Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Adding a Grab Bar in a Shower

I have to add a Grab Bar to to shower in the front where the Shower head is located. The shower is cover by ceramic tile, how is the best was to find the studs in that front wall??? Do they make a stud finder that will find the studs through the tile, the one I have does not....

Any Ideas would be Great..... Thank you...

Is there no access panel on the other side of the wall for access to the shower/bath faucet?If there is you could likely see the studs from that side.

If there isn't one this could be an opportunity to create one and kill two birds with one stone.

Some of the better electronic stud finders might get through tile...honestly I'm not sure....but you could go to a hardware store that carries them and ask or maybe research them online.

If you have a deep scan unit, it will penetrate the tile. If not, locate a stud on the opposite wall, measure from a common door frame for the proper location. Does the tile go all the way to the ceiling? If not, locate one above the shower and using a level, mark a plumb line down to where you wan to install the bar.

Thank you for your reply:
Yes that's the problem the Tile goes up in the shower side all the way up to the ceiling, on the other side the tile go up to about 5 feet, I did find to studs that way about 16 " on center, and by rights they should run down the full length of the wall, but you never know, I just wanted to see if there was a way to find the stud thought the tile so that I can confirm they are still where I think they should be....

I was wondering if there was an old plumbers Trick out there???


You never know