No, it is not. The old Grohe's did not use the Snap In connectors. These came many years later and are yellow plastic.

I am not aware of this connector to be permanently attached to the faucet tube. But it doesn't mean it may not exist. Usually, it came as loose piece inside Grohe box and we had to install it (screw it) onto that tube.

See the sketch for my suggested removal procedure of that back-flow preventer piece...

Thanks again for your help Milo. The piece that you state to twist with the 2nd set of channel locks is the piece that already twists but does not come loose. It seems this piece does not want to come off. Any other ideas?

I have a Grohe 'Focus' bathroom faucet where the valves got real stiff. After checking with the store where I bought them 4 years ago I was shown that the handles just pull off. I pulled and wiggled the handle and it did come off! Unfortunately it was so corroded after 4 years that the metal shaft that fits over the valve splines had snapped. I'm left questioning Grohe's quality.

Rue7man: If I am not mistaken, there is nothing to corrode: the tip attachment is white plastic and stem is brass... Can you snap a pic of it and post it for us ? Are you sure it wasn't calcification ? Thanks. Milo