[crankbait09]

My home was built in 1994 and the Moen faucet that i am showing below is a faucet that i could find that is similar to the one i have (just to give you an idea).

http://www.homedepot.com/Bath-Bathr...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

now, i want to replace that control assembly completely with a different style and possibly make.

what kind of hell am i up against if i decide to do this? the wall behind the control knob is backed by our other bathroom so getting behind it is NOT an option. for now the bath/shower are to remain. only want to swap out controls.......the only working area i have is the cutout in the tub where the assembly currently resides.

i have never done my own plumbing except for replacing water lines/shut off valves for the common kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks and toilets but besides that,,,,,,,not much at all.

i'd like to do it myself but was wondering if it is wiser to have a plumber swap it out......which i know can get pretty expensive.

 

[rjniles]

Pretty rigorous job for someone with little experience (and maybe even for a plumber based on your conditions). What is the shower wall material? If it is tile you probably will have to open the wall up (demo some tile). If it is fiberglass or acrylic it may have to be cut to a larger size.You may be able to get a repair escutcheon to cover it or you may have some retiling to do.

I would call a plumber (and I have done a fair amount of DIY plumbing).

Additional thought -If you are just trying to change the color or the style of the shower. you may be able to get a trim kit for use with your existing valve body.

 

[crankbait09]

thanks rj....

the whole bath assembly is fiberglass..........so it would be a cut and repatch job if even possible. and that also depends on how good it looks when done...............thats the big iffy.

 

[oh'mike]

If the existing mixer is a Moen---consider leaving it and getting a new trim kit----the cartridges and valves haven't changed in years---Just the trims.

 

[crankbait09]

so lets say i leave the set up alone, can you actually buy a new style knob and a trim kit that would fit perfectly? i really dont like the knob style i have......would love to change completely

 

[rjniles]

You should be able to get a new trim kit. Find a plumbing g supply house (not a big box) that carries Moen (most do). Remove the existing trim and take it with you. The supply house should be able to get you a new trim kit. Get a replacement valve cartridge also.

 

[crankbait09]

now i have heard that you can get a FREE cartridge from MOEN directly for free. since it has lifetime replacement. (if i say it has seized up and needs replaced)

is that true?

 

[oh'mike]

True about the replacement parts--also true about the trims---