I have a shower that has a two handle, left-hot, right-cold with the tub spout and shower pull up knob in the middle. It needs to be replaced. Do I have to put a hole in the wall to replace it or can it be replaced by dis-assembly in the front?

Hi Pinecone:

Hey, if you have access from behind the shower valve... say in a closet.. then I would open the wall and replace the valve with a new single handle tub/shower valve and then use a spring loaded access panel (sold at home supply store) to cover the hole.

I like the symmons allura series (first picture) or the S96-2 (second picture)... These are remarkably reliable valves. They also make a remodel cover plate to cover the holes from the old two handle faucet... purchased as a symmons remodel plate or moen remodel plate... see pictures below. Here, you remove the old faucet and install new faucet with remodel plate to get nice finish product and a temperature and pressure balanced shower... ;) No more water shock...

If no access from behind then you can use this remodel plate to do the work from the front. Here, you remove handles and stems and you TRACE the remodel plate... then minus 3/4" all around the plate.. cut the tile out, then remove the valve and connect new valve together.

Let me know if that made sense.. ok?

MARK

If you want to completely new style and / or brand then do as Mark suggested. But, if you want to just "fix" it for better functionality, or perhaps even some degree of style upgrade, than just replace stems, spout, shower head with new style trim. Many faucet manufacturers make new style handles in up to date finishes to fit old faucets.