Hello:

We're trying to replace a set of faucets. The main reason is that the flange around the shower diverter knob has begun to rust . . . a lot.



The problem is, we cannot access the plumbing from the other side of the wall and don't want to break out tile. Since the guts seem to be in good shape, we just want to purchase a new faucet set, with escutcheons, etc. Can anyone identify the type of cartridge I'm dealing with here, so I can just get a matching faucet set? Here are close ups of the cartridges (if I'm using that term correctly) and the female knob.

Shower Diverter:



Cold Water stem:


And knob:



(Sorry for size of images -- i want to get across detail)

Alternatively, is it an option for me to remove the "cartridge" entirely, and just replace it with a cartridge that matches whatever faucet set we choose?

Thanks in advance for your help. Please let me know if any more pictures would help.

You have an American Standard 'Cadet' faucet set- a very fine faucet with repair parts still readily available. I am surprised that the escutheon is rusting; the ones I come across are non-ferrous material so they may corrode and pit, but not rust.

Those trims are NOT the originals, they are pipe escutcheons that someone mickey moused(sorry Disney). If you want to change the knobs and trims, you don't need to go into the replacing the valves.

Thanks, both.

Steve: With respect to the "trim," are we talking about the flange around the knob being a knockoff, or the flange and knob. Can you elaborate on the nature of this "mickey-mousing?"

To both of you: am I stuck getting the same knob to replace it, or can I select from a broader selection of American Standard (or other) knobs?

Thanks for spending your Easter dealing with a newbie.

The flanges aren't just "knock off", but for a different application. What you have is an American Standard "Heritage" series faucet. Parts and complete parts kits are available.

Yup, Heritage.

The valve is buried too deep into the wall, so they used steel escutcheons for use around pipes, instead of the cast brass ones that came with the valve. HE will probably have to use the same thing to get it to fit.

as usual, hj is correct. the escutcheons will have to fit over the OD of the handles.
the best he can do would be to find white PVC flanges rather that plated steel.
i would also look for a large, tight fitting rubber "O" ring to slide over the trim nipples to minimize the amount of shower water that will travel inside the openings.

Thanks, guys. Let me ask this. If we decide we want to go another way with the bathroom faucets -- say, with this

[www.pfisterfaucets.com]

Would I be able to do that with the rough-in I already have. Could I remove all of the handles, escutcheons, valves in the current rough-in and replace? Or am I "stuck" with American Standard products (and with the heritage series) because I can't get to my pipes? from behind?

Thanks

You can only install Pfister parts on a Pfister valve body in the wall. You would NOT be able to replace the valve without removing several tiles.