[grinch420]

I've got this shower assembly/valve. It was nifty when we first got it because we had little kids and felt good knowing the temperature was under control. However, now it is unpredictable, doesn't adjust without a lot of wrench and either needs to be replaced or?? I'm not even sure what model/manufacturer this is as I don't see any markings... and I don't see how I'd take this apart any further... please help!

[massplumber2008]

Use an Allen wrench in that Allen head screw in the hole at the end cap of the valve... remove cap and the rest should be obvious!

The slotted screw heads above and below on the valve are shutoffs...either turn all the way clockwise or just turn them until slots are horizontal to shut off water flow to work on the valve.

It could be an older GROHE or HANSGROHE valve... contact them with picture to see what they think.

Mark

[grinch420]

Ah, OK I'll try that. The handle screwed onto that screw so I assumed that was it's purpose and I didn't want to create a complication for myself... I'll do this today.

[grinch420]

So I removed that hex, and it didn't do anything. Just left a screw hole for the hex. I tried to pull the cap off and pry it with a screw driver - no go. Just from looking at it I don't see how it would have been holding the cap on. I looked all around the cap and there are no other holes - I'm wondering if there is some release inside I need to hit...

[hkstroud]

Can the red button be pressed in below the chrome cover?
Can the red button be pulled outward and possibly releasing the chrome?

[massplumber2008]

It was an allen head screw for a reason. I'm quite confident that that was what released the chrome cap (and exposed inner parts)... must be bound up with sediment is all I can think of. That, or the allen screw got sheared off, maybe? I'd keep prying gently all around the cap.

And Harold (Hkstroud), those red buttons are like temperature limiting devices... need to be pushed in to go past 100F if the temperature was properly set, so pushing it in any further would not help in removing the parts!

[hkstroud]

I know Mark but it could conceivably also serve as a lock for the chrome cover. If it can be depressed below the chrome it might allow the chrome to turn and screw or be pulled off. Just fishing here and agree corrosion is probably holding the knob on.

[grinch420]

I'll try again, I even tried putting a towel on it and tried using a large grip to yank it off - no luck... prying only damages the piece. I think I'll try some CLR next. I did consider the red button. I lined it up with 12'oclock and it didn't seem to release anything. I'm going with the theory that its just stuck and go from there - thanks guys!

[grinch420]

So, still no luck - both Grohe and Hansgrohe came back and said this wasn't their valve... any other ideas?