On Jan 19, 3:25*pm, Speedy Jim wrote:
wrote:
I want to replace shower stems due to leaks. *The knobs are several
inches away from the wall and there is a chrome sleeve between the
wall and the knobs covering the stem. *I got a shower stem removal
rachet set. *21/32" is too small. *27/32" won't fit into the sleeve;
it's just a hair too wide. I can't tell for sure but it looks like
27/32 might be slightly bigger than I need big but would probably be
close enough to get the job done if I could get it into the sleeve.
Is there a stem scoket smaller than 27/32 available or some way of
removing the chrome sleeves without chopping thru tile and/or drywall?

The chrome sleeves are real solid and won't budge. *They must be
soldered to the copper fixture within the wall.

I'd have to cut away a section of dry wall to get in from the back.
Would this be fixable or worst case replacable from the back or is it
normally necessary to remove tile in the shower stall?

Thanks,

Bill

Gerber used a couple of different designs.
The most common 40 yrs ago was a threaded
"escutcheon" which had a flange where it
meets the wall. *But that one screws onto
a long threaded nipple like this:

http://www.builderdepot.com/seo/PLUM...157_GERBER_TUB...

The other design is a straight chrome sleeve
which screws onto the outside of the stem body.
Normally, this type is installed with some
small clearance to the tile and/or is grouted to
the tile. *Then a chrome ring covers the rough
tile/grout and locks to the sleeve with a set screw.
Some examples on this page if you scroll down:http://www.plumbinghvacsupply.com/cs...?keywords=Gerb...

If you have the sleeve type, the sleeve must come off.
Chip away the grout where it enters the tile.
If it won't unscrew by hand, use slip-joint pliers, etc.
to force it off. *Plan on replacing the sleeve.
Be patient and work slowly.

There is nothing you can do from behind the wall.
It should not be necessary to remove any tile either.

Jim- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I had the exact same problem. I was only able to remove the sleeve
after spraying inside and out with WD40. It unscrews and I used a
rubber strap wrench.