Plastering around termostatic mixer valve and diverter

by **jetblack** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:20 pm

My plumber has just fitted our thermostatic mixer valve and diverter. In order to do this he has had to chase out a section of the wall.

Before i tile over it i assume i'm going to have to fill this hole.

He has lagged the pipes with what looks like some sort of hessian matting.

How should i go about filling this hole. Patching plaster?

Do i need to give the pipes space to 'breathe'?

It's about 6 inches deep in places.

by **kbrownie** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:22 pm

Jetblack,
The pipes will expand and contract due to them heating up and cooling down when hot and cold water flows.
This could cause your plaster to crack if there is no allowances taken for this. I put plastic conduit over them when I install them but they are already fitted so buy some plastic piping that is larger than your pipe work, split it open and clip it over the pipes before you plaster.
KB

by **rosebery** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:34 pm

Is there a cover plate that goes over the valve mechanism? If so just tile such that the edge of the tiles are just under cover plate when fitted. Silicone cover plate to tiles.

Don't try and fill the hole. 1. Hot water will come on, valve will expand with heat, valve will push against filer, tiles will pop off or crack! 2. One day you will need access to the valve.

It doesn't matter that thee is a cavity behind cover plate and tiles.

Cheers