changing shower valve

[pbarra1]

Kids shower has a Kohler valve that only allows u to adjust the temperature and not the volume of water which is a complete waste and leads to much splashing. I want to change it to a valve that adjusts temperature and volume.

1) Can I remove the existing valve and install a new one through the existing hole in the tiled wall?


2) Is it possible to replace part of the valve with a new part? that allows it to do what I want?

[modelamac]

If too much water is the problem, there are adjustable shower heads that can address that, without having to replace the Kohler valve.

[pbarra1]

modelamac: That is a slick sugggestion - thank you. I will keep that in mind but also want to consider valve replacement.

[M>B>]

Generally a tub/shower enclosure is tiled after the fixtures are installed,

If you can't get to it from the tile side, you can try the back side and hopefully that is in a closet.

There is a pre-made frame and panel that are made just for this purpose. Get it before you cut the dry wall so you will have a templet for cutting the dry wall. This is a whole lot easier than patching dry wall and you will have easy access if you have to do it again.

[mikebw]

When I replaced my shower control valve I found that the access panel was only big enough to reach the drain on the tub. I had to cut up another foot or so to get to the back of the actual valve, and after the job was done (after much cursing and swearing) I had it all patched back up again.

If you're interested- here's my post with the final product: http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/453041/453108

This pic shows the original hole and the one above it I ended up cutting out:


I made it larger than necessary because the sheet of drywall that was there had a seam higher up and I decided to just cut it out there.

[quote M>B>]Generally a tub/shower enclosure is tiled after the fixtures are installed,

If you can't get to it from the tile side, you can try the back side and hopefully that is in a closet.

There is a pre-made frame and panel that are made just for this purpose. Get it before you cut the dry wall so you will have a templet for cutting the dry wall. This is a whole lot easier than patching dry wall and you will have easy access if you have to do it again.

[M>B>]

Mikebw,

Well, you have got to do what you have to do!

And, that's what you did!

Looks like it might be in a closet, if so your luck was with you.

On a job like that I usually cut the whole wall out and use a single sheet to replace it.

Or do what you did in the pix and then cut the whole wall out and do the above.

Probably that is all finished now so it is moot.

inquiring minds want to know!

[macphanatic]

In a closet, I cut a hole the size I need. I then use 1/2 inch plywood to create a cover. I use a decent grade with one smooth side, route the edges over and install with a couple of screws. Fast, easy and I can access the valve or drain pipe without tearing into the wall.

[mikebw]

Yeah, it was in a closet, and I actually used a new sheet cut to fit to patch the hole. The old piece was actually cracked and the builders had used a ton of putty to level it off which was crazy IMO.

It's all nice and finished now.