Shower bar mixer install?

[ben100]

I’m installing a new shower bar mixer using a bar valve fixing kit which means I have to drill into the tile each side of the pipes to install the bracket. I don’t want to hit a pipe when I do drill it, any ideas?

 

[Baths'N'Gas]

Pipes should run either up or down, so drilling to the side of the pipes should be fine, shine a light into the holes and see what direction the pipe bends

 

[ben100]

Pipes should run either up or down, so drilling to the side of the pipes should be fine, shine a light into the holes and see what direction the pipe bends

These are the best pictures I could get, the hole is too small to see anything with a light shined so couldn’t see much. The pipes do bend left & right a little and as you can see from the side they go downwards if any of those play a factor in determining which way they go?

 

[Baths'N'Gas]

If possible check under the bath or shower tray, or above the bathroom for what way the pipes go, failing that, you could always chip around the pipes making the holes slightly bigger to get a better look

 

[johnny2007]

Use a very thin allan key to find which way the pipes go by fishing into the pipe holes.

 

[Elkato531]

There is obviously a lot of movement on those pipes and the elbows are going to be a long way back. Push them back into the wall as you drill and go carefully. A long thin screwdriver will then confirm whether the way is clear for screws.

 

[ben100]

What plugs should I use for when I put the bracket on? I believe it is just plasterboard behind the tiles.

 

[Elkato531]

You should be alright with basic wall plugs. The tiles are solid enough that the plugs will be spread by the screws and won't be able to pull through.