Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 27, 1999 04:51am | #1

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   The interiors of the blocks are sealed and at a slight vacuum. I don't think you want to drill into them, and doing so would introduce moisture and fogging.

   Have you seen it done this way?

2. 
   calexa | Aug 27, 1999 08:30am | #2

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   I've never actually seen it done this way. All the pictures that show glass block shower stalls conviently don't show the plumbing.

   I would really like to have this shower stall, however no one seems to know how to plumb it.

3. 
   Guest_ | Aug 27, 1999 09:46am | #3

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   Matt, you are out of line, go stand in the corner. When people want to build something distinctive, they should consider the cost, yes, but go as far as they can afford to getting what they want.

   Now, where was I? Oh yeah...you have two choices, as I see it. One, you could run the plumbing just outside the blocks. Two, you could run the plumbing inside the vertical joints. (Like, duh)

   Outside the blocks, you could run chromed--or other finish--lines. Might look nice and you can place the lines anywhere you want.

   Inside the joints, you are limited to running the lines in the vert. joints. Also, this requires a pipe that can fit into a space of 3/8". Or, you could fit the pipes into a corner joint--slightly wider to accommodate--and run them to the surface mounted hardware. A good plumber should know of a source for the small pipe needed.

   One of my ideas is exactly what you have described. I have figured out that I can even fit the mixing valve manifold to run through the joints of the block. This is one of my more outlandish design ideas--the wife won't go for it and I have not yet met the customer you will "sponser" me in this--so I know there are materials available to help you do this. I just can't point you to a source.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 27, 1999 09:59am | #4

   *Rich:Does that make you happy?

4. 
   Tedfrd | Aug 28, 1999 02:28am | #5

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   Rich, I'm planning a glass block shower enclosure in my master bathroom to start sometime next year (according to the better half). I was going to run a vertical framed / tiled break between courses of glass block of the same width as the block, but your idea is interesting too. Further thoughts for the both of us?
   The shower wall will enclose the end of the MB to create an area 5' deep by 8' long with a glass door at one end. I figured the framed tiled areas could also be used to balance the look and support the door frame (BASCO or equiv).
   Thanks

5. 
   Guest_ | Aug 28, 1999 05:26am | #6

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   Matt, I am truly sorry if I insulted you. I really apologize if this is the case.

   Tedfrd, the idea of a tiled narrow wall is a good one. This would add further visual interest to the enclosure, as well as providing that place to hide those pipes. You know, if you are planning on a 40 s.f. shower have you thought about lighting? Some halogen spots washing the block would look pretty cool. So would light rods in the vert. joints of the block.

6. 
   PRP | Sep 02, 1999 05:48am | #7

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   I think the reason you don't see many "images" of the plumbing wall in a glass block shower is because most of the time the wall carrying the piping isn't glass block but rather a complimentary tile. I have this in my own shower. Think about it. Most of the time, like in small baths, the wall that acts as the plumbing chase is a partition wall separating rooms - and, glass block being somewhat transparent isn't desirable then. I could see where you would want to do this, for reasons of "effects" but you need to weigh the alternatives. Just a thought, remembering whats under my moniker...

7. 
   Guest_ | Sep 03, 1999 02:34am | #8

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   PRP, the expression is KISS -- two esses.

   I'm been thinking about this some more -- sorry I was so discouraging, not very imaginative of me -- what about creating a a vertical chase through the block wall, putting the plumbing there, and enclosing it with thick textured tempered glass to match the block?

8. 
   PRP | Sep 03, 1999 07:50am | #9

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   here ya go.

9. 
   Guest_ | Sep 04, 1999 06:33am | #10

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   Come on St. Andrew, how about getting your imagination out of timid - like a pair of solid brass pipes coming up from the floor with an imaginitively sculpted gargoyle hiding the mixing valve (twist an ear or a horn for hot and cold), or maybe have the mixing valves on the floor and adjust them with your toes. Or maybe run the piping through the ceiling and drop down to a high-tech touch panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and start your morning cappucino in the kitchen...could have a built in plasma panel to watch Good Morning America or whatever... If that is too high tech, you could still have the drop from the ceiling (it would be a little easier to make water tight than going through the floor) and control it like the "clapper" or have the remote electronic controls attached to the glass block with only the small wires going in the joints. Or have a perforated panel in the ceiling for an in-house rainstorm - or have jets in the ceiling and floor, sort of like a full body bidet... Just as long as cost and feasibility of repair isn't an issue... (Actually, I kind of like the idea of exposed brass pipe and valves...have seen similar in some old college gyms, but the galvanized pipe didn't quite have the ideal esthetic qualities...)

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 04, 1999 07:38am | #11

   *Gee, doesn't this sound like someone who is used to spending OTHER people's money? :) I do like the idea of dropping from the ceiling.I keep forgetting to mention, don't forget that the hot water pipe can pose a serious burn hazard if it is left exposed and hot enough.

10. 
    Tedfrd | Sep 04, 1999 09:17am | #12

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    Whew! What happened to KISS?

11. 
    Guest_ | Sep 04, 1999 05:29pm | #13

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    To make a more impresive shower we will use the kicc method . Keep Increasing Costly Construction

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 04, 1999 11:26pm | #14

   *Sheesh Andrew, you would have to throw cold water on my hot (water) ideas. But, I guess if you cranked your water heater up to "boil" and then backed into the hot water pipe, you might leave a few grill marks. I guess that is why some of the more recently constructed gyms have their pipes in large stainless steel cylindericals when they are placed in the center of the shower area. How about a large totem pole in the middle of the shower with the thunderbird spraying the water out of its beak?Actually, glass block showers seem to be vogue in the upscale houses around here. Most of them do use only two glass brick walls with the other walls being tile - and not necessarily something that appears to match the style of the glass blocks. One I saw was a pentagone shape with four glass block walls and with the back wall with the two shower heads being the dividing wall between the bathroom and whatever. Interesting, but not very space efficient - I think that bathroom was probably bigger than my living room..., but then space efficiency is not exactly what selling $900,000 homes is all about...

12. 
    calexa | Sep 11, 1999 09:23pm | #15

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    Thanks to everyone for your great ideas.

    Looks like we'll have only one glass block wall, with the other two being regular partition walls to hide all the plumbing.

    Sorry I haven't gotten back to everyone sooner, however had a problem with my computer and couldn't get back online.

    Thanks again, know where I'll come next time I have a problem.

13. 
    Guest_ | Sep 12, 1999 07:19am | #16

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    post a picture! Incidentally, the brochure for Weck glass blocks has a nice shower stall illustrated. Note the attractive end blocks:

14. 
    calexa | Sep 12, 1999 07:20am | #17

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    I want to build a shower stall using glass blocks for the walls. How do I run the plumbing inside the glass blocks?