We have a leaking bathtub faucet and have discovered that the parts are no longer available. That means replacing the "guts" by removing the tub surround and cutting a hole in the wall. Well, since we will have to replace the tub surround it seems like a great time to replace the '70's avocado green tub as well. We have been told however that the tub that is there is undersize, most likely designed for a mobile home. It is less than 5' and only 29" wide. How do I locate a source for them in order to replace it? I've done endless web searches but no success. Thanks

-- Joyce Dingman (FriendsPatterns@juno.com), September 22, 2001

Answers

I don't know what part of the country you are in, but if you are in the upper midwest try Menards. I bought a 4 1/2 foot tub there some time ago. Also possibly if you contact a mobile home maker they could tell you who supplies them. It is worth a try . Another possibilty would be your plumber. In my area we have a plumbing supply store with many things on display. They may not have what you want but probably could order it for you. Hope this helps.

Talk to you later

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), September 22, 2001.

www.todayshomeowner.com has an article about remodeling small baths and where to find replacement fixtures. According to them, you should be able to order what you need through any of the larger home improvement stores.

Good luck with your project!

-- Jane (jwagman@mail.com), September 22, 2001.

I found a website that has a 4 1/2 tub on it. I went to google and searched bathtubs. The site is :http://www.us.amstd.com/scripts/consumer/products/product.asp? prodID=236

It is made by American Standard. They are available nationwide, so you should be able to get one through on of their distributors, or your plumber. Anyone who deals with American Standard products should be able to get it for you. Check American Standards website, they may have a list of distributors in your area. www.us.amstd.com

Talk to you later.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), September 22, 2001.

I guess my websearch was too specific as I had been keying in variations of "mobile home bathroom fixtures". Never thought of just searching for "bathtubs" :-) Thanks!

-- Joyce Dingman (FriendsPatterns@juno.com), September 22, 2001.

Before you take one supplier's word that your "guts" are no longer available, try some old plumbing supply houses. We have one here in Fort Wayne (North Side Plumbing) that has never failed to help me. It is staffed by retired plumbers who might well have installed a thousand of just what you have when they were new and know what they're doing. They have parts no one has. They know what will retrofit to what you need. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), September 22, 2001.

I located a used mobile home tub(for a dog tub) at a salvege outfil who destroys old mobile homes and sells the usable items from them. These types of tubs are expensive when purchased new but quite reasonable if used. good sluck. :)

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), September 23, 2001.

PS Sorry for the bad spelling, I shouldn't try and watch the PBR on TV and type at the same time!!! LOL

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), September 23, 2001.

Lowe's carries them if you have one in your area.

-- Stacia n OK (OneClassyCowgirl@aol.com), September 23, 2001.

Gary, Ok, we're game, especially since we are only 3 hours from Ft. Wayne ;-), but how do we know what brand of faucet it was? It it probably 25 years old (and we've only been here 2 years) so how can we tell what we even have? Joyce

-- Joyce Dingman (FriendsPatterns@juno.com), September 23, 2001.