[Cross-posted from Plumbing in case anyone over here with recent bathroom renovation experience has any insight!] I'm wondering if anyone might be able to offer some ideas or advice on an issue we're having--thanks! We had a 15-year-old Delta shower/tub setup with a leak. At the time DH thought it was an issue with the valve and tried to fix it...and wound up breaking it by turning it too hard. So we had a plumber come out and install a new valve....but the leak persists. Pretty sure it's the spout diverter at this point. So question #1: we have a universal plastic Delta adapter. The new valve is Kohler (pressure-balanced temp only) and I plan to buy the Kohler trim set that includes the diverter spout. The options are slip-fit or 1/2" NPT. Neither, I assume, is compatible with the Delta universal; can I simply take the plastic piece off and use a slip-fit (or cut off the threading and put a slip-fit over the plastic) or do I need to replace the entire pipe? There seems to be a short copper pipe underneath. AND....we've developed a new problem now! When we run the tub, we now hear gurgling sounds from the showerhead (a handheld showerhead, so there are multiple connections---some of which seem to leak even when we're just running the tub). When we turn the tub off, the gurgling continues intermittently, and water runs out of the spout each time it gurgles. Is this also related to a bad diverter in some way? It didn't happen before we had the new valve installed, so I want to be sure it's not a problem with the valve or the installation before we tile everything back in. Any help would be much appreciated---thanks!

Hi everyone, We need to replace some tub/shower plumbing due to freeze damage. (Thought we winterized well enough, but forgot to open the shower valve) The Hansgrohe set-up I have isn't made anymore so I want to replace it with something I can easily get parts for. I'll be shopping at one of the big box stores. Any recommendations on brands and/or type? (Cartridge vs ceramic disk?) Any brands I should stay away from? (The plumber told me not to get pegasus or something else, and I can't remember. I think he said American Standard and Delta are fine.) Helpful advice would be appreciated ~ Thanks!

Hi, I am redoing my shower-tub area. This is a bathroom for two teens and a 12 year old. Would like it to look pleasant but not trying to win a design award. Did really love my big heavy KWC faucet I got on clearance but not sure I'll get that lucky again. I am trying to figure out whether you can mix different brands of plumbing items for a single shower and tub combo, or what works with what. Plumber was there anyway to do other work, and I asked him to fix a steady drip in my faucet. He said my Valley Valve is no longer made or parts for it. Because of the structural 2x4s behind the wall related to the stairway (I live in a tri-level), he recommended getting a tub/shower valve that was smaller in size. His suggestion was: Standard Delta 1700 series shower valve with either Leland or Lehara trim. I would like a handheld shower head so that I can get in there and wash my dog. If it is a good showerhead, that can be the only showerhead or we can do a splitter and a handheld on one of the two. I am concerned that the reviews I read on some of the Home Depot level handhelds were not at all promising. A lot of leaking and poor water pressure. What do you suggest? Also would love a chlorine filter if possible. We all, especially my daughter who will be using it, have very dry hair and skin. I'm hoping that would help. Could you explain what is compatible with this valve that will not cost a fortune? Can I mix brands or will the different parts not fit each other? Thanks!

Thanks a lot for all valuable information. Actually I noticed one thing last night, when water is flowing thru the down spout, it makes more noise than when water flowing thru the shower head. @nancyinmich Oh yes, I did not even think about that. The reason I thought about the spray foam is, it could expand and fill in the gaps, and I just have a make a tiny hole to spray. But I believe, if I have to install insulation batts, I probably have to cut the drywall, right? The other side is hall, and the walls have texture, (which I don't like even a bit), so it would be hard to cover it all up. :( How about the loose fill insulation? I have watched videos about this. But I am afraid, the insulation may be fill in all the gaps, especially with the water valve. @Jake The other two bathrooms are very silent, both from the bathroom and the other side. Again, likely because of insulation. The bathroom that makes noise, the sound is loud both in side bathroom and other side too, which is hall/kitchen. And this bathroom is right in the middle of the house, so the sound is also audible from the living room. If you think there is some problem with the valve itself, how can I narrow it down? Does it leak water inside the wall? Shower works fine with good pressure like other bathrooms. I also wish I would not have to open the wall anytime soon. If not the spray insulation, what other insulation would you suggest? @ionized_gw That's a good place to start. @Bruce, Since I want to fill up the space between two studs, I was thinking of using the gaps and cracks. My idea is to , make two small holes, one below the valve, and one above the valve. First spray below then valve, and then spray above the valve. I don't plan to full up the entire space between the studs, but just give enough insulation around the valve to make it quite and sound proof. I am still trying to figure out if the valve is bad, or is it just insulation like my builder suggested. @Austin Air companie Thanks for your input. What's the best way to figure out if the noise is because of the water hammer? It doesn't happen in other bathrooms. Also, the noise is worse when water flows thru the down spout compared to water flowing thru the shower head. Could it be because if the valve?