Shower Fixture Replacement

shapeshifter

I have a one-piece fiberglass tub & surround that is going to be refinished soon. Replacing and remodeling is totally out of the question.

I want to replace the shower head, the tub spigot and the handle [it currently has a Moen with one of those single controller faceted clear crystal handles.] Is is better to have a plumber replace those items or is it something a DIYer could handle.

I will purchase another single controller, so I won't have to deal with anything more.

Ron The Plumber

Replacing the trim is simple, find the trim you want and read the installation instructions, nothing hard about it, screwdriver and allen wrench and crecent wrench. Teflon tape and caulking.

Things to look for, spout, is it slip on or screw on type,, Valve, is it a posi temp or pressure balance.

Posi-temp, handle will turn only.

Pressure Balance, Handle pulls outwards and turns left and right.

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shapeshifter

Thanks for the prompt response...except now I have more questions LOL.

By valve, I assume you mean the water controller. The current equipment is 23 years old so I doubt that it will be pressure balance.

Is one more desirable than the other, or must I watch out and only purchase a particular type?

Spout is probably screw on, feels like plastic to me. I suppose the instructions on the replacement will explain how to remove the old stuff.

Ron The Plumber

Your best bet when going for new trim, is take the old trim with you, this way one trip will do it.

For spout, look on the bottom, is there a slot that has a allen set screw in it, if so it is a slip on spout. If no slot then it is a screw on type.

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shapeshifter

We got a nasty surprise, when we removed the old escutcheon we discovered there is no way, short of demolishing the OTHER bathroom, to replace the controller, like we wanted to.

So we will replace everything that we can get to [the controller has never given a problem, we just thought we'd do some PM].

I'm taking everything we took off the tub with me to the store. However, the tub drain has me stumped.

Is it removable or are we just stuck? Is there a special tool or technique if it can be removed?

Also, the controller is a Delta, non-pressure balance, the one with the ugly crystal ball handle. The diverter is the kind that you push in. Can that one assembly be replaced independently of everything else?

Help

Ron The Plumber

Yes the diverter can be replaced independently. Why are you trying to remove the drain part, is it in bad condition?

What part are you working with, bottom of tub or the overflow part?

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shapeshifter

The overflow was simple.

The drain in the bottom works just fine, but since we're having the tub and surround refinished [updating the entire bathroom] we wondered about replacing the drain. It's lost some of its chrome finish after all these years.

Actually we're thinging about asking the tub man if he can cover it with the same product that he's refinishing the bathtub.

It certainly won't be the end of the world if nothing can be done.

shapeshifter

ps, I just noticed you are in Eugene, Oregon. My dad was inducted into the U of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Ron The Plumber

Thats cool about your Dad. What Sport?

There is a tool we plumbers use called a dumbell, HD should carry it. It sits inside on the cross and allows you to back the drain out.

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shapeshifter

He held the world championship in pole vaulting in the 1930's. Missed out on the Olympics due to an injury, tho.

I'm assuming the drain screws in and can also be replaced?

I bet you can't believe that this is my very first reno project ever

Ron The Plumber

Yes it screws in and can be replaced.

There is always a 1st time for anything you do in life.

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shapeshifter

One last question before you put your slippers on and fall asleep in your rocking chair.

Are most of these replacement parts available at HD or Lowes? I'm referring the crystal handle, escutcheon, spout, the thingy that the shower head screws on and the drain? Or should I plan to go to the plumbing supply store?

Ron The Plumber

If they don't have them they can order them, I know they should have the handle, but the trim might need to be ordered.

They should have the drain parts.

They might have it all.

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