hansgrohe 1850181, iBox Universal Plus with Service Stops, ¾ Upgrade 4-Inch Required 01850181 Rough, 3/4-Inch

This was a makeover of a previous bath. I was concerned that much of the copper plumbing would need to be redone. I was also concerned that the space in my wall would be insufficient because my home does not have 2x4 studs but rather 2x3 studs. I used copper 1/2 inch sweat to 3/4 inch MPT fittings because my bath pipes are 1/2 inch. Despite the fact that bushings were recommended in the instructions, I decided that this was a better option. Seat unions would have been an even better solution for easy replacement, but I couldn't find any at the local hardware store. The iBox takes up about the same amount of space as my old valve, and all I had to do was replace small sections of copper pipes up to the first 90-degree elbow. I was able to center the iBox perfectly in the existing hole without having to reposition the pipes because it protruded about half way between the min and max markings in front of the bathroom tile. The iBox's face was about an inch smaller than my previous valve's, but the escutcheon trim over the iBox is about 1/8 larger than the hole in the tile, so it's a perfect fit. I used closed cell expandable foam to fill the gap between the green plastic shield and the tile, then used an oscillating tool to trim the foam and protruding green plastic shield flush with the tile surface. I then waterproofed the cut foam with siliconized sanded caulk that matched the grout. The next day, I installed the finished trim and used silicone caulk behind the escutcheon's plastic base to keep water out of the iBox while still allowing water to flow out if the valve leaks. br>br>In order to install the valve, I had to cut a few holes in the room behind the bath wall. Because my wall studs are 2x3, the iBox green plastic shield was about 1/4 inch from the dry wall's external surface, so I couldn't use dry wall to patch the hole behind the iBox. Instead, I covered the valve with a metal drywall access panel door. To avoid interfering with the pipes, I had to trim the part of the metal access panel that goes inside the wall. It took some time and effort, but it was well worth it because it will allow for future maintenance. I spent about 5 hours on the entire project, including installing the trim, but I am not a plumber or a contractor. br>br>I really like how the valve's shield is made of waterproof plastic. It was very useful after I flushed the system. When the flashing cover is removed, the water from the showers returns. Water would get behind the wall if there was no waterproofing around the plastic shield. It'll also come in handy if I need to replace the valves. Tip: Do not flush the system until it has been waterproofed! br>br>I really like the fact that the iBox has stop and check valves. It makes it easier to service the main valves. I'm concerned, however, because it appears that in order to service the stops and check valves, the iBox must be uninstalled because access to the inlet/outlet ports is required. Because the stops on my old valve had failed and I couldn't find replacement parts, I decided to replace it. I'm hoping this will last at least ten years. br>br>I really like the new features this system adds: br>I like the function of the diverter and flow control: My house has extremely high water pressure, and the previous diverter function on the spouts would occasionally spit them out or destroy them, causing the spouts to leak while in use. The spout on the hansgrohe system isn't just a spout; it's threaded into a brass elbow that can handle the flow. br>br>This is a well-thought-out system that is affordable thanks to the MSRP discount.

Matthias Dennis

| Feb 06, 2021

Excellent quality and features in this plumbing box. For those who are concerned about the depth of the story based on other reviews. You should keep in mind that if you want to use this in a standard 2x4" wall cavity, you'll have to put it in the back. Once installed, you'll need to trim the plastic surround to the wall's surface. It fits perfectly that way, with only a small amount of lever handle extension required at the end. If your handle protrudes too far from the wall, you probably installed it incorrectly and centered your supply lines in the wall. br>br>This is now my go-to rough-and-ready outfit. I'm going to use it again because it's still in the box.

Amanda Carpenter

| May 16, 2021

Don't hesitate to purchase. 100% satisfied I upgraded our master shower with this and paired it with their Select E Thermostatic Trim 2 controller. br>br>Hint: if you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, try using the words "innov Make sure your plumber isn't lying when he claims to have installed a Hansgrohe rough in valve before. Or you'll have to pay for him to learn how to do it himself, wasting your installation money. Also, the Hansgrohe website and YouTube videos are very well done, and they were very helpful in showing my professional plumber how to install this so that I could use a rain shower head and a hand held shower separately, or both at the same time.

Zariah Mullen

| Apr 18, 2021

Last month (November), I ordered this item from Amazon. 2018). After the plumber finished installing the iBox, he pointed out that one of the parts listed in the installation guide was missing from the box. The missing part was a sealing gasket that was supposed to be installed between the cement board wall and the shower tile, but when I called Hansgrohe Customer Service to report the missing part, the service rep said he couldn't find it in their parts database. When I told him I was looking at it in their printed installation instructions, he said I'd have to return the entire product, which was impossible because it was already installed in the shower wall. I'm not sure I'll buy any more Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures.

Jaziel Watts

| Dec 07, 2021

I wrote a detailed review highlighting the unit's flaws. Amazon refused it, claiming that I had broken a rule. br>I didn't swear, and I didn't call anyone by their first name. Customer service from Hansgrohe vehemently refuted the information presented here. According to customer service, this product can only handle three outlets and leaks.

Bodie Gill

| Jan 05, 2021

Make sure you inspect the product when you receive it; there should be a brass screw that goes into one of the four holes. In the last four months, I've bought a lot, and nearly half of the boxes are missing the screw. I'm going to have to give them back to you. Of course, if you're taking a shower instead of soaking in the tub. This screw will be found and used. However, if you only use the shower, that missing screw becomes a vital component. br>I frequently discovered missing screws in boxes with a low price, such as less than $80. These low-cost models are almost certainly returns that are being sold as new.

Jayla Alexander

| Apr 16, 2021

I bought the S because I have a rain shower and a handheld shower connected to it via PEX. E thermostatic trim with volume control and diverter, allowing you to use both at the same time (one of the VERY few manufacturers who can do so). I'm looking forward to putting it to good use. Ensure that the two shut-off valves are closed (and that the flat-head screw driver's groove is pointing up or down). Because I wanted the pressure on both shower heads to be good when we started using them, I attached 3/4 PEX hot and cold directly to it.

Marley Flores

| Aug 04, 2021

I recently purchased this for the purpose of remodeling a bathroom. Despite the fact that the unit comes with an instruction booklet, the information contained within it is incomplete. If you're looking for specific measurements of shower heads or spouts in relation to I- Box, you'll have to scour the Hansgrohe European website for that information, which is well hidden. In addition, if you're using PEX-based plumbing, If you're looking for some fittings for this rough-and-ready type, you might have some difficulty. due to a lack of supply at the moment.

Aryan Harrell

| Nov 09, 2021