Moen is an American company that started manufacturing faucets in the 1930s and '40s. The founder of the company designed one of the first single-handle faucets; as of 2011, Moen makes a large selection of single-handle and dual-handle faucets for the kitchen and bathroom. The Monticello line of Moen faucets offers traditionally-styled faucets for lavatories. Over time the faucet may become loose or leak and will require tightening of the various retaining nuts, set screws and water supply fittings.
Monticello Faucets
The Monticello line of faucets is what the company refers to as widespread. A widespread faucet gives the impression from the lavatory sink deck that the fixture is actually three separate units. The hot and cold valves and the spout are all mounted in separate holes bored into the sink deck or the vanity counter top. All three pieces are connected underneath the sink or counter top with flexible hoses and fittings. Tighten the fittings on the connector hoses with an adjustable wrench if you suspect a leak from this area.
Faucet Handles and Spout
The faucet handles and spout attach to fittings that are mounted inside the sink deck or counter top. Set screws hold the pieces firmly in place. The set screw on the spout is hidden behind a small cap on the lower backside of the spout. The cap can be removed by prying it off with a small, flat head screwdriver. The set screw can be tightened with the small hex key wrench that came with the faucet. If you do not have the original tool, hex key wrench sets are available where tools are sold. The faucet handles can be tightened in the same manner. The levers of the faucet handles are manufactured separately and are threaded into the base of the handle. Twist the levers in a clockwise direction by hand. If you decide to use a tool -- such as pliers -- to tighten the levers, protect the finish with a rag.
Retaining Nuts
If the spout or the hot and cold valves seem loose after tightening the set screws, the next place to check is underneath the sink deck or counter top. Large retaining nuts hold all three pieces firmly in place. Over time and use, they may become loose. Tighten the nuts with a pair of adjustable pliers. Do not over-tighten the nuts to prevent damaging the threads.
Water Supply
If your Monticello faucet is leaking underneath the sink, the culprit could be the water supply hoses that connect the water shutoff valves under the sink to the undersides of the faucet handles. Tighten the hose fittings with an adjustable wrench.
