Removing shower cartridge from shower panel

[branimal]

Trying to get this cartridge out. The directions (see below) say pull the black plastic scald guard. I tried pulling it with a pair of needle nose, No luck. Any tips?

 

[whateg01]

Not sure what brand that is, but get the installation manual. It may show a better picture and maybe describe how the scald guard installs. Then you can be understand how it removes. It might just pry off.

 

[branimal]

It's a Vigo Dilania. The instruction manual provides no info on cartridge replacement. I called the manufacturer and they sent me these directions.

 

[BillK]

Its probably just stuck. You might have to use a very very thin screwdriver or a pick to pry around the outer edge to get it loose.

 

[whateg01]

It's a Vigo Dilania. The instruction manual provides no info on cartridge replacement. I called the manufacturer and they sent me these directions.

That's not what I said to look for. Somebody had to have installed it, right? Didn't they have to install the scald guard? We're there instructions on how to do that?

 

[johnre]

Whatever you do, remember to turn off the cold water supply first. Showers usually have no shutoff valves like sinks do.

 

[BurtEggley]

I am 75 now. When I was in my late 20's early 30's, I went to replace a brake drum. Never had one off before. Just could not figure it out. Someone I knew said just pull on it. So I grabbed it, wound up to pull with all my might, and pulled. Result, me and the brake drum sitting about 6' - 8' across the garage from the car. Anyone who has done this will be laughing their asses off about now. 1. Google can be your friend when trying to solve problems. 2. Pull on the black plastic part. About 40 seconds in.

 

[Codyboy]

Looks like there's a circlip on there.
Idk. Didn't read it.

 

[branimal]

I am 75 now. When I was in my late 20's early 30's, I went to replace a brake drum. Never had one off before. Just could not figure it out. Someone I knew said just pull on it. So I grabbed it, wound up to pull with all my might, and pulled. Result, me and the brake drum sitting about 6' - 8' across the garage from the car. Anyone who has done this will be laughing their asses off about now. 1. Google can be your friend when trying to solve problems. 2. Pull on the black plastic part. About 40 seconds in.

Yes, I've watched this video and tried pulling on it with pliers. No luck.

Its probably just stuck. You might have to use a very very thin screwdriver or a pick to pry around the outer edge to get it loose.

Thin screwdriver can't get under the lip. Angle won't work. Good idea on the pick. I'll give that a shot.

 

[jkuro]

Al said this may work:

Vigo shower cartridges can often be removed using a standard Moen-style cartridge puller (such as the Moen M3203
, Danco 88431E
, or generic 104421 puller
) due to similar design, or by using the specific Allen key and pliers method to turn and pull the cartridge. The puller attaches to the stem/nut to provide leverage to remove stuck cartridges.
Key Steps for Removal:

• Preparation: Turn off the water supply and remove the shower handle, decorative cap, and the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge.
• Using a Puller: Align the puller tool with the cartridge, tighten the screw to secure it, and then turn the outer handle clockwise to pull the cartridge straight out.
• Stuck Cartridge Tips: If the cartridge is stuck, use penetrating oil or vinegar, apply heat with a hairdryer, or gently tap the puller handle with a mallet.
• Vigo-Specific: For thermostatic models, remove the grub screw on the body, pull the cartridge, and ensure the new cartridge lines up with the hole, as shown in this video. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Ensure you remove the small metal retaining clip completely before attempting to pull the cartridge, or the puller may damage the fixture. [1, 6]

AI responses may include mistakes.

 

[whateg01]

Al said this may work:

Vigo shower cartridges can often be removed using a standard Moen-style cartridge puller (such as the Moen M3203
, Danco 88431E
, or generic 104421 puller
) due to similar design, or by using the specific Allen key and pliers method to turn and pull the cartridge. The puller attaches to the stem/nut to provide leverage to remove stuck cartridges.
Key Steps for Removal:

• Preparation: Turn off the water supply and remove the shower handle, decorative cap, and the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge.
• Using a Puller: Align the puller tool with the cartridge, tighten the screw to secure it, and then turn the outer handle clockwise to pull the cartridge straight out.
• Stuck Cartridge Tips: If the cartridge is stuck, use penetrating oil or vinegar, apply heat with a hairdryer, or gently tap the puller handle with a mallet.
• Vigo-Specific: For thermostatic models, remove the grub screw on the body, pull the cartridge, and ensure the new cartridge lines up with the hole, as shown in this video. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Ensure you remove the small metal retaining clip completely before attempting to pull the cartridge, or the puller may damage the fixture. [1, 6]

AI responses may include mistakes.

Gee! Golly! If only those instructions included something about the scald guard that op is having trouble with!

 

[jkuro]

Had to look that one up.
Al says:


"Gee golly" (or "golly gee") is an old-fashioned, American informal interjection used to express mild surprise, wonder, or amazement, often functioning as a gentle, wholesome exclamation rather than stronger, profane expressions. It acts as a "minced oath"—a euphemism for "Jesus God" or "God"—designed to avoid blasphemy. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Usage Examples:

• "Golly gee, I didn't expect to see you here!".
• "Golly, that sounds simple enough!".
• "Golly gee shucks" (used to denote, often falsely, a sense of innocent shyness or astonishment).
• "By golly, I'll never go out with that person again!" (Used to express determination). [1, 4, 7, 8, 9]

Synonyms and Similar Expressions:

• Goodness gracious!
• Gee whiz!
• Gosh
• Wow / Good grief
• My goodness [2, 5, 8, 9]

The phrase is often associated with a wholesome, nostalgic, or naive persona, similar to characters like Gomer Pyle. [9, 10]

AI responses may include mistakes.

 

[BurtEggley]

pull harder, use compressed air to try to open the debris away between the cartridge and plastic. Buy a spare and destroy the old one getting it out.

 

[karoc]

Does it look like maybe calcium has built around it? Try little vinegar and water mixed in a spray bottle.

 

[abfish]

It also begs the question of whether the scald guard is really needed with adults in the house. The wife likes really hot bathwater. The first thing we do with a new water heater is set the temp higher than the 120F that's standard these days. I think we're at 140F. No scaldings yet.

 

[whateg01]

It also begs the question of whether the scald guard is really needed with adults in the house. The wife likes really hot bathwater. The first thing we do with a new water heater is set the temp higher than the 120F that's standard these days. I think we're at 140F. No scaldings yet.

Don't some kids live in houses also occupied by adults? What about elderly adults who might bump the temp controls by accident?

 

[abfish]

No elderly or grandkids in my house (yet). I suppose it could be an issue one day, but on my list of household hazards, scalding is way down the list. Slipping, falling, working on ladders- those are the things I'm worried about.