I have an American Standard shower valve that needs to be rebuilt/replaced. I've managed to get the handle off with a puller, but now am stuck trying to remove the stem cover (I'm guessing that's what it's called).

Do you have any idea how I get this off (see below). I assume it spins on, as the plate behind it is smaller, and was obviously put on first. I tried using a pipe wrench and cloth, and it began to tear up the chrome, so I stopped. It is smooth on all sides - no hex, no flattened sides for a wrench. How on earth did they put this thing on? :confused:

Any help/input is greatly appreciated. :D

Thanks,
//sse

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Originally Posted by SeaninSeattle

I have an American Standard shower valve that needs to be rebuilt/replaced. I've managed to get the handle off with a puller, but now am stuck trying to remove the stem cover (I'm guessing that's what it's called).

Do you have any idea how I get this off (see below). I assume it spins on, as the plate behind it is smaller, and was obviously put on first. I tried using a pipe wrench and cloth, and it began to tear up the chrome, so I stopped. It is smooth on all sides - no hex, no flattened sides for a wrench. How on earth did they put this thing on?? :confused:

Any help/input is greatly appreciated. :D

Thanks,
//sse

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Hi Sean,


First remove the chrome escutcheon plate. You will find the chrome tube has fine threads that screw into the valve body. Spray the threads with WD-40 and take a pair of channel lock pliers close to the wall to unscrew the tube. Replacing the plate should cover up any marks you make. Escutcheon plates are secured by one of two ways. (1) a set screw on the bottom or (2) they have threads that can be unscrewed. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom!

I found that the plate against the wall was held in place with a plastic ring, which also had a smaller chrome cover. Once the cover was off, the chrome cover unscrewed off the valve. The valve itself came right out, and the two washers on it were easily replaced (via a trip to Lowes).

On to the next project!

Thanks for your help -
//sse

Happy to have been of service. Regards, Tom