So this morning when i turned off the shower, the water kept running and the shower started making a hissing noise. I opened the faucet to make sure the teeth/gears were intact and it wasn’t just freely spinning. The teeth are intact. So i called a plumber to come see it and he said that he will need to rip apart the wall behind the shower to replace the valve. I’m 19 years old and don’t know much about plumbing so i just wanted to make sure if that’s actually the case and there isn’t nt a simpler fix where it can be fixed from inside the bathroom.
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Can you replace a shower valve without removing the tile?
Depending on the layout of your bathroom, you may be able to replace a shower valve without removing the tile. The existing hole needs to be large enough to remove your old valve and fit your new valve. If the hole is too small, you’ll need to cut into the wall and remove some of the tile.
What is the difference between a shower diverter and a shower valve?
A shower diverter is a type of shower valve. It’s used to direct water from one fixture (like a tub spout) to another fixture (like a showerhead). This is distinct from a mixing valve, which controls the flow (such as turning your shower on and off) and the temperature of water. Your shower could have both a diverter valve and a mixing valve.
What are the three main types of shower valves?
There are three main types of shower valves: pressure balance, thermostatic, and diverter valves. Pressure balance and thermostatic valves are known as mixing valves. These regulate the flow and temperature of water, but in slightly different ways. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, and you’ll commonly find them in tub-shower combos.
You'll have to be creative, but the best solution is to open the wall on the opposite side behind the valve. Hopefully you have drywall or a closet and not an outside wall. Drywall repair is cheaper and easier than tile repair. In many areas it is code to have an access hatch to reach the bathtub trap, so you may be able to reach it from there.
Other option is to bust out as few tiles as possible. You should have a few spares from the tile work, or if it is recent you may be able to buy a few to patch the damage.
Adding to mfaver answer. You could also take the flanges off the taps and shower rose and try and pump silicon or another non-porous substance into the annular space, once it sets it will hold the shower valve in place against the wall and tile backing. Not the most professional solution but it avoids opening the wall up.
I have this type of faucet valve https://imgur.com/gallery/oRMfjvd in my guest bath. The faucet knobs for these break at the slightest force and I’ve already replaced few times. My question is there a way I can replace the ‘white plastic’ valve with the metal types and thus install the faucets with handle?
I’m looking to replace an existing Delta shower fixture with a new one but would prefer not to open up the wall to replace the plumbing. Is there a universal type of fixture that would fit on the existing plumbing? If not how do I know what to look for?