the balancing spool (#4B). It should rattle like there is a metal ball inside (similar to the sound a spray paint can makes when you shake it). If there is no sound, the balancing spool (#4B) will need to be replaced, reinstall the current balancing spool (#7A) until you are ready to install a new one. Note: Without a balancing spool installed, the water cannot be turned back on.

Assembly:

1. Slide the balancing spool back (#4B) into the valve body (#5B), using the Flathead screwdriver, screw it back down into the valve body (#5B). If the stop tubes (#6A) came off during disassembly, slide them back onto the valve body (#9A).

2. Position the escutcheon plate (#2B) so the word "Moen" appears upright and slide it onto the valve body (#5B).

3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, thread each of the four escutcheon screws (#1B) clockwise until tight