View Full Version : Leaky Shower
lopes8070
Sep 21, 2013, 10:50 AM
Hi,
My house was built in 1983 we have a shower that leaks and when we went to replace the entire set up last time we couldn't find one that fit our pipe in the wall. How can we find an assembly that will fit in our wall. I am really done trying to fix our current valley assembly it's horrible to fix and after a year it just breaks anyway. It's also hard to find parts for. If you need more information I will try and give you as much as possible.
Megan
ma0641
Sep 21, 2013, 02:33 PM
If you want a direct fit you may have trouble. However you can buy a variety of escutcheon plates that can cover any size hole. Most tub /showers are plumbed with 1/2" piping so almost any set should fit.
massplumber2008
Sep 21, 2013, 04:33 PM
Hi Megan
Are you asking about finding a valve that will fit in the wall? If you are asking that, then I suspect that you have a 2"x3" stud wall instead of the more traditional 2"x4" stud walls and that does require a specific type of valve.
Both moen and delta have valve bodies that will fit into a 2"x3" stud wall.
Hope that helps...
Mark
lopes8070
Sep 21, 2013, 05:17 PM
Well we went to home depot once and we bought a new delta fixture to put in the shower when we went to install it the new fixture didn't match the pipe in the wall. I would rather just completely replace it since I have heard that valley fixtures are crap. So, what is the best thing for me to do to get the fixture that will fit my pipe?
massplumber2008
Sep 21, 2013, 05:30 PM
To start identify the pipe type...
In 1980s most homes were piped in copper tubing... showers were piped in 1/2" copper tubing/fittings. 99% of all shower valves can be easily adapted to 1/2" copper tubing but there is always a need to cut the existing tubing/piping and connections to install the new valve. In other words, there is no "easy swap out" with shower valves.
Connections can be made via soldering, compression fit, push-fit fittings such as sharkbite/gatorbite (require no soldering skills), or regular screw on adapters/nipples and unions fittings.
Moen is an excellent faucet that is easily adapted to any pipe type. They have the easiest lifetime warranty claim service in the business, so I strongly recommend these guys!
Good luck!