Concealed or Wall-mounted 2-way diverter

[Possom]

If you search on eBay or Amazon for a "2 way thermostatic diverter" there are many makes/models available.

When the valve is positioned behind the wall and the trim on the wall, I believe this is known as "concealed". This appears to be the norm for most 2-way diverters.

I read the following comment in an old thread: "Most people are wary of installing recessed showers - or they are once they have one that has gone wrong! Fit surface mounted controls. It's much better in the long run."

Was wondering what opinions are in relation to this? In any case, I haven't seen any surface mounted 2-way diverters for sale.

I should add that the wall is a stud wall. A concealed valve would be easy to install as the plasterboard will be off the wall, as the plasterboard is to be replaced.

My concern would be primarily if the valve develops an issue (I don't know how likely that is), how straightforward is it for a plumber to access the concealed valve to repair/replace it?

Access from the other side would be possible if someone were to cut a hole in the plasterboard on the wall of the landing. This wall is emulsioned (not wallpapered), so would be fairly easy to repair and tidy afterwards.

Thanks.

 

[polesapart]

It's usually possible to service concealed shower valves e.g. replace a faulty cartridge from the front without disturbing tiles IF the make and model are known and the manufacturer is mainstream and supplies spares.

Put an ebay or Victoria Plumb cheapie in and replacement is likely to be the only option if a fault develops (s%ds law says it will); then yes, cutting a panel in plasterboard is often preferable to hacking off tiles.

 

[flameport]

Access from the other side would be possible if someone were to cut a hole in the plasterboard on the wall of the landing.

By far the easiest option, and in the unlikely event that is required, the hole could be cut, valve replaced/repaired and the wall fixed and painted within a day. Perhaps 2 days to be generous.

Holes in plasterboard walls are normally quick, easy and cheap to repair.

 

[rich 556]

Either way by a good one, like mira that you can get parts for.. Mine is a mira that they have just stopped repair kits for .Its possibly 40 plus years old i have spare service kits for ours while they still had stock . Should last another 10 +yrs more .They were bomb proof back in the 70s .

 

[Agile]

I find thermostatic showers to be pretty unreliable and often fail within five years.

Cutting access holes in plasterboard or removing tiles is a long job if reinstatement is included.

Comment above suggests a "two day job to be generous" but at a typical plumber's rate of £200-£300 a day then not a cheap repair at all.

That is why I would never recommend a concealed unit unless the rear can be easily accessed from within a cupboard.

There are certainly some surface mounted units available and the rather cheap "bar" type is a good example.

Another rather retro surface type with a rotating china lever is possibly called "Rochester" or a similar name.

Tony