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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi, Ed. Love your columns! The cold water faucet on my two-handle bath and shower faucet is leaking, and I'm going to fix it. There is an access panel behind the faucet wall, but it does not have shut-off valves for the tub and shower valves. I figured since I would have the house water shut off anyway, I'll add some shut-off valves to the pipes that lead to the tub and shower valve. When I mentioned this to my brother-in-law, he said not to do it because he said that plumbers never add shut off valves to tub and shower valves. Is this true? Richard (Virginia)
A: Hi, Richard. I know your brother-in-law is trying to help, and I'm sure he is a good guy, but he is not giving you the full story. In his defense, the question is a little complicated. Your letter actually has three issues that we need to address. The three issues involve local codes, access panels and tub and shower stop valves. So please stay with me, and we will get to the bottom of this.
Let's take these issues one at a time: First, a two-handle tub and shower mixing valve may not meet codes in many areas, because an older two-handle valve may not have scald protection or a balancing piston to protect the user in the event of low cold-water pressure. You know the old saying "Don't flush the toilet while I'm in the shower!"
With that in mind, since you have an access panel (our number two issue), you may be best off to bring your tub and shower up to code by completely removing your old valve and installing a new one-handle tub and shower mixing valve with built-in scald protection. An access panel is a great feature to have since it will allow you to get behind the wall to change the valve, and it usually will give you access to the shut-off valves for the shower.
And yes, usually if there is an access panel, there should be isolation stop valves as well. That's our third topic. Most codes now require stop valves at every fixture in the house. The valves can be located in the basement just below the fixture, if you're dealing with a first-floor fixture. A second-floor tub and shower may use wall access panels to house the stop valves. Newer one-handle mixing valves actually have built-in stops on the mixing valve itself. These internal stops can be closed with a screwdriver once you remove the valve cover plate on the shower wall and locate them.
Tub and shower mixing valves with internal stops have no need for second in-line shut-off valves, and this is what may be confusing your brother-in-law. Bottom line is always to follow your local codes when it comes to repairing, installing or replacing a tub and shower valve. If you're not sure of any aspect of the job, a licensed plumber will be glad to assist you and pull any permits needed.
Finally, tell your brother-in-law that you appreciated his help, but in this case the shower valve advice he gave you was all washed up!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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