Question re: Replacing old tub/shower faucet and handles

17 years ago

I have a 1950's house that still has the original chrome bathtub/shower faucet sets. They are the standard set of that time: faucet has diverter to showerhead and with two X shaped handles 8" apart (the type of handles you need to remove with handle remover tool.)

Is it possible to replace this set with a NEW set WITHOUT having to rip the wall open? I was looking at Lowe's and found several 2 handle tub/shower sets that (I think) match my layout, but am not sure if the connecting hardware has changed in 50 years and thus a new set won't work on my existing plumbing.

I hope I've provided enough info - any advice will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks. Cindy

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Comments (6)

coolvt
17 years ago
Hopefully a wall directly behind this faucet wall will have an access of some sort to get at the piping. If your house is 50 yrs. old, you will probably have galvanized pipe. If the shower is on the first floor, it would probably be wise to change the piping from the cellar up to this fixture with copper because you will probably end up having to use some copper in the change over.
One of the major companies (either Delta or Moen) makes a large plate that will fit over a hole that you would have to make to change the faucet from the tub side. The company that makes the plate has a faucet that fits perfectly into this plate. The Moen plate is called a "remodeling cover plate" and the part # should be #1920. I don't have a Delta number. Even with this, you have to be careful and not make a hole any larger than the plate will cover up. If you have ceramic tile on the shower walls, then the job gets even trickier. It would probably be a whole lot easier if you could do most of the work from the backside.
homebound
17 years ago
If it's just the spout and handles that are bothering you, then you could try replacing just those (not the stem assemblies). Spout is fairly easy (whole thing should unscrew off). The handles and escutcheons (cover plates behind each handle) are trickier, so take them to a good plumbing supply to match them for fit.

You may have to try more than one place. Best if you can find one with a display of handles and stuff. Maybe the internet would work in this regard, too.
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Not exactly sure what you are asking, but here are your options: 1) (easiest) replace the parts using Moen parts. One exception is the tub spout, which can be replaced with another brand/style, etc, but first you need to know how it's connected and get something similar (slip-on with a nut underneath, or screw-on). Usually this is done by removing the existing one and matching the connection type. Tub spouts are attached in more than one way (slip-fit over copper, and a couple different screw-on variations). 2) (more costly) Replace the entire unit, guts and all, which typically means access behind the wall, sweating copper, etc. This is where you make sure to get something with the exact same configuration for all the existing holes, which can be a nuisance. Also, Moen guarantees for life, so you can call them and get a free cartridge if it's leaking, etc. As for the handles and trim plate, they usually clean up fairly well, but if you need to replace them, look for a "trim kit" or trim plate and be sure that the screw holes in the trim plate are in the same place as the one you are replacing. The trim kits bought at a plumbing supply have the screw holes in a different location from the trim plate you find at Home Depot, etc. Same goes for the handles, meaning that you need to take one off and take it with you to match the backside of the handle "stops" because they can differ. Good luck.
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homebound
17 years ago
BTW, I realize I didn't address your question in regard to replacing with NEW stuff - sorry about that.

It's just an alternative if changing the "look" was your primary concern, and one that avoids getting into the wall.
katsmah
15 years ago
Bumping this question up. My plumber just told me that this Moen remodeling cover plate is what he will use to replace my leaky old shower faucets (I have 3 handles) with the new single handle pressure balancing faucet.

Can I use any Moen faucet with this cover plate? He only gave me a choice of their Chateau collection which wouldn't be my top pick.
harveyjmc_gmail_com
13 years ago
I need to replace (for the 2nd time) the hot and cold water taps and the shower diverter tap. I want to turn the left-hand handle and get hot water and the right-hand handle and get cold water. The middle tap switches the water from tub to shower. Does this type of shower set-up have a specific name? I previously bought one that had the left-hand tap control water flow and right-hand tap control temperature. It didn't work well. My house is old and I don't want to do a major renovation to put in more contemporary shower controls.
gene_rowland_comcast_net
13 years ago
when taking a shower, the lever that points down will not stay down; it raises be itself, thereby causing the tub to start filling up. I've checked the linkage behind the plate and nothing seems to be broken or missing. the unit was installed in the vinyl tub/shower in 1986 (a Delta brand).
what is the problem? thank you, gene rowland

Question re: Replacing old tub/shower faucet and handles

Comments (6)

coolvt

homebound

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