Marble shower panels valve replacement :( !!!

11 years ago

We have a couple of bathrooms with a single handle shower system. I think the install was not done correctly. The volume of water is highest at the coldest water setting and is down to a trickle at the hottest water setting. We want to change this setup to have independent volume and temperate control. This involves replacing the existing valve apparently and we have marble shower panels. Has anyone been through something similar?. I am guessing the marble needs to be chipped to make a bigger hole to access and replace the valve behind?. We cannot access the valve from the other side.

Featured Answer

kudzu9

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

It's a bigger job than you imagine. If you want the valve replaced, the plumbing behind the wall will have to be redone to accommodate the type of valving you desire. That means tearing out at least several square feet of backerboard and tile, cutting out the existing valve, replumbing to match the new requirements, and installation of the new valving. Then, you'll need to reinstall the backerboard, reapply the waterproofing, and then re-tile and attempt to match the grout color. I'm sorry, but this will not be easy or inexpensive. Accessing it from the other side would be preferable, even if it would be difficult. Are you absolutely sure that you can't do that?

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Comments (9)

Vamsi Kodavanty
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, the other side is an outside wall on the 2nd floor. So, would be an equally hard task to remove the siding and access the valve. I guess it's bad news either ways. Thanks again for your insights.
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kudzu9
11 years ago
I was afraid of that. Wish I had a happier solution...
woodbutcher_ca
11 years ago
Hi Can the valves be repaired? If not a good plumber can cut out the old valve out with out much damage and solder in a new one, then trim it out with a stainless steel " smitty plate"

Woodbutcher
Vamsi Kodavanty thanked woodbutcher_ca
Vamsi Kodavanty
Original Author
11 years ago
the existing valve/cartridge does not support independent water volume control and temperature control. So, the valve needs to be changed. I opened up the trim and it seems like there is about a 7 inch diameter hole with the valve and the joints to the piping showing. So, like you said I hope the plumber can unsweat the pipe and install a new valve through there. Thanks for your comments.
kudzu9
11 years ago
Good luck...but the plumber will likely need a bigger hole than that to do all the required work. I'll be interested to hear what the plumber says, though. I'd be happy to be wrong!
greasetrap
11 years ago
My plumber had to cut out the back side of the wall to replace my shower valve. It was either that or cutting out some of the tile. If the valve is located on an outside wall, it doesn't sound to me like you have many good options. Have you looked into the possibility of repairing the current valve? Oftentimes, repairs can be made through the current hole.
Vamsi Kodavanty thanked greasetrap
Chris
11 years ago
If you absolutely must get behind the tile to change plumbing, you can find a glass mosaic or other type of "accent tile " that you like and make the opening to the exact dimensions of that tile. Plumbing work can than be done and new backerboard screwed in , and the new tile installed. You may have to make the opening larger than required for plumbing so tile layout will have the most appealing design.
greasetrap
11 years ago
Aside from the repair issue, there's a simple fix for the independent volume & temperature control issues. Zoe Industries (shower buddy.com) sells a simple valve that screws onto the shower arm to control the volume of water. There's still the issue of why you're not getting much hot water though. I suspect that it has something to do with the anti-scald valve. Hopefully a plumber can repair that through the existing hole.