Modern Prefabricated Homes
Whats the best way to replace a shower faucet assembly when there is no access to the plumbing in the wall?
I live in a prefabricated ranch home built in the mid 1980′s. When they built the home, they neglected to put in an access to the plumbing for our shower/bath tubs. We cannot find the replacement faucet part because it’s exclusively a prefab home part and the part is so antiquated that they do not sell it at any prefab supply place.
So, we think we have to tear out the wall behind the shower to create an access and totally replace the fittings to modern home standards. If you’ve had to tackle this problem, please give me some pointers. We don’t want to tear out the wall behind if we don’t have to. One of the bath tubs backs to our dining room and an access would look very unsightly.
If it is a single handle faucet you may be able to remove the cover plate and replace the faucet through the hole in the shower. I have done it a few times and it is not part of your daily prayers in any way, but it can be done. You can also go to a reputable plumbing supply and buy like a large escutcheon plate. They are often times used when replacing a 2 handle faucet with a single handle faucet. That allows you more room to replace the faucet. It does not look real unsightly but it does look like a repair has been made, but it would save your walls. You can also go buy a 14″x14″ plastic access panel and cut a hole in the wall. The access panel can be painted, textured, wall-papered or whatever and it does not stick out bad if done right, plus it gives you future access into the wall again. You can also cut the wall, install an access panel, and then hang a picture over the access panel to hide it. There are several options if you find the right plumber. Best of luck.
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