[skidrowe7]

I need to replace the galvanized pipe running inside the tile wall from the faucets to the shower head. Is there any easy way to do this short of a demolition job on the wall to access the pipe. Is there a way to remove the tile area so that it could be replaced after pipe installation?

[ballengerb1]

What is the room space on the other side of that wall, a closet in the next room maybe?

[speedball1]

I know what Bob's referring to. Rather then tear out the tile in the shower take out a section of wall behind the shower. Remove the old raiser and drop eared ell and replace with a CPVC 1/2" Male Threaded adapter coming out of the valve and CPVC pipe running up to a CPVC Drop Eared Ell, (see imjage).
You may then reinstall the shower arm and head. Good luck and thank you for ratingt my reply. Tom

[skidrowe7]

Thanks for the help but I think I'll have to demo to get to the pipe. The wall on the other side is a tiled tub/shower so it makes no difference. I think I may be able to get a diamond blade grout saw and cut the sections of tile out that I need to get access and then just cement the whole thing back in after I replace the pipe. What do you think?

[Milo Dolezal]

Skidrowe7: I don't understand why you need to replace shower head riser. Can you elaborate ? Thank You...

[skidrowe7]

Well the reason being is when I turn on the water it is rusty for a short period then goes clear. The water pipes that feed this shower are the same ones that go to the tub/shower on the other side of the wall where when turned on the water is clear from the beginning. Sooo -I figure the head pipe is rusting out. Now I can live with the rusty water part but how long before the entire pipe rusts out and I have a major water leak in the wall while using the shower and not knowing about it.

[speedball1]

I can live with the rusty water part but how long before the entire pipe rusts out and I have a major water leak in the wall while using the shower and not knowing about it.

Ahh! Then you don't really have a problem yet. Galvanized pipes will pick up rust in the pipe walls. Since your shower raiser has littlke pressure to contend with I think your worries are groundless. If it ain't broke, don't fix it !!
Good luck, Tom

[Milo Dolezal]

Tom said it: this pipe is never under "real" pressure. It only guides water to the shower head. It may be that somebody installed black 90 where the shower arm attaches. That's the only situation I would see that would produce rust overnight.

Replacing that 30" section of pipe will cost you lots of money: demo, pipe replacement, replaster wall, reinstall moisture barrier, reinstall tile, regrout. And than: you will always see that patch on the wall. It is almost impossible to match new/old tile and grout.

[afaroo]

Hi Tom and Milo you guys saved another life with your good advises , thanks.

Regards,
John