Bathrooms in the older island homes often contain tile and fittings that simply cannot be replaced, which makes how a repair is done as important as whether it works.
You may not need to open the tile
Many valve repairs are reached through the existing trim plate, or through a small opening in the wall of the room behind — frequently a closet. Before agreeing to a quote that involves removing period tile, it is entirely reasonable to ask whether the valve can be reached from behind. The answer here is very often yes.
Period fittings are worth keeping
Hex floor tile, original glazes and older tapware chosen to suit the house are effectively irreplaceable. Rebuild kits and replacement stems exist for a great deal of it, and we would far rather restore something that belongs in the room.
Outdoor showers and salt
Almost every house here has one, and they take sun, salt and sand all summer then sit unused all winter. Valves seize and heads block. Draining the line before a freeze prevents the most common burst we see on the island.
Stains on the ceiling below
The pan, the drain connection, or grout letting water past. Three different repairs, and in a historic house knowing which before opening anything is the difference between a small job and losing a bathroom.