Fix leaking shower spout or faucet and change the cartridge (Moen).

Shower faucet is dripping or leaking.  If it is Moen, replacing the cartridge can solve the problem.  It is easy.

Switch off the main water shut off valve.

 Remove the handle and also the face plate.  In the old faucet the screw may be jammed. You can cut the head off and remove the handle.  Buy a new handle and mine came with screw.

 Face plate and limit stopper removed removed.

 Remove the retaining clip by pulling up by nose pliers. This pin stops the cartridge to come out when you are using the sprout.

 This white moen extraction tool comes with new moen cartridge. Rotate it back and forth with the help of pliers.  This will loosen the cartridge. This tool will not pull it out but will help it later on.

Romve the plastic Moen tool and then with help of pliers pull the old cartridge out.

Insert the new cartridge.  This is Moen 1225. Make sure every thing is clean.

Align then the notches at the top and insert the retaining pin back.

Put the face plate back. I even replaced the old handle.  Check for hot and cold water. If it reverse then just turn the cartridge 180deg and replace the handle. 

The moen cartridge is a snug fit. You do not have to worry about washers.

New Moen Cartridge details    

     

Moen 1225 One-Handle Replacement Cartridge

 It seemed to be hard job but turned out to be simple.

Killing mosquitoes with organic control or Permethrin based pesticide.

We have lot of mosquitoes this year in our back yard.  I avoid using chemicals in my yard.  With lot o West Nile virus in news, I tried to get rid of mosquitoes.

I tried following two products.  I went with Ecosmart first.  No effect at all.  Next day the yard was full of mosquitoes.  I think this was wastage of money.

Then I tried Bonide Mosquito beater.  I tried about 10 days back.  For one week it had good effect.  Now I can see mosquito creeping back again.  I will try this product again and see the results.

Bonide Mosquito beater covered more area than Ecosmart.  I used the same hose and it seems Bonide lasted for longer time as I sprayed.



Ecosmart 32 oz. concentrate organic mosquito and tick control kills and repels mosquitoes, ticks and other nuisance pests. The concentrate comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle that connects to your garden hose. The organic, non-toxic formula is safe to use around children and pets. This 32 oz. Bottle will treat up to 5,000 sq. ft. of your yard.

Mosquito Beater RTS
2.5% Permethrin Kills and repels mosquitoes, flies, gnats...1qt. protects 5000 sq. ft. Simply attach to garden hose and apply. Low odor, water based Permethrin.

I am looking in to foggers to get rid of mosquitoes.  Electric foggers sound s good as I can cover my whole yard with extension cord.  I am not sure about side effects.