Concealed valves and limescale

[Dannnydan]

Hi, I'm having a bathroom fitted as part of a refurb. I've bought concealed valves, shower rose, bath filler etc. However, the builder is strongly recommending against using them, saying that, as it's a hard water area, there would be problems and he won't guarantee the work. Is limescale really such a problem that I shouldn't use them (they are front-servicable)? I appreciate that the work is more than the simple exposed valves he had expected (we didn't initially specify anything, as it's a small part of the overall work), so would pay a bit more. But I would appreciate any thoughts on their use - they seem to be all over London, so I assume they can't be that bad! Thanks, Dan

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Simple question to ask yourself is....how are your other taps/valves doing?

Sounds like the builder just doesn't want to do the extra work, could be wrong.

 

[Dannnydan]

I've not had concealed ones before, but I suspect you're right about it just being a reluctance to do the work.

 

[gastec]

Builders know best. Personally i would fit the concealed valve.

 

[Radioman]

Experience and logic says if you are spending a substantial amount of money doing a property refurb and you are going to live in the property and you are in a hard water area such as Greater London, why aren't you installing a water softener? You will save a small fortune on cleaning materials, soap powder, etc etc and never have to worry about lime scale. Average price installed is about £1500 but we often buy refurbished kinetico for £500 and they work just fine.
You can then have any shower valve you like, and your kettle and steam iron will never scale up!

 

[Dannnydan]

Yeah, a water softener might be an idea, although even more money. What does the water taste like? I remember not liking soft Devon water.

 

[Radioman]

Tastes like bottled water.