Repipe shower without ripping out tile wall?

Question

Is there a away to take the galvanized piping apart on a shower, just by working at the shower valve and shower head locations? I have a large crawlspace acess where i can get right underneath the shower. maybe sawzall accessible portions and drop them down to crawlspace? then run flexible Pex? Anyone out there thatknows how to do this kinda of non-invasive repipe job?

Answer 1

PEX, CPVC, galvanized, and copper are types of pipe that ARE code acceptable but only in certain areas. I have seen back to back showers that tiled which means you have to rip tile out no mater what. Unless you have a gap that you can stand in between the walls in the crawlspace (never seen it, but anything is possible). I would cut the wall out on the other side of the shower valve (not the tile side). However if you have never tackled this type of project I would recommend CPVC - it's real easy and it only needs to be glued but use brass/cpvc transitions to the existing galvanized pipe and the new shower valve - ask your local hardware guy for concise instructions (if your city allows it). Most homeowners are allowed to perform plumbing in their own house with a few exceptions (out side digs,etc.). Now if you are on a well system with high mineral content - do not use copper - it will wear the copper thin.

Answer 2

It would be hard to make the connections for the valves, shower head, etc.  

But can you get to the OTHER side of the wall where the pipe runs?  It might be in a closet, or in a bedroom, for example.  If you can get to the pipes there, it's easier to repair drywall than it would be tile.  And if you're careful, you can cut the drywall out of that section by cutting on the studs, then nail/s***w it back in and just have to fix the seams where you cut.

Answer 3

i  dont know anything of this but hahahah you answered my question and i forgot to put the url for the picture!! hahaha thanks for remembering it!

Answer 4

Thing is, you might be able to push the old plumbing out of the way in the wall, just move it to the side and put in pex.  Depends on how proper the job was.   If it was done correctly.  Not likely, on the movement(everything will be glued or screwed and clamped.

   Your gonna redo it, plumbing, blocking, backerboard, tiling.   It is not that bad.

Answer 5

If you want to have it done according to city code.

So, you will not have to tear it all out, all over again.

When the home is inspected. Call a "licensed plumber."

Copper is code. Not flex pex.