American Standard shower handles: removal and ID

[boblothrope]

I'd like to remove these two American Standard shower handles, particularly the one with the starbust design, so I can clean out or replace the cartridge.

I'm having trouble removing the set screw. It looks like it takes a slotted screwdriver, but I tried several, and they don't feel like they're engaging the screw at all. Anyone know what size screwdriver or allen key I should be using?

Also, if you happen to know the name of this trim style and the model of cartridge, it would be helpful. Though I do have a great plumbing supply store that can identify the old cartridge if I bring it in.

Thanks!

1326113262

[hj]

The plate looks like a Ceramix, but the handles look like the Ultramix+.

[jimbo]

Here is the trim sheet showing ceramix , and others , which use the R120 series rough valve. http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2062.pdf. Here is the r120 http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2211.pdf



Ultramix I think is older. The one on the left could also be Aquarian, but since your showers are probably the same age, is is probably Ultramix http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2789.pdf or http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2772.pdf


The valve parts are not the same for the two models I have shown. You won't know for sure what animal you have until you get the trims off. Anyway, the parts are readily available from a good supplier.

[boblothrope]

Here is the trim sheet showing ceramix , and others , which use the R120 series rough valve. http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2062.pdf. Here is the r120 http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2211.pdf

Thanks. I think they are models which take a R120 valve. The handle goes up and down for volume, and rotates for temperature.

Any tips for loosening the set screw, like what size screwdriver to use?

[jimbo]

Unless someone previoulsy replaced it , the screw should be an allen ( HEX) set screw. you just have to get a good look at it with a flashlight and mirror, and pull the right tool out of your tool box. Spraying a little white vinegar onto it can help with mineral buildups,

[boblothrope]

I recently fixed a relative's wobbly American Standard shower handle of a similar vintage. After a big wet struggle with various allen keys (the shower was running, since it was an apartment and we didn't have access to the shutoffs), I got underneath and looked, and the set screw took a slotted screwdriver.

So I tried that on mine (the second picture) when I got home, without success. I looked underneath, and that one took an allen key!

The detail you've all been waiting for: it was the 3/32" size allen key. (Nowhere could I find this information on the Internet.)

So now I'm pretty sure that the one in the first picture needs a long thin slotted screwdriver, since that's what it looked like, and either type of screw is a possibility.

I took out the cartridge by removing the 3 screws. It didn't look clogged. When I put it back, it seemed a little noisier. Would soaking it in vinegar be good for it, and possibly reduce the noise?

If there was a second cartridge for pressure-balancing which remained in the valve body, I couldn't figure out how to remove it.

I wasn't sure how tight the 3 screws should be. If I tightened them too much, the handle was hard to move, but I really don't want it to leak inside the wall. Any guidelines?