Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower

Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts

Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by:

Post New

How to Show Images

Newest Subjects

Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower

Author: Golfish (NC)

Help! House built in 1979 with one pc. fiberglass tub/shower stalls. I want to replace the existing one pc. control valves, but the hole in the shower stall isn't big enough to get to the pipes. Is there a cover plate of some kind that I can buy to cover the hole if I cut it larger? The plate that comes with the new controller is the same as the existing one, about 7" diameter. I would need something about 12" diameter. Thanks for your help!

Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: hj (AZ) They make a "remodel plate" that is an elongated octagon, which should give you enough room, depending on how the old valve is connected.
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: Shoemaker2 (MA) What make is the old valve. Some older valves can be rebuilt to be as good as new without changing the valve body. And you may be able to use new trim to make it as new as new on the outside too.
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: North Carolina Plumber (NC) If theres drywall on the other side, you could cut a access hole and replace the valve from there.
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: packy (MA) symmons makes a "goof plate".
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: hj (AZ) Lots of companies make them.
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: Shoemaker2 (MA) Symmons you can rebuild to as good as new....
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: Golfish (NC) Does anyone make one that is not chrome? We have purchased antique bronze ( dark brown ) fixtures and the chrome will not look too good with this. Thanks for all the replies~!
Post Reply

Re: Replacing shower valve in old fiberglass shower
Author: hj (AZ) Antique Bronze is an outdated finish, and few companies still produce it. Oil Rubbed Bronze is the closest you may come these days for most brands.
Post Reply

Please note:

Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.

Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:

Plbg Advisor List Common Plumbing Terms Find A Plumber Plumbing Manufacturers Directory theplumber.com

Special thanks to our sponsor:

to FAQ's - to popular subjects - to plumbing books - to Tankless 101 - to plumbing history - to helping charities - to contact us