Shower Advice in older house

[Tomzas]

Customer has sent these pics regarding concealed shower. Apparently one of the knobs has broken and unable to operate shower valve. Has tried contacting company for replacement knob but told no longer available as old model. Wants to know practicality of replacing with new or blanking off and concealing old pipework. Judging from photo it looks like wall could be brick/breeze so expecting possibility of pipework chased up the wall however customer wants minimal removal of tiles already on shower wall. Just want some pointers of best way forward which would be appreciated. Cheers

 

[Tomzas]

Update - the wall is not solid apparently the pic is just showing grout which has been shoved in !!!!! Any takers on advice please ;-)

 

[Harvest Fields]

Can you not access from the rear?

 

[Tomzas]

Thanks Harvest that was mentioned but its a no go as they have just decorated in the room behind. My thoughts are to remove minimum tiles to allow access from front so that old shower body can be removed and new one fitted then affix new tiles either as a close match or create a different style. Its either that or remove old pipework and tile up all holes and they can then just keep using the shower mixer taps that they are currently using. I was just wondering if the forum may have some pointers as best way forward. Many thanks....

 

[Harvest Fields]

If the wall is not solid mate. Can you cut in between the grout with an oscillator then scrape the plasterboard from the back of the tiles to use the old ones.

 

[Tomzas]

Good idea even if delicate to avoid breakage. May be a pain to affix new board to the cut out area as working to size of tiles rather than stud-work ? Thinking of strong adhesive to attach timber behind existing board and tiles?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Maybe. Was just trying to think outside the box

 

[Tomzas]

Hi Harvest yeah much appreciated and good advice in cutting out complete tiles plus board as I didn't think of that one. Will see which option they prefer and within budget lol many thanks again