Switching Shower Faucet Type

[camper4lyfe]

I just bought a house (like most everyone here), and my fiance doesn't like the shower faucet that we have.

Currently we have an old Moen Push/Pull (push/pull to control flow, turn to control temp) type faucet, and she wants one where you can just turn the handle. I'm under the impressing that this isn't an enjoyable undertaking to do, with having to change the mixing valve, etc.

As it is, I have to change the cartridge for it, as we have no hot water for showers. This will most likely be a temporary solution, as she's the boss and will eventually get her way (I don't like the faucet either, but I'm not a fan of tearing into the wall either).

Any thoughts/suggestions on the whole thing?

[Gunguy45]

Replacing the valve body is probably more of a job than you really want to get into. It will involve opening up the wall (most likely) from either the front or the back, then repairing the hole.

How about a nice new trim kit, handles, arm, showerhead and new sink faucets?

I'd recommend holding off on the valve body replacement until you are ready for a full remodel.

[camper4lyfe]

Replacing the valve body is probably more of a job than you really want to get into. It will involve opening up the wall (most likely) from either the front or the back, then repairing the hole.

How about a nice new trim kit, handles, arm, showerhead and new sink faucets?

I'd recommend holding off on the valve body replacement until you are ready for a full remodel.

I'm not opposed to that, but I need to be armed with details and informatino to get the old lady to see why I really don't want to do this. The plumbing runs up the wall between the shower and the toilet (very small bathroom), and it's tiled on both sides. I'd much rather just go with the cartridge replacement, and do something about the shower control (it's a push/pull lever just below the water control knob), as it's very difficult to work, and we currently need a pair of pliers to work it. I'll most likely machine up a knob for it tomorrow, at least as a short-term fix.

[Gunguy45]

Depending on the brand you should be able to get all new parts and trim from any decent plumbing supply house. It should work almost like new with a new cart and diverter parts. They may have to order the style you want.

Most of the makers have pretty good customer support in my experience. The websites may or may not be helpful.

If you can ID the model and approx age, I'd call the customer support and find out whats available. Then see if one of those kits would suit your (her) tastes.

Changing the valve body would mean tearing out the tile on one side or the other (if done very carefully, may be reusable), cutting out the old body, connecting the new (plumber), then replacing the cutout area and retiling (tile Pro). I'd WAG it at maybe $500 or so (plus material) if you have to pay to do it. Thats assuming the tiles can be saved or you have extras.

You can do it yourself, if you are able to sweat pipe and lay tile. I know I wouldn't want to unless it was a re-model, as I stated.

Just realized you said Fiance...better get yer foot down now, or it'll never end...lol j/k.

[plumbingods]

A good plumber can replace a tub/shower faucet through the original hole without removing any tile. It will not be easy, but it can be done. The best way would be to remove some tiles from the back and add an access panel for future repairs, etc.