Are shower valve cartridge holders universal? I currently have an American Standard shower/bath faucet set up and the valve assembly simply pulls out. Doing some minor upgrades and going to change out the shower/bath set up but not yet sure to what brand, and hoping the new valve will fit into the existing holder. The current setup is about 14 years old and has the pressure balance valve.

Hi Shader

No, shower valves are NOT universal.

Take a picture of the valve and email it to American standard... they can probably come up with some new parts and trim for the existing valve body... will save time/effort/money.

Mark

Don't we wish!! Almost every brand, except in the same family and even there some not, have specific cartridges. "valve assembly simply pulls out" There should be a retaining clip to hold the cartridge in.

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the reply. Yep, I figured that each manufacturer would have their own design cartridge, but after re-reading my post I realized I misused some terminology and not clearly worded.


My question should be are the faucet bodies universal? Say I switch to a Moen from American Standard, will the Moen cartridge fit or do I have to swap out the faucet body?


My cartridge does not have a clip but is held in place by a retaining plate and screws. Been a while since I had it apart and forgot about the plate.

Hi Shader

The faucet bodies are NOT universal in any way... just like the valve cartridges. Each manufacturer wants you to come back to them for replacement parts so there is little advantage to standardizing anything in our industry! Like I said, contact American Standard... they will have replacement parts readily available for your valve. American Standard number is 800-442-1902.

Good luck!

Mass,
That's not the answer I wanted to hear! :( Guess I'll stick with the American Standard. Thanks for the contact info...