How to replace wall mixer?

[matteo917]

Hello Team, I’m planning to refresh my bathrooms with new tapware and some other things. I asked a quote to my local plumber and I was told in order to change the wall mixer in the 2 showers and bath I have to brake the wall behind the mixer to access it and replace it. 
Is it that the case? Can’t I just replace the old mixer with a new one? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @matteo917,

Did the plumber come out and inspect the taps?

If so, did they give you an explanation on why they think you would need to open up the wall?

Do you have a replacement tap in mind?

If you needed to alter the pipes, then yes, you would need to open up the wall, but if you were just swapping the tap for a similar style with the same-sized mixer cartridge, then you should be able to simply replace it.

I'd suggest you get a quote from another plumber or two and see what they say. I don't know all the facts of your circumstance, but I can't see why you'd need to open the wall up just to replace the tapware. 

Allow me to tag @AlanM52, @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their thoughts.

Jacob

[matteo917]

Hi Jacob, 

he inspected the mixer yes. Is explanation was that the new mixer cartridge and fitting won’t work with the T pipe inside the wall. It’s hard to believe that to replace a 5 years old wall mixer with an other one I have to make a hole into the wall. The mixer will be a different colour. Our renovation is based on make the space a bit more appealing. There is nothing wrong with plumping or tiles. They just don’t fit our taste. I have pulled the mixer apart put I can’t remove the last bit that connect to the T. I need a bigger tool. Once I have the whole lot with me I can source and alternative that can fit the T pipe inside the wall. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @matteo917,

If the issue is with how the mixer cartridge fits with the tee in the wall, then the answer would be, as you've said, to source an alternative that can fit the pipe.

Please remember that any alterations to the pipe itself will need to be done by a licensed plumber.

Jacob

[matteo917]

Jacob, once again thank you very much for your support. I won’t be touching any of the existing plumb work. Just replacement of mixer, faucet and showers heads. Many thanks 

[Dave-1]

Aftertnoon @matteo917 

Following through the thread it appears yoy have a way forward Tho must admit I would also be thinking you should be able to replace the existing mixer with another, just one that has the same style/dimensions? I Havnt had to attempt this yet So It would be interesting when you have completed the replacement if you could post a pick or two

Dave

[matteo917]

Hello Dave, I have watched couple of YouTube videos. Based in Australia. And what they are recommending is just to make sure that the new mixer fits with the brass T pipe ( this comes with any mixer) that is already inside the wall. Of course my luck, the model of my mixer only comes in chrome and we would like black or brushed nickel lol. Will post some pic of the work in progress. At the moment we are budgeting. Will also let you know the amount of the quote replace 3 toilets, 3 wall mixer. 2 vanities and 2 shower screens 

[AlanM52]

G'day @matteo917,

Some questions:

Do you know someone that is handy enough to at least remove that fitting?

Have you already decided on the new tapware?

With the fitting in hand you could then do the rounds:

If you are getting the new tapware from Bunnings they will of course assist & advise...

If new tapware is from somewhere else visit a few plumbing shops and armed with that info....

For both the above you should be able to determine if the local plumber was giving you the correct info.

You are then all good to do the 3 quote thing.

Thinking ahead... all the above may take a while so if you can find someone to remove that fitting I suggest (before they do that) ask here for a suitable Brass Threaded Hex Plug to close off the wall mixer so you can turn the water back on.

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @matteo917 

Essentially the plumber is correct as typically unless its the same brand and type of tap ware your replacing, the associated plumbing fittings are internal of the wall. It why when you're renovating a bathroom, you need the fixtures in the early stages for the plumber to install during his rough in.

The possible scenario you have discovered in being able to match both the cartridge and mixer ring thread. However from several experiences unfortunately the chances will be very slim as there are several other variables when it comes to fitting the external chrome cover and the mixer handle. 

Then the other issue is not being able to take the required fittings with you to the various plumbing suppliers. so, it becomes potentially a lot of trial and error. But I hope you have success!

Nailbag

[matteo917]

Hi Alan, thank you for your advise. 
I have pulled apart the mixer the only part that I do not taken off is the part that connect with the T pipe inside the wall. Was surrounded by silicon and my wrench was too small for it. 
my plan is to pull the mixer apart, then go hunting for a suitable replacement, install it and if all fits well go head and buy the rest of the mixers, faucet and shower heads to match that. From what I saw at Bunnings the T pipes are pretty much all the same.