A good quality brand of deck mount is no more likely to leak than a good quality brand of wall mount hand shower. Unless he's talking about leaking outside the tub from overspray when in use? If he's talking about that, then yes, handshowers in roman tubs are more for rinsing out the tub after cleaning or shampoo out of your hair. They aren't designed for actual showering.

He is afraid of leaking under deck and we won't know until it's too late!!

So, how is that different than something leaking behind the wall and you don't know until it's too late! ;-) It's the same risk. Just different locations. Choose a good quality well known name brand like Kohler, Grohe, or American Standard. And if he's really really concerned, when it's installed through the access panel, have a water alarm put in there with it. And change the batteries out twice a year just like you would with a smoke detector.

It's a standard tub with deck surround - no access panel!! We've had leaking problems with those pullout in kitchen sinks...so that's why he's wondering (nervous)!!

Kitchen sprayers do not compare to deck mounts...I have also had issues /w kitchen sprayers. You won't have issues...but, you could very easy spray outside of tub area by accident.

Thnks for your help/input. I will show your answer to him!!

Access panels are only required for the electrical equipment under a jet or air tub and it is usually on the opposite end of the tub from the faucet. Who says the hose or diverted has to go underneath the tub? While you may need access under the tub deck to change to a completely different brand and model faucet, look first to see if the style that is there now also comes with a handheld unit. This may keep you from needing the access under the tub deck.

Another question for pro from Memphis -this is new construction bathroom. It's just a regular tub with roman tub faucets. Do I still need access panel? It's all tile around. I didn't plan. On access panel because of tiles. Thnks

No. An access panel is not required. ProSource is mistaken. Unless the particular hose connection for your handheld sprayed makes it necessary.
Do you have an access on your shower? Do you need to have access to any other pipes in your walls?
Most facets are serviceable from outside the wall or platform. Cartridges go in through the handles.

Hi, You are right to be concerned about leaks. We had someone not close the valve to the handshower completely and the showerhead dripped allong the hose to the space under the tub. I had installed a plastic catch made from a bucket to collect the shower hose as you put the handshower back ( I worried the hose could otherwise get entangled somehow). This caught the drips at first, but then overflowed. Ruined the ceiling in the room below just before a visit from a home appraiser.

Lesson learned. My catch basin now has a small line that empties in the tub waste line, just like a dishwasher waste line. This catch will also help prevent damage from any wild water antics in the tub. Good thing I made an access panel.

The rubber seal ring in the hand shower holder could stop the drip too, but what if it is not replaced correctly? Better safe than sorry.