Curse those cheap bathtub faucets

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nestsman
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 6:06 pm

I have been working on remodeling my home the last few summers and just recently moved into it full time. One of the things I did 2 summers ago was add a new bathtub faucet, which I purchased from Lowe's Home Improvement. The faucet only started to be used at the end of May, 2017 when I moved in full time.

Now the cold side knob is already having an issue. I have always been very careful with how I have treated the knows, seeing that the quality didn't look very good. Now the know has a hard time turning off completely. Seriously, after only 2 months of use!

Can these valves be replaced or adjusted from the tub side? Or do I have to tear out the drywall again, after I just finished mudding, texturing and painting it? Ugh!

If I do have to tear into it again, can someone recommend a quality faucet that will last longer than 2 months?

Thanks!
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Greg
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Posts: 5696
Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:01 pm
Location: Weedsport, NY

I would contact Lowes and see what they can do. You should also make some type of access panel to get to the back side of the faucet, You could get creative and make a screw down panel hidden behind a picture.

Greg
"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
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Greg
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Posts: 5696
Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:01 pm
Location: Weedsport, NY

"If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either."
Mark440
Posts: 279
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:33 am
Location: Anna, Tx

I had to replace one of my tubs with the Lowe's piece...and if I remember from the packaging, the 'warranty' was good only while still in the unopened original packaging. :D They are far worse than cheap.
The one I replaced has held up so far...but when it does fail (there's no "if" about it) I will install a real tub fixture....and will gain some delight in placing the cheap Lowe's unit behind one of my tires - and then hit reverse. :lol:
Opportunity has a shelf life.
nestsman
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 6:06 pm

Mark440, I would have bought a real tub fixture, but was under the impression I had to get one of these that are made for mobile homes, due to the spacing of the 3 pipes.

Let me know if you find a quality fixture that isn't made for mobile homes that would work.

Thanks!
Mark440
Posts: 279
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:33 am
Location: Anna, Tx

I don't think it is the spacing of the pipes so much as it is the holes cut in the plastic for the cheap MH faucets. Usually, hot and cold supply come from below into the controls (knobs)....then a single pipe up to the shower head. Of course, all of this is assuming you even have access from the other side of the wall.....

Mine had hard elbows (brass if I remember) coming from below (hot/cold supply) going into the main body.

Coming up with something to cover the OEM holes is the biggest problem as even a slight leak can spell disaster underneath.....
Opportunity has a shelf life.
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