Asked on Dec 08, 2014
Can shower stall plumbing be INSIDE the shower instead of through wall
by
Cindy
+4
We have an old cement block shower stall in the basement. Is it possible to re-plumb this and put the plumbing inside the shower instead of thru the cement block wall? It always leaks between the faucet and the outside wall and runs down inside the block wall. We have had it "fixed" (using that term very loosely) several times and have been told it leaks because of the number of connectors that are needed to reach thru the cement block. Since the tile needs re-grouted/replaced anyway, and there is about a 6" gap between top of block wall and ceiling, could plumbing be put inside the shower? Only been trying to fix this darn thing for 10 years! Thanks.
The shower knobs themselves don't leak into the shower, they leak behind the tile and in the cement block. Aren't they ugly??
This is the plumbing on the outside of the shower wall. There is a 6" gap at top of cement wall.
6 answers
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I'm remodeling a strawbale home we live in...This is another idea for how to plumb the shower inside the wall. It looks a little funky but I like it amazingly well. It's really hard to get a good photo inside this cave like small shower. I am designing it to simulate a "garden tub".
Janice Goff
on Dec 08, 2014
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Something like this would work, but it's expensive. http://www.decorsuite.com/Wall_Mount_Goose_Neck_Clawfoot_Tub_Filler_riser_p/cck6171.htm Dad built a lot of concrete block houses and would install outside showers (Florida). He actually put the faucet inside the block wall. These handles are also missing their escutcheons too.
Adrianne C
on Dec 09, 2014
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It's leaking because one of two things. Either it's galvanized or it wasn't done right. It doesn't matter the number of connectors. Get a reputable plumber and see if they can replumb it using ProPress. They are guaranteed not to leak.
Jaxon
on Jan 06, 2015
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Sounds like the plumber was lazy! You can buy a nipple in a number of different lengths so that you only have one connection or have a pipe threaded in a custom length. Running supply lines inside the shower would not give much in the way of aesthetics--better to fix the installation correctly by re-plumbing through the wall with the correct length of pipe.
Michelle Napier
on Mar 20, 2015
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I agree about the pipe nipples. Get the appropriate size to go through the wall. Put Teflon tape on all your male thread connections. Use a pipe flange inside the shower to cover up the ugly cut around the faucet handles. Good Luck. Your set-up looks like what is used for a stand alone shower.
Jo Barnier
on Jan 02, 2016
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It could be leaking because the threads on one of the 90's is damaged. Try replacing the top 90 on the outside with the correct length nipple, using teflon tape or pipe joint compound and that should correct the problem. You could also lengthen the control valves with longer nipples also.This is definitely a do it yourself project, if you have a couple of pipe wrenches.
R Walter
on Jan 19, 2016
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