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I Have Been asked to bid on a tile and water control replacement in a tub/shower.
The reason for this post is that I think that there may be a mortar bed behind the tile there seems to be about 3/4″ {tile to wall} difference to dry wall. The ? is how or better what should I make the mortar bed from or out of. I’d like to put it back the same without removing all the tile and adding wonder board and starting all over. Any and all suggestions are welcome
I’ve laid enough tile to know better but have never encountered this before
TIA Barry
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What IS the actual job?
Are you just upgrading the shower/tub valve/manifold? Changing it from two or three handle to single? Wondering how to patch the holes left after the upgrade? Replacing all the in-wall plumbing?
Is the job a complete retile, change of color, tile size or what? Is there access to the plumbing from behind so you can avoid messing with the tile? Huh?
*Sorry for not makeing myself clear 1st. remove and replace water control 3 handle to a one handle operation I/ no access from rear and move up shower head to top of tile which is about 9"Iand replace tile that has or will be removed.
*How about adding an accent color stripe or design where the extra holes will be? You would'nt have to start from scratch and replace all the tile, and you would'nt have to try and match (color) the existing?
*OK Barry,You can do this like a plumber might do it, or, you can do it like a remodeler might do it.Plumber - Bash out enough tile and wall to remove the old manifold and have access to connect the new valve. Use a large stainless, chromed or plastic coverplate to hide hole after installation.Bash out enough drywall at the new showerhead location to affix a new drop ear and add extension to shower riser. Tell you after the fact that he doesn't do drywall repairs.Remodeler - First see if the wall backing the shower has an access panel. If not, create one. If customer prefers no access panel, remove drywall, modify plumbing and change valve. Replace rock and refinsih the wall.To install a single handle will require a larger hole, centered where the old 3-handle was. Depending upon the valve, that hole could be as much as 5 inches in diameter. The other two holes, however, will still be visible and must be patched. If you can find a tile match, chip out the old (carefully) and set the replacements. If you can't find a match, especially hard on older installations, suggest decorative tiles. Carefully chip out as before. All this should have been researched and discussed with the customer before acceting the job.Patch and refinish wall at the old showerhead hole.If the back of the shower wall CANNOT be opened (bummer) then you bash like a plumber, use the repair plate, have matching tile for the repair or design something that looks good with accent an new field tiles.If you have a mortar bed installation - pack a lunch!The old manifold is more than likely partially embedded in the mortar and the old connections may be a bear to dislodge. You didn't say what material was used for the house plumbing. Do you know? Makes a difference when you start taking things apart and then have to put it together again. Especially galvanized.You can go the mortar bed replacement route, if you want. Find a place to tack up some expanded metal lath in your big repair hole and mix up some mud. You can also put in some blocking, cut a piece of cement board to fit and presto - ready for tile.Are we having fun yet?
*OK Here is were we are today went out and took another look 1. it has a mortar bed 2. old manifold comes out and single unit is to be moved up 8 to 9 inches.3. copper is used under kitchen sink hope and PRAY in shower/tub also4 haven't found matching tile as of yet old 4" with tiny blue specks 5. have owner looking at decor. tile to fill in 6. no luck on begging out of this either I've remod'ed there old house and guess who gets to do this Thanks for the advise guys I'll post updates and try to take pictures if someone can point me in the direction to posting them when time comes
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I Have Been asked to bid on a tile and water control replacement in a tub/shower.
The reason for this post is that I think that there may be a mortar bed behind the tile there seems to be about 3/4" {tile to wall} difference to dry wall. The ? is how or better what should I make the mortar bed from or out of. I'd like to put it back the same without removing all the tile and adding wonder board and starting all over. Any and all suggestions are welcome
I've laid enough tile to know better but have never encountered this before
TIA Barry