Shower valve replacement with single-handle

[HarleyWJones]

Does anyone know of a source for a 4" shower single handle mixing valve without a diverter or spout? I would like to replace the two knob faucet in the motor home shower. The DW is fed up with the cheap 2 handle mixing valve we have now. It is just the type with a spud and vacuum breaker on the bottom. For some reason the valves always seem to turn in the wrong direction from what you would think while adjusting the temp during a shower. An added benefit would be that it could be left at the proper mixing setting for next time.

Alternatively, if I were to use a home single handle valve is there a way to connect the hand-held shower hose to the port normally used for the riser to the fixed showerhead, but not cause a leak through the new hole I would have to make for it?

Any ideas are welcome

[RV Wizard]

Faucets used in RVs are no different (other than sometimes quality) than used in residential. You could use the present fixed riser plumbing and attach a sprayer and hose to the piece extended through the shower surround. Clean area around fixtures and use a silicone caulk to seal.

[Arch Hoagland]

What RV Wizard said X2

I just replaced mine due to the fact the handles would move extremely easy and change the temps. There was no way to tighten the handles.

[Wizard]

Just replaced mine last week with a single handle Delta from Lowes.

If you have a two handle now, you may have to replace with a two handle as the plate on a single handle may not be big enough to cover the two holes.

Measure the opening between to outside edge of the two holes and take these measurments with you to the store. The clerk should let you measure the plate.

Don't know why anyone would build a 100K$ motorhome and put in $1.00 faucets. Although most RV dealers charge more than a $1 for a new one.

[hoppers4]

I installed a Moen L82691 pressure balanced shower valve ($85). It took a bit of horsing around to get it installed, but it came out very nice. I fed the output of the valve through a swivel elbow K173C1 (to get through the wall) and then ran a shower hose over to the shower head.
You're going to have be a bit on the handy side to do this project. I had to secure the valve with wooden pieces behind the wall. I also to had to modify the shower surround to accommodate the cover plate.
The pressure balanced valve is safer/better solution than a non-compensating valve in that somebody can flush the toilet or turn on a faucet somewhere without scalding or freezing the person in the shower.

[John Hilley]

I was looking at doing the same thing. My wife just bought another motor home with a single knob valve so i don't have to now. What I was going o do was put a single know valve in series with the two valve mixer. You could then leave both of the existing valves open and use the existing plumbing. I couldn't install the single knob in the same area because of how the stall was made. There are special cover plates if the new valve doesn't cover up where the 4" dual valve was. Most of the manufacturers have them.

Remodeling Cover Plate

[HarleyWJones]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppers4 I installed a Moen L82691 pressure balanced shower valve ($85). It took a bit of horsing around to get it installed, but it came out very nice. I fed the output of the valve through a swivel elbow K173C1 (to get through the wall) and then ran a shower hose over to the shower head. You're going to have be a bit on the handy side to do this project. I had to secure the valve with wooden pieces behind the wall. I also to had to modify the shower surround to accommodate the cover plate. The pressure balanced valve is safer/better solution than a non-compensating valve in that somebody can flush the toilet or turn on a faucet somewhere without scalding or freezing the person in the shower.

Thanks earlier posters. The problem is that I dont have the vertical riser to a showerhead, only the shower-side valve-mounted spud and vacuum breaker for the hose. I can't gain access to the upper part of the shower surround to install a new riser.

Great News!

Hoppers4, You hit the nail on the head! The swivel elbow you used is exactly the piece that I didn't know existed. It looks like it will solve getting the water from the top of the valve body, through the shower wall, and connect to the hand-held hose. I assume with normal plumber's putty or silicone the hole can be made water-tight.

This is just another example of the wealth of knowledge and the willingness to share it that is so common with RVers in general, and in particular, the members of this forum. It makes me want to go out of my way to help others when I can.

For anyone who might be contemplating this upgrade, here is a photo of the part that makes it possible: (along of course with the right shower valve)

[HarleyWJones]

Thanks, John Hilley. That cover plate just makes this job get eaiser and eaiser.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyWJones Does anyone know of a source for a 4" shower single handle mixing valve without a diverter or spout? I would like to replace the two knob faucet in the motor home shower. The DW is fed up with the cheap 2 handle mixing valve we have now. It is just the type with a spud and vacuum breaker on the bottom. For some reason the valves always seem to turn in the wrong direction from what you would think while adjusting the temp during a shower. An added benefit would be that it could be left at the proper mixing setting for next time. Alternatively, if I were to use a home single handle valve is there a way to connect the hand-held shower hose to the port normally used for the riser to the fixed showerhead, but not cause a leak through the new hole I would have to make for it? Any ideas are welcome

Years ago (2004?) RV.NET had a series on changing out the single handle controls. I believe they covered the 1996 and up valves.

[hoppers4]

Harley, my thru-wall connection is located in a spot that doesn't get much water. I wasn't concerned about making it water tight. However i did have to seal around the handle cover plate using silicon caulking. I've been using this setup for a couple of years now and am completely satisfied with it.
Another thing I changed was the shower head. I picked up an $11 low flow/high velocity head at Home Depot. I can take a great shower no matter how low the pressure or flow. I tried the Oxygenics shower head but returned to the Home Depot head because I liked it better.
Just be aware that adapting the shower head to the hose and the hanger will take a bit of creative thinking.

[richardcoxid]

I replaced the Kitchen, bathroom sink and the shower fawcets with Moen single handle units. You will only have to change the 1/2 inch pipe to 1/2 inch plastic (Pex?) adapters. I found it best to stay away from Home Depot, Lowes etc and go to your local plumbing supply shop. The will be very versed in how/what to change/adapt to your plastic Rv fittings. Plus you won't have to purchase a complete fawcit kit, only the parts needed.

richard

[algotto]

hello i have a fleetwood 204 discovery and i have a shower leak from the cold water nob and some water is leaking behind the wall i looked under the shower and its not bad but bad enough does any one know how to remove the hot and cold water facut i have never seen such shody work on something that caust so mutch.i use to be a air craft mec and had to sign off all my work and if did work on a plane like i have seen on my motor home i would be in jail.but i could use some help on this.thank you for this great web site its a great help.buddy.

[busyguy]

I would like to change my 2 knob shower setup to a 1 handle single mixer valve and was wondering how much space I need to have behind the shower wall to accomidate the mixer valve. Also what kind of bracing will I need for the valve to rest on or attach to.
Thanks
Busyguy

[John Hilley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by busyguy I would like to change my 2 knob shower setup to a 1 handle single mixer valve and was wondering how much space I need to have behind the shower wall to accomidate the mixer valve. Also what kind of bracing will I need for the valve to rest on or attach to. Thanks Busyguy

Shouldn't be any depth problem. What coach do you have?