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Misty Ann · Sep 15, 2008, 01:23 PM

[F]

We have a rather older house that we are trying to remodel the main bathroom in. My question is pertaining to a new tub installation. We have the older tubs that has the faucet and then a 3 system knob, cold hot shower. We are wanting to convert to a new tub which has a faucet in the tub and then the main set up in the wall. How do you convert the pipe set up from the old tub to the new tub going from 3 to 1? Is this a big deal for a self doer? Please help?

ballengerb1 · Sep 15, 2008, 01:30 PM

Depends on your skills. Tearing out an old tub is more of a back breaker than most folks think since some cast tubs can be 500 lbs. I break them with a sledge hammer and sawsall. Repalcing the old piping in the wall isn't a big deal if you can solder or use PEX. The old piping may be gavanized and I'd remove as much as can be reached during a remodel, tear it ll out if you really want the new bath to work for decades.

Misty Ann · Sep 15, 2008, 01:44 PM

I have heard that the PEX are not good to use that they cause corrosion in the pipes after time. Do you have any knowledge about that? Our pipes are copper, would that be a suitable and cost effective to remove all of that and start again? Thanks for your help.

massplumber2008 · Sep 15, 2008, 02:13 PM

Misty Ann...

If pipes are copper then stay with copper. You will just shut off water, cut the hot and cold water pipe that goes to the three handle valve now and then install a single handle tub/shower valve by simply connecting the hot and cold water pipes as directed by valve manufacturer.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with PEX going to copper, by the way. It is relatively new, but we are having great success using it and plan on continuing to use wherever we can. The fact is, however, that if copper pipe is in place that will work best and cheapest for you as changing over to pex at this time would cost way too much in terms of time learning and renting tools, etc.

Ballengerb1 busts out old tubs with sledge hammer... and many others do as well (me included on occassion ;) ). If want to and have a couple strong guys and a dolly, however, if you disconnect drain from tub and then pull tub forward about 6 inches, you should just be able to stand the tub up and wheel it out in 1 piece on a dolly! Up to you! Just another option (wall board and tile must be removed here).

Let us know if need help as you go along.

ballengerb1 · Sep 15, 2008, 05:33 PM

Mark is right, if you are copper now just stay copper. Someone gave you bad info on the PEX. Its just fine and much easier to use in a retrofit job.