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i64 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:36 AM

We would like to go from a "Sayco system" where the tub has a hot, cold and a diverter. How much can we expect to pay for the whole conversion/installation (parts and labor)?

The wall behind is made of ceramic tile.

We are near Boston, MA.

Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:45 AM

Fees and parts vary. Call 3 plumbers and get their bids but tell all of the exact valve you want. This could easily be in the $500 ballpark

i64 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:53 AM

We asked a plumber, and they said that around 600 for just the symmons valve installation, and then a tile person would have to be hired separately.

ballengerb1 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:55 AM

I always recommend 3 bids. Yoyr plumber could he the highest or the lowest but you need something to compare it to.Please tell us about why you want the change. If you have a diverter now you will still have one when the change is done.

i64 · Apr 28, 2012, 08:12 AM

The water would splash on the wall, then it would get behind the assembly of the hot, cold and diverter. Then the water would go through there and leak downstairs.

Why would the diverter still be there? Wouldn't the symmons divert the water to shower?

ballengerb1 · Apr 28, 2012, 08:25 AM

If you have a tub/shower your valve will always have some type of diverter. Sounds like your existing valve is not properly caulked or sealed. Any chance of a picture? Have you already picked a new valve that you like, which one?

i64 · Apr 28, 2012, 10:49 AM

Sorry, don't have a picture unfortunately. We have had problems with this before as well and had to replace the stems which leaked so we were thinking of converting it to symmons. We had plumbers come over in the past (long time ago) and they all said the same thing. Right now, it was working great until the shower wall water got in the outside fittings.

Also, not sure what valve would go there. I was thinking the plumber would know better.

ballengerb1 · Apr 28, 2012, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by i64

Also, not sure what valve would go there. I was thinking the plumber would know better.

Normally you would pick the mixing valve you like, plumber just installs. If it has stems then it is likely quite old but old doesn't mean not repairable

massplumber2008 · Apr 28, 2012, 05:20 PM

Hi i64

I'm from the Boston area and I would figure that this job can be done complete for right around $700.00 maximum including the faucet and the REMODELER'S PLATE. The remodeler plate covers the holes from the old valve and allows area to work in the wall so the plumber can install the new valve.

Here, there really shouldn't be a need to mess with any tile work. The plumber should be able to come in and place the remodeler plate on the wall, trace it out and then remove tile to within an inch of the trace line. Then the hole in the wall is large enough to work with and the plumber should be able to remove the sayco valve and install the valve and remodeler plate to finish the job. Again... shouldn't be tile work needed after this unless there is damage to the wall, of course!

I have put up a couple images of remodeler plates... check them out below. Of course, if there is a closet behind the valve then you should just need to cut an access panel behind the wall and be done with this.

Anyway, glad to discuss more if you want, OK?

Mark

ballengerb1 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:34 PM

I like that idea Mark. Never have used one but should have remembered they existed

i64 · Apr 29, 2012, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi i64

I'm from the Boston area and I would figure that this job can be done complete for right around $700.00 maximum including the faucet and the REMODELER'S PLATE. The remodeler plate covers the holes from the old valve and allows area to work in the wall so the plumber can install the new valve.

Here, there really shouldn't be a need to mess with any tile work. The plumber should be able to come in and place the remodeler plate on the wall, trace it out and then remove tile to within an inch of the trace line. Then the hole in the wall is large enough to work with and the plumber should be able to remove the sayco valve and install the valve and remodeler plate to finish the job. Again...shouldn't be tile work needed after this unless there is damage to the wall, of course!

I have put up a couple images of remodeler plates...check them out below. Of course, if there is a closet behind the valve then you should just need to cut an access panel behind the wall and be done with this.

Anyway, glad to discuss more if you want, OK?

Mark

Thank you for the detailed response. There is a shelving area/closet behind the wall, but I am not sure that a person could fit in there. The shelves would have to be removed. What's a good website to find plumbers that will do something like that you described? I know there is servicemagic, but are there any others specific to Boston?

massplumber2008 · Apr 29, 2012, 06:32 AM

Hi guys!

i64, what town/city are you in?

i64 · Apr 29, 2012, 06:48 AM

In Waltham, MA.

massplumber2008 · Apr 29, 2012, 10:55 AM

You could try calling the MAGUIRE Co. Inc. over in Newton, MA @

(617) 527-2345

This company has been around over 120 years or so and has a real good service department.

They won't know massplumber2008, but I worked for them when I was a kid and they are real professionals.

Let me know how you make out, OK?

Mark

i64 · Apr 29, 2012, 11:22 AM

Great, thank you. I will call them this week and see how it goes.