Bathroom tub/shower replacement - Can I DIY plumbing fixtures?
We are planning to replace our old single unit fiberglass tub/shower combo with a tub and tile surround. We are wondering if we can simply replace the existing fixtures with new ones? Will the existing rough-ins stick out from the wall the correct distance (sorry for lack of technical term)? The current fiberglass unit sticks out about an inch from the wall and the current tub spout and handle are attached to the fiberglass portion. The shower head, however, is attached right at the dry wall. We can manage some minor plumbing, but changing pipe length, soldering, etc. is not in our wheelhouse! Has anyone dealt with this? Any recommendations? Can't seem to find any discussions/videos dealing with this topic. Thank you!
Comments (7)
catbuilder
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Changing shower/tub plumbing fixtures
Comments (5)I think there is a good chance you will need to replace the valve inside the wall. If the tub/shower is tiled, can you get into the wall from the backside? i'm in the same boat, and finding we cannot replace our trim without changing the valve as well....See MoreWhich would cost less-replacing tub with another tub or shower?
Comments (7)The answer depends upon the details: - A prefab shower surround will probably be your cheapest option (and while they lack in looks, they're super easy to clean). - A builder-grade tub/shower combo would probably come in second lowest. - A shower-pan-flooring with tile walls would be next in line. - Then an all-tile shower (of course, that depends upon whether you go with economical tiles or not). - And most expensive would be a nicer-grade tub with a shower. And with any of the above, you get into the question of what type of shower head you're using. A simple shower head can be had for less than $100, whereas a handheld on a pole is going to be more, and if you want a rainshower head in the middle of the shower in addition to the "regular shower head", that'll be more still. So, really, it depends....See Morehow much$ to remodel a master bathroom? removing tub, enlarging shower
Comments (6)The challenge, especially in bathrooms, is that fixtures have a huge range in price. For example, you can buy a serviceable toilet for $100 but if you want a lid that automatically raises and lowers, heated seat, mood lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity then the price runs into the thousands. While it's beyond me why anyone would want a toilet with a remote control, they exist and illustrate the complexity in pricing a bathroom because similar choices can be made with every fixture and surface. If you are going to bring contractors for a bid, then you need to have a pretty good idea what you want so that you can compare apples to apples. Another idea might be to try a local home center. Most offer free design services and while you're not going to get a world class designer and your fixture/surface choices will be limited to what the store sells, it's a place to start. Unlike regular contractors who don't get paid to give estimates, the folks in home centers do....See MorePossible bathroom remodel: removing bathtub, replace with shower stall
Comments (9)I just finished a remodel and replaced the shower/tub combination with a great shower. I really couldn't tell you how much it cost because your costs would depend on the cost of labor in your area plus the materials and fixtures you choose. My showers were expensive because they were taken down to the studs. The rough plumbing including the drains had to be replaced. Both the floor and the walls had to be waterproofed. I also opted for relatively expensive finishes - Encore tiles and marble basket weave floors with Phyrich fixtures. I live in a jurisdiction which required multiple inspections before work could proceed including flood tests for the shower pan. The work was done by a licensed plumber and the tile work was done by a really experienced tile setter so labor was expensive. The end results of the intricate tile designs were done really well and so I have none of the horror stories that are rampant on this forum. I love the end result and I also am as sure as one can be that my new shower doesn't leak or have structural issues. Getting rid of the tub/shower combination was one of the best things I did in my new remodel as the end result is both highly functional and - at least in my opinion - beautiful....See Morelisabethdoyle
2 years agoMongoCT
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoYour plumbing may be different, but this should give you an idea.
The shower head is threaded on to the shower arm. The shower arm simply threads into a fitting in the wall. You can unthread the shower arm from the fitting and thread a shower head and arm of your choosing back into the fitting inside the wall. Use teflon tape to make up the connection.
The tub spout may be the same. In the drawing below, the "nipple" is what is shown between the tub spout and the fitting in the wall. Nipples are simply short pieces of pipe threaded on both ends. Some tub spouts are threaded on to the nipple. Some slide on and are held secure with a set screw that may be visible from underneath. Again, use teflon tape to make up any connections.
The valve is the wild card. The valve body (the big hunk of brass in the wall) typically needs to be set a certain distance back from the face of the shower surface (typically tile, or in your case the plastic surround) to ensure that the valve cover plate will sit flat on the wall. There's a bit of leeway here.You will likely be replacing that tub surround with tile backer board (say 1/2" thick) plus thinset and tile (say 3/16th" thick). You might not need to make adjustments...or you might have to. If required, to move the existing valve in or out a bit, often time fasteners that secure the vertical runs of copper tubing to the wall studs can be removed. The valve (and the associated plumbing) can be pushed back a little, or pulled forward a little, and the fasteners can be reset to hold the valve in its new position.
It's always a very smart idea to replace the shower valve when redoing a shower. A nice basic shower valve like Symmons Temptrol is inexpensive with replacement parts being easy to find.
lisabethdoyle
2 years ago
Verbo