I thought of possible repairs problems after the fact. The installer never mentioned potential downside to slab. I think now they could access on the other side of wall through drywall in the separate water closet (toilet) area. Will confirm with my plumber on Monday. Just was hoping for Houzz help to calm my nerves on the weekend :o)

I agree, change out the valves, we got a low flow valve and it works just fine.

I didn't think 10 years for pipes and valves was old. Only redoing as I hate the tile and shower door previous owner had installed. My plumber is going to assess when the walls are opened and we will take it from there. As for low flo, I think there will be low flo and Ca low flo :o)

do you have a relative out of state? Have a regular valve shipped to them. That's what I did. Oh wait, did I say that? Sorry, but Calif is just ridiculous with certain stuff. Can't even wash the damn shampoo from my hair.

And ditto to what Sophie said. Change out the valve and have some sort of access panel from the other side, if possible. you could set it up like this where access is avail through the water closet or even have a towel cubby along side.

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Solhie nailed part of it FWT finished wall thickness. 2 or 3 cm slabs will likely not jive w/setback of valve many times....

I wouldn't fret about access. That's why modern valves have such huge escutcheons.

Thank you, we went with slab. Plumber said if ever problem they go through drywall on the other side of wall.

Thanks for the update.