Advice on replacing bathroom fixtures

t1000

My fiance installed brass fixtures throughout our bathroom 5 years ago
while remodeling it.
Since then half of those fixtures have rotted and are in need of replacement.

I read somewhere that In order to replace the shower and tub fixtures (outside of the wall) that you have to use the same manufacturer that you used for the original fixtures.
In other words, if I used Amerian Standard brand products for my shower and tub fawcett, shower head, and shower spout that I have to use the same manufacturer if I want to replace the fixtures without having to open the walls.
Is this true?

thanks in advance

Marlin

You are replacing what is known as the trim. The part behind the wall is the shower body. Most manufacturers have a bunch of differant trim styles for each shower body they make. The way the trim attaches, spline counts, and other factors differ from brand to brand and often what fits one shower body made by brand X won't fit another shower body made by brand X.
If you happen to have the information on the shower body (brand, model number, etc) it should be easy to find new trim. If you don't you can take what you have to a plumbing supply house and they may be able to help you out.
If you bought a real cheap body at Home Depot chances are slim of finding replacement parts for it.

mstplumber

Something else to be aware of is that most of the major manufacturers offer a lifetime finish warranty and have for several years. If you have one of these, especially Moen or Delta, try calling their toll free numbers and ask about the replacement process. You might wind up with free parts.

Moen:http://www.moen.com/consumersupport/...ustomerSupport

Delta: http://www.deltafaucet.com/wps/porta...RS82XzE5XzNLMA!!

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Mstplumber

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t1000

Thanks everyone for your very thorough responses, and references.

The fixtures are American Standard brand.
I was hoping to be able to change out to something with a sleeker profile than the hampton model, but this comes with challenges.