Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Updating Shower Hardware
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mrtigre
06-01-06, 06:58 AM
hello and thank you ahead of time.
I have a outdated (35-40 years old) bath/shower. I have attempted to describe the related affected hardware below.
1.)the hot/cold knob/diverter assembly (There is no shower knob, see question #2)) , is seriously leaking behind the shower wall and has been fo a while. it's gotten to the point where it's soaked the sheet rock between the walls. The plummer suggested that this be replaced. However,The access door in the rear of the shower/bath hardware is not large enough to access this.
2.) the bath/shower drain selector lever is located in an opening in the bath tub wall below #1.
questions;
1.) a.Where can I price an replacement for this part on line/plumming supply house/cost?
b.What is the professional name for this part?
c.Being that the cut out located behind this part is too small to work through to in order to replace/fix anything, the plummer was going to open the back up bigger. is he obligated to reasonably replace whatever he did to this wall?
2.)
a.Where can I price an replacement for these parts on line/plumming supply house/cost?
b.What is the professional name for this piece of hardware?
c. Can this be purchased / installed seperately or must it either agree with the specs of number#1 or purchased both together from the same manufacturer.
I reall appreciate any help anyone can give in this matter.
I have a outdated (35-40 years old) bath/shower. I have attempted to describe the related affected hardware below.
1.)the hot/cold knob/diverter assembly (There is no shower knob, see question #2)) , is seriously leaking behind the shower wall and has been fo a while. it's gotten to the point where it's soaked the sheet rock between the walls. The plummer suggested that this be replaced. However,The access door in the rear of the shower/bath hardware is not large enough to access this.
2.) the bath/shower drain selector lever is located in an opening in the bath tub wall below #1.
questions;
1.) a.Where can I price an replacement for this part on line/plumming supply house/cost?
b.What is the professional name for this part?
c.Being that the cut out located behind this part is too small to work through to in order to replace/fix anything, the plummer was going to open the back up bigger. is he obligated to reasonably replace whatever he did to this wall?
2.)
a.Where can I price an replacement for these parts on line/plumming supply house/cost?
b.What is the professional name for this piece of hardware?
c. Can this be purchased / installed seperately or must it either agree with the specs of number#1 or purchased both together from the same manufacturer.
I reall appreciate any help anyone can give in this matter.
594tough
06-02-06, 08:48 PM
I am not clear about the diverter being in he wall of the tub, then you say the hot/cold/diverter above the tub.
Typically, the on/off hot cold is called a "tub/.shower valve". It may contain the diverter unit, or not. If not, then diverting between tub/shower is accomplished by a knob on the spout.
The plumber must open the wall opening big enough to have sufficient room to work. Plumbers are not necessarily carpenters, tile worker, or drywall installer. Some guys will do minor repairs, some have a sub they like to call in for this, and some will just leave the wall repairs up to you. You just need to question him so everyone understands who will do what and what it will cost.
Typically, the on/off hot cold is called a "tub/.shower valve". It may contain the diverter unit, or not. If not, then diverting between tub/shower is accomplished by a knob on the spout.
The plumber must open the wall opening big enough to have sufficient room to work. Plumbers are not necessarily carpenters, tile worker, or drywall installer. Some guys will do minor repairs, some have a sub they like to call in for this, and some will just leave the wall repairs up to you. You just need to question him so everyone understands who will do what and what it will cost.
notuboo
06-02-06, 08:53 PM
I'll answer you plummin' questions....
It's called a tub and shower valve. Reason is simple, it has a tub and a shower. It is one valve and not sold seperately. Finding parts can be hard depending on what type of valve you own. Reason for this is just below.
Price issue is an answer only you can answer. These valves come from dozens of manufacturer's with hundreds of models. You can find them gold plated, stainless steel, brushed nickel, brass, chrome, and even plastic.. price will vary greatly with material and quality. Best bet, go to a big box store (Homey Depot, Lowe's) and look at the display to see what brand you like. Then go to a plumbing supply house and look at the better grade of valves in the same brand you like at the big box store.
If you want to save some money on a new valve install, you fix the opening the "plumber" has to make. No reason to pay a plumber, plumber wages, for a painter's job.
Other issues you have not even thought of...It's leaking behind the wall. Is the sheet rock still there or has it dissolved away. (This sheetrock is behind the tile or whatever you have on the tub walls.) Do you have a tremendous mold issue inside the wall? Is there structural damage from a water leak to the wall members (2x4 studs) or subfloor?
Get at least 3 estimates for the work to be done. Have everything spelled out for work to be done, not done, or done by you; and a payment schedule. Check insurance and referrences.
More questions, ask anyway and someone will answer you.
It's called a tub and shower valve. Reason is simple, it has a tub and a shower. It is one valve and not sold seperately. Finding parts can be hard depending on what type of valve you own. Reason for this is just below.
Price issue is an answer only you can answer. These valves come from dozens of manufacturer's with hundreds of models. You can find them gold plated, stainless steel, brushed nickel, brass, chrome, and even plastic.. price will vary greatly with material and quality. Best bet, go to a big box store (Homey Depot, Lowe's) and look at the display to see what brand you like. Then go to a plumbing supply house and look at the better grade of valves in the same brand you like at the big box store.
If you want to save some money on a new valve install, you fix the opening the "plumber" has to make. No reason to pay a plumber, plumber wages, for a painter's job.
Other issues you have not even thought of...It's leaking behind the wall. Is the sheet rock still there or has it dissolved away. (This sheetrock is behind the tile or whatever you have on the tub walls.) Do you have a tremendous mold issue inside the wall? Is there structural damage from a water leak to the wall members (2x4 studs) or subfloor?
Get at least 3 estimates for the work to be done. Have everything spelled out for work to be done, not done, or done by you; and a payment schedule. Check insurance and referrences.
More questions, ask anyway and someone will answer you.