How to Replace American Standard Shower Cartridge?

Maintaining your shower’s functionality is essential to keeping your home comfortable and efficient. A malfunctioning shower cartridge can cause water leaks, inconsistent water temperature, and low water pressure, making it difficult to take a refreshing shower.

This blog post will guide you through on how to replace an American Standard shower cartridge, ensuring you can quickly fix any issues and restore your shower’s functionality.

With a few basic tools and these step-by-step instructions, you can replace your shower cartridge quickly and get back to enjoying a relaxing shower.

It’s important to note that each step can have additional nuances depending on your specific shower and plumbing configuration. Reading the entire article will provide you with a more complete understanding of the process and any potential issues that may arise.

Tools Needed

1. Allen wrench (for handles with set screws)

2. Flathead screwdriver (for handles with cover plate)

3. Pliers (for handles that twist off)

How to Replace American Standard Shower Cartridge in Easy Steps

Replacing an American Standard shower cartridge can be a simple DIY project that can save you time and money. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily replace or repair parts of your shower cartridge and have your shower functioning like new again.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin the replacement process, it’s important to turn shut off the hot water supply to the shower. You can do this by shutting off the main water supply to your house or by turning off the valve that controls the water supply to the shower.

Make sure to test the water to ensure it has been properly turned off before proceeding.

Step 2: Remove the Handle and Trim Plate

Using a screwdriver, locate and remove the three screws that hold the handle and trim plate in place. Once you’ve removed the screws, gently pull the handle and trim plate away from the wall.

Sometimes, the handle may be attached with a set screw instead of a screw that goes through the trim plate.

If this is the case, use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw before pulling off the handle.

Step 3: Remove the Retaining Clip

After removing the handle and trim plate, locate the retaining clip that holds the shower cartridge in place. This clip is typically located near the exact center of the valve body and can be removed using pliers. To remove the clip, grip it firmly with the pliers and pull it straight out.

Step 4: Remove the Shower Cartridge

Using an adjustable wrench, grip the shower cartridge and pull it straight out of the valve body. Be careful not to damage the surrounding plumbing while removing the cartridge.

If the cartridge is difficult to remove, you can use a cartridge removal tool to help loosen it.

Step 5: Install the New Shower Cartridge

Before installing the new shower cartridge:

1. Clean the whole shower valve body to remove any debris or buildup.
2. Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the O-rings on the new cartridge to help with installation and prevent leaks.
3. Insert the cartridge into the valve body, ensuring it’s properly aligned.
4. Use the retaining clip to hold the cartridge, ensuring it’s securely fastened.

Step 6: Reassemble the Handle and Trim Plate

Reattach the handle and trim plate using the screws you removed in Step 2. Make sure everything is properly aligned and tightened. If your shower has a decorative escutcheon plate that covers the valve, replace it now.

Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply

Finally, turn on the cold water supply to the shower and test the new cartridge. Check for any leaks or issues with water temperature and pressure.

If everything is functioning properly, you’re done! Enjoy your newly repaired shower.

How Do you Remove an American Standard Shower Handle without a Set Screw?

Step 1: Identify the Type of Handle

The first step is to identify the type of handle you have. American Standard shower handles can be either knob-style or lever-style.

Knob-style handles often have a small button or screw cover on the side that hides the screw, while lever-style handles usually have a set screw on the underside of the handle.

Step 2: Look for a Button or Screw Cover

If you have a knob-style handle, look for a small button or screw cover on the side of the handle.

Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the cover gently. Once the cover is removed, you should see the screw holding the handle.

Step 3: Remove the Screw

Remove the screw that holds the handle in place using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off the valve stem.

Step 4: Check for Hidden Screws

If you still can’t find any visible three flathead screws, the handle may be held in place by hidden screws.

Look for any small round opening or slots in the handle or trim plate. These may be hiding set screws that you can access with an Allen wrench.

Insert the Allen wrench into the opening or slot and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the set screw.

Once the set screw is loosened, you should be able to pull the handle off the valve stem.

Step 5: Use a Handle Puller

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t remove the handle, you may need to use a handle puller.

A handle puller is a tool that’s designed to grip the handle and pull it off the valve stem. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use the handle puller correctly.

How to identify the Correct American Standard shower cartridge for replacement?

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the handle and cartridge in place.
3. Remove the handle and cartridge from the shower valve.
4. View and match the cartridge to the parts you find on the American Standard website or in the plumbing parts book.
5. Look at the base of the spout on the front of the shower faucet for a sticker that says “American Standard”.
6. Identify the faucet manufacturer and model number.
7. Contact American Standard customer service for assistance if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, replacing an American Standard shower cartridge can be a simple and straightforward DIY repair project. By following these step-by-step repair instructions, you can save time and money by doing the job yourself.

FAQ

How often should I replace my shower cartridge?

Shower cartridges typically last 5-10 years, but it ultimately depends on usage and water quality. If you’re experiencing water flow or temperature issues, it might be time to replace the cartridge.

Can I replace the shower cartridge myself?

Yes, replacing a shower cartridge is a relatively simple DIY project that can save you time and money. Just follow the steps outlined in this article and gather the necessary tools, replacement parts, and materials.

What type of shower cartridge do I need for my American Standard faucet?

It’s important to identify the specific model of your American Standard faucet before purchasing a replacement cartridge.

You can find this information on the faucet or by contacting American Standard customer support.

What should I do if I encounter difficulty during the replacement process?

If you encounter any issues or difficulties during any point in the replacement process, it’s best to stop and seek professional help.

Trying to force or manipulate the plumbing could cause further damage and result in costly repairs.

Can a faulty shower cartridge cause water waste?

Yes, a faulty shower cartridge can cause water waste by allowing water to leak and drain or fluctuating water temperature, leading to unnecessary water usage.

Replacing the wrong shower cartridge can help conserve water and reduce your water bill.