Replace shower valve

[Jupiter01]

What can I replace this with please? I want to minimise the pipe work modifications and the need to replace tiles. Can I have some suggestions please.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jupiter01]

Would this be a straight forward replacement?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/grohe-quickfix-start-concealed-single-lever-mixer-shower-valve-fixed-chrome/573xt

I’ve never done this job and wondering how accessible the pipes will be and whether I will need to reposition and of them.

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

 

[denso13]

Probably not. You'll need to expose the existing pipework and see what you are working with.

 

[Odds]

Wouldn't hurt to consider replacing the tiles anyways. Or cleaning them, at least.

 

[Jupiter01]

Wouldn't hurt to consider replacing the tiles anyways. Or cleaning them, at least.

It’s an outbuilding that is rarely used by I take your point.

 

[Jupiter01]

Probably not. You'll need to expose the existing pipework and see what you are working with.

Would it be advisable to remove and take into screwfix to find a match?

If not, what am I looking for once this is exposed? Thanks for your help.

 

[denso13]

Would it be advisable to remove and take into screwfix to find a match?

A match is well nigh impossible unless you can identify the valve and get the same one as a replacement.

If not, what am I looking for once this is exposed?

Pipe layouts, connection positions etc. You should be able to get the outer chrome cover ring off and take a look.

 

[Jupiter01]

The same one is no longer available. I checked with the manufacturer and eBay, etc.

 

[Elkato531]

The shower would have been fitted and then tiled over. Even if you had an exact match you wouldn't be able to fit it without removing tiles.

 

[denso13]

I've done a few, depends of the connections though, and how zealous the tiler has been.

 

[Odds]

I've done a few, depends of the connections though, and how zealous the tiler has been.

View attachment 351059

how many holes were you seeing when you cut that?

 

[Jupiter01]

What type of mixer is this? Is there a name for them?
Also, is there a type of mixer that is easier to maintain in the future? I.e. not the rip the tiles off to replace.

Thanks again.

 

[Jupiter01]

I am aiming to replace this next week and trying to form a plan:

1. use multi cutter to remove some of those tiles
2. examine the pipe arrangements and depths
3. purchase a suitable replacement and then make pipe adjustments and fit in place - probably a single lever grohe valve.
4. pressure test
4. plasterboard and retile

Can I please get your thoughts on this. Thanks again.

 

[Elkato531]

I would fit a bar mixer using a fixing kit.

Swirl Bar Valve Wall Mount Fixing Kit Chrome

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass construction with chrome-plated finish. Enables fixing of bar valves to wall surface. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 5 minutes.

www.screwfix.com

Remove tiles to cut out existing mixer and locate hot and cold pipes.
Extend pipes and add elbows so they come straight out of the wall. Level and 150mm apart. (hot on left as you look at it)
Cap and pressure test before making good.
Baton, board and tile as necessary so pipes stick out through holes drilled in tiles.
Install mounts, install bar valve, install riser rail.

Many bar showers now come with decent mounts. If you are supplied with the offset dogleg connectors, throw them away.

Doing it this way, all compression joints are outside the tiled surface and if the bar mixer needs to be replaced for any reason in the future, its a 5 minute job.

 

[Jupiter01]

I would fit a bar mixer using a fixing kit.

Swirl Bar Valve Wall Mount Fixing Kit Chrome

Order online at Screwfix.com. Brass construction with chrome-plated finish. Enables fixing of bar valves to wall surface. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 5 minutes.

www.screwfix.com

Remove tiles to cut out existing mixer and locate hot and cold pipes.
Extend pipes and add elbows so they come straight out of the wall. Level and 150mm apart. (hot on left as you look at it)
Cap and pressure test before making good.
Baton, board and tile as necessary so pipes stick out through holes drilled in tiles.
Install mounts, install bar valve, install riser rail.

Many bar showers now come with decent mounts. If you are supplied with the offset dogleg connectors, throw them away.

Doing it this way, all compression joints are outside the tiled surface and if the bar mixer needs to be replaced for any reason in the future, its a 5 minute job.

That is absolutely genius! Didn't know something like this existed and it will be so much easier to maintain.
Can I check, are those fittings as show in this video?

If yes, do you advise copper or plastic pipe to come out of these valves?

Finally, are these mixers always 150cm centres and do we have any wriggle room?