Fixed the touchy temp control on the shower

nodine · 01-18-2010, 05:33 AM

We have always been annoyed by the difficulty in adjusting the shower to a comfortable temperature. I replaced the original control knob with a long handle but that did not help much. Saturday I tackled the task of replacing the OEM valve with a Moen. What a difference! After finishing the job I took my shower in the motorhome just to test it. It was well worth the time and expense.

Here is a photo of the new Moen installed:

All of my installation photos with text can be found here:
Moen shower control install in 2006 Diplomat - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery

We purchased the new Moen at Lowe's. Make sure you get one for both the shower and the tub. I first purchased one for the shower only and had to take it back and exchange it for one that included the tub. The motorhome used the downpipe output for the tub to feed the shower. The top output for the conventional shower is plugged. There is a photo of the unit we purchased in the photo section and the part number is visible.

I had to cut about 1/2 inch off the length of the downpipe because the Moen was slightly different. I was able to take the pipe section down to Home Depot and get the cut end re-threaded.

Bob

The Danes Are Coming · 01-18-2010, 07:14 AM

Hi Bob

This isn't by any change a fosset with a thermostat, and if it isn't, how come you didn't chose one like that? I know that the thermostatic fossets require a certain amount of pressure to work, but I can't recall being on any site where there wasn't enough pressure. In any event, our "on board" waterpump could easily be replaced with a pump that would do the job.

We would absolutely love to change ours because we use more water trying to get the right temperature that we use for showering.

Unfortunately there are no access hatch to the back of our shower fosset. The day we want to change the fosset we will need to take off permanent panelling (that these days are not easy to come by) including a mirror that is not readily detachable. When at Monaco's in Oregon the tech boy's did not have any simple solution other than to take things to pieces and rebuild.

nodine · 01-18-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Danes Are Coming

Hi Bob

This isn't by any change a fosset with a thermostat, and if it isn't, how come you didn't chose one like that? I know that the thermostatic fossets require a certain amount of pressure to work, but I can't recall being on any site where there wasn't enough pressure. In any event, our "on board" waterpump could easily be replaced with a pump that would do the job.

We would absolutely love to change ours because we use more water trying to get the right temperature that we use for showering.

Unfortunately there are no access hatch to the back of our shower fosset. The day we want to change the fosset we will need to take off permanent panelling (that these days are not easy to come by) including a mirror that is not readily detachable. When at Monaco's in Oregon the tech boy's did not have any simple solution other than to take things to pieces and rebuild.

No thermostat. Just a much better valve that requires more movement to change the hot/cold mixture. Sorry about no access. Are you sure there is not an access hole behind the mirror? I have heard there usually is.

Bob

The Danes Are Coming · 01-18-2010, 12:43 PM

Hi Bob

Maybe there is an access behind the mirror but not even Monaco is aware if this is the case.

I could smash the mirror and find out, but who needs 7 years bad luck when we just got over the past 7 bad years

Anyway - if an hatch access is not readily available without some major changes been made, we are not sure that we are ready for this at the moment.

Thanks Bob!!!

Dr4Film · 01-18-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

Sorry about no access. Are you sure there is not an access hole behind the mirror? I have heard there usually is. Bob

To access my shower faucet, I would have to remove part of the outside wall of the coach, or remove the shower itself. NOT !! The faucet is tucked into a corner. Refer to the photo of my PBT floor plan. There is no access at all being on an outside wall. My faucet is a Delta, single lever so maybe once the large cover is removed, possibly there maybe enough room for replacement. And surely, to replace the washer's or o-ring's and rebuild the unit is all done through the front of the faucet, I presume.

However, luckily this is not presently on my "honey do" list.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

The Danes Are Coming · 01-18-2010, 01:32 PM

Richard!!

Our layout - PAQ - looks very much like yours, only we have the kitchen where you have the wash hand basins.

I think that we are "snookered" as they say in England. We just have to live with our faucets the way the are - unfortunately.

DennisZ · 01-18-2010, 03:07 PM

I would look in one of the outside access panels or storage compartments to see if the access is from that area, there has to be a way to get to the fittings in case they leaked during test or afterward.

Dennis

Dr4Film · 01-18-2010, 03:22 PM

Hi Dennis,

Good thought but not a practical one I believe. Access from below would be rather difficult.

In reviewing your specific floor-plan, 2008 HR Endeavor PDQ, do you have an access panel in your bedroom to get to your shower faucet behind the wall or would you end up removing the entire wall?

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

DennisZ · 01-18-2010, 03:55 PM

Richard

I do have a panel in the bedroom to get to the back side of the shower. I think this is a mod I will be doing.

Dennis

Rex · 01-18-2010, 05:59 PM

Bob, great job and I sure appreciate the pictures and write-up. Only question is when can I schedule an appointment with you to have the work done LOL? Sure good of you to share all your mods and ideas. Keep them coming.

nutensteve · 01-18-2010, 08:22 PM

Looks great Bob. Did you add a shut off valve where the shower head is attached? If so that is a great idea. I have to make sure that Nita doesn't see all of these great mods shown on here....I would be busy for months!! Actually I would go broke paying for them all.

Airshow · 01-18-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutensteve

Looks great Bob. Did you add a shut off valve where the shower head is attached? If so that is a great idea. I have to make sure that Nita doesn't see all of these great mods shown on here....I would be busy for months!! Actually I would go broke paying for them all.

Shut off valve where the shower head is attached? Where would I find that. Sounds like a great idea.

2004 Holiday Rambler

nodine · 01-19-2010, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex

Bob, great job and I sure appreciate the pictures and write-up. Only question is when can I schedule an appointment with you to have the work done LOL? Sure good of you to share all your mods and ideas. Keep them coming.

Rex,

We will be spending a week at Gulf Shores (not the State Park because it was full) at the end of March. Maybe then. We have a daughter near Birmingham who we will visit on the way down.

Bob

nodine · 01-19-2010, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutensteve

Looks great Bob. Did you add a shut off valve where the shower head is attached? If so that is a great idea. I have to make sure that Nita doesn't see all of these great mods shown on here....I would be busy for months!! Actually I would go broke paying for them all.

Yes, I added the shut off valve for taking Navy showers and it is visible in the photo above where the shower hose connects to the L fitting.

Bob