The shower head height was set to 71 inches above the tub deck. Options for a New Shower Valve. If you plan to use the same tub spout again, wrap it with a thick cloth and carefully unscrew it using adjustable pliers. Assemble as much of the valve body assembly as possible outside of the access panel to allow for ease of work. PEX can bend. The shower valve controls the flow and temperature of the water that goes through the showerhead. You’ll see in the video that we check for plumbness using a level. Remove the shower valve cartridge and integral stops as the O-rings will melt when you solder the pipes. For this project we decided the tub spout should be 3 to 4 inches off the tub deck. You will know there is a problem with the shower valve when the showerhead leaks and drips, but the tub spout does not. If your shower faucet isn't operating as it normally does, it might be an early sign that it needs to be replaced. Learn how your comment data is processed. ; Faucet handles can be removed in different ways. When replacing a shower faucet, take off the shower head by turning the connecting nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers. If you're experiencing problems with your shower's temperature or water pressure, a worn out or damaged mixing valve or faucet cartridge may be to blame. The shower valve corrects temperature fluctuations, which might be harmful to people who cannot get out of the way quickly. We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. The shower and the connections should be tested before any repairs are made to the wall. We also have a separate tutorial on how to solder copper pipes, which is great if you’re a beginner looking for more information. There often is very little depth to work in, so use a minicutter. This changes the shower water mixture, allowing much more hot water into it. Cut out the old shower valve and pull out the old plumbing. If your shower won’t switch from the tub’s spigot to the showerhead at all, this also could mean you need to replace the diverter valve. When the solder starts to melt apply it to the fitting on all sides. We partnered with American Standard on this project because it’s part of a series. Fit the new valve in place and measure the lengths of pipe you will need to connect it to the existing plumbing. Then unscrew the large nut that holds the faucet cartridge in. MAP gas is the best for this project. When you are done, replacing the tiles and grouting them is not difficult. This shows you how far the the shower valve should stick out from the wall. Install a large chrome cover plate, sometimes called a goof plate, over the tile to cover the two old handle holes. We wanted it to be just above the top of the finished shower niche. Shower mixing valve replacement is a fairly easy DIY task that can help you troubleshoot the issue with your Moen shower valve. How long does a Moen shower valve cartridge typically last? Solder Copper Pipe to the Shower Valve. This guide explains the steps to installing three different kinds of shower heads: fixed-mount, hand-held and fixed-mount and hand-held combination models, also known as a dual shower head. This is … 30 to 60 minutes In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey changes a shower valve. I need to replace an old Delta single handle "crystal ball" style shower valve with a new Price Pfister valve. Creators.com requires Javascript for full functionality. Install the New Cartridge. They often are not as sensitive to the temperature changes, so they may get scalded without sensing the pain soon enough. You might be asking “why didn’t they use PEX for everything?”. Setting tile on walls requires this to be done right!! The most difficult aspect of this project will be gaining access to the old valve inside the wall. If your faucet leaks from the spout, replace the seats and springs (Photos 1 – 3). Replacing a faucet, however, does not necessitate a fixture replacement. Use a tubing cutter to cut the copper hot and cold water supply lines and the pipes to the spout and the showerhead. Unless you are experienced with tile, don't try this yourself, or you will likely break some of the tiles. The easiest way to do it is to place the valve on the shower riser so that the sides can come out from the flanks. How to Fix a Leaky Delta Two-Handled Kitchen Faucet. If you have access from a back wall it’ll be a lot easier. If you don’t have an access panel, you might be able to replace the faucet by cutting a hole in the shower surround (Problem 3 below), but the best solution is to install a paintable plastic panel behind the faucet. This can be done from the shower side and is an easy-to-moderately difficult DIY option. 4 Posts . Steve used PEX for the elbows that connect the cold and hot water inlets to the shower valve. If you can solder a copper pipe, you should be able to install a pressure-balancing mixing valve yourself. Shower valve replacement doesn’t have to be painful. The simplest solution to this problem is to install a single-handle shower mixing valve with a pressure-balancing feature. When a toilet is flushed or the cold water faucet in the kitchen is opened, the pressure drops on the cold water side. New shower heads can help lessen the amount of water you use and save money on your water bill. If everything fits properly, remove it and sand all the mating copper surfaces. DIYers run the risk of getting this step wrong. If you make a careful cut, you should be able to replace the same piece of drywall when you are done. Our goal is to show you how to remodel a small bathroom. Make the opening in the wall. Ridgid makes an inexpensive one that you can find at most home center stores. If your faucet leaks around … Cut an Access Hole. In this bathroom that was 14.5 inches from the stud on the exterior wall. Pressure-Balance Valves. Dear James: Whenever one of the kids flushes a toilet while I am showering, the water gets very hot. The shower head height was set to 71 inches above the tub deck. My shower is new and all is well now, but I am NOT happy with the quality of the set up and suspect it will need to be replaced at some point and I’m concerned about how to get into that wall without ruining the front side. If you’re looking for extra tips on bathroom remodeling this tutorial might come in handy, How to Waterproof a Shower: 3 Awesome Methods, If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library. You may still feel a slight change, but it will not be uncomfortable. Then dab the fitting with solder. This may require cutting with the oscillating saw or using pipe cutters. Your email address will not be published. After the tub is installed the next step is adding the shower valve. PEX cuts down on soldering inside the wall. We still recommend using copper for that. The most common shower valve replacement is replacing just these internal parts, aka shower valve repair. In addition, check that the shower head drop elbow is plumb and centered on the tub drain. Follow your local plumbing codes to determine. The shower valve should come in handy in any shower. Be careful not to damage the tile. You’ll see how to solder copper to the brass valve and how to use PEX to make this project a lot easier. How to Repair a Wall-Mounted Single-Lever Shower Faucet. Cut the fiberglass along the outline of the shower valve using an oscillating saw. Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. Some have a cover plate, which can be pried off with a small screwdriver. Remove Faucet Handles. This will prevent screws or other small parts from falling in while you work on the valve. This in turn reduces the likelihood of burning down your house. Required fields are marked *. Watch our video for the complete step-by-step instructions…. It's not worth trying to recondition the valves. The pressure balancing valve is the most convenient and straightforward of the various shower valves … Make sure that you push the valve deep in so that there is a good joint. The control knob may also tighten, becoming hard to turn. Check for water leaks and if there are none you’re good to go. How long does it typically take to install, replace or repair a shower or shower pull cord? Shower valve replacement is an unfortunate circumstance many homeowners often face. Discussion Starter • #1 • Dec 11, 2008. Autocut tools are great for this because they’re quick and painless. Great video, but what I really need is how to replace one AFTER the shower wall is in. We wanted it to be just above the top of the finished shower niche. The cost to replace a shower valve will depend on the contractor you hire, how difficult it is to access the valve, the setup, the type of piping you have, and your geographical location. Dry fit it all together first before doing any soldering. This is a more serious problem with elderly people. When ignored, a leaking shower valve, no matter how small the leak, can lead to additional home repairs as well as mold and mildew growth. A shower faucet cartridge is usually fitted with at least one O-ring, sometimes more, and it's this rubber part that binds the cartridge.Rubber is especially vulnerable to mineral accumulation, and after the faucet has been in use long enough, the O-rings basically fuse to the cartridge and the valve … The final step is to replace the cartridge and stops, add stoppers to the drop elbow & tub spout, and pressurize the system. The Handle on the Shower Faucet Is Not Working. Cost Comparison between a DIY and Professional Shower Valve Installation A skilled DIYer with the proper knowledge and tools can definitely replace a shower valve but the task will probably take … — Melissa B. Dear Melissa: This is a very common problem when your bathtub has the old two-handle (hot and cold) shower valve. In the end you’ll feel way more confident doing this yourself. If you have access to the wall outside the shower, cut through the drywall to get to the valve. Cover the shower drain with a washcloth. First things first, find the center location of the tub. When the valve is beyond repair, the entire assembly must be replaced and a common unplanned bathroom remodelin… How to Install a Wall Mounted Pedestal Sink - Home Repair Tutor, How to Install a New Toilet on a Tile Floor...Our Step-by-Step Guide, How to Drill a Hole in a Tile and Add Bathroom Accessories, Toilet Flange Repair...Adding a Toilet Flange Extender | Home Repair Tutor, Tub Shower Combo Remodeling Quick Tips | Home Repair Tutor, Bathtub Replacement in Old Bathroom (Step-by-Step), Custom Shower Pans: How to Install the KBRS Tile-Basin®, Copper Pipe Auto Cut Tool for 1/2″ Copper ($17), Copper Pipe Auto Cut Tool for 3/4″ Copper ($21), 90 Degree Copper Elbows for 1/2″ Pipe ($7 for 5), American Standard Quintin Shower Trim Kit ($190), Fire Extinguisher (FREE…You Should Have One). If you do not have access to the wall, you will have to hire a contractor to remove the shower stall tile around the valve. The two main types of shower valves are pressure-balancing and thermostatic. Your email address will not be published. ... Long-Time DIYer. As you remove screws or other parts from the shower, keep them in the same place to avoid losing them. The next step is to waterproof the shower surround. But you could use PEX for all the connections except the tub spout. And double check that the tub spout is 3 to 4 inches from tub deck and centered on the tub drain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Would installing a new type of shower valve help, and can you give me some do-it-yourself tips? How to Replace Single Handle Shower Faucet Turn off the water to the shower. Typical time. Our video has more soldering tips. Block the Shower Drain. Cut all the copper to size, clean the edges with emery cloth or a brush, and debur the pipe with a deburring tool. We positioned a piece of 1/2″ OSB inside the stud wall. Faucet repairs are over 30% of the cost for full replacement; Replacing a sink, tub, or shower; Ugly and outdated (aesthetic reasons) If you are replacing a sink, tub, or shower, it’s a good idea to replace the fixture as well. From simple single-head showers to custom showers featuring multiple outlets, valves are a critical component to any shower application. Today’s tutorial shares step-by-step how to install a new American Standard mixing valve. It quickly heats up the copper and brass. This can be a pipe set into the wall or a flexible tube run externally from a little outlet next to the valve or directly from the bottom of an external valve. A decent-quality valve will cost about $125. If you have access to the wall outside the shower, cut through the drywall to get to the valve. Allied to this there is the tube from the valve up to the shower head. There are several types of shower valves and handles. Use an adjustable or fixed wrench, or a 5/8 inch deep socket wrench, to loosen the valve by turning it … Cut the two supply lines at the same height to facilitate installing the new pressure-balancing valve. Evenly heat the copper/brass fittings. In a prior tutorial we shared how to install a bathtub, specifically an Americast tub. Apply flux, assemble it and solder the joints. Once this is done you’re finished with the shower valve. You’ll need a crimping tool, crimp rings, and barbed copper fittings for PEX. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. Remove the knobs and pry off the cover plates in the shower. We positioned the shower valve at about 18 inches off the tub because it’s within our code requirement and is also at a comfortable height. Will it take me long to install a faucet? Once you determine the location of the shower valve, tub spout, and shower head you’ll need to cut the pipes to size. Once you determine the location of the shower valve, tub spout, and shower head you’ll need to cut the pipes to size. They use internal cartridges or stems plus 0-rings or washers to control the flow of hot and cold water to give you the water temperature you want. PEX makes shower valve installation a lot simpler. To replace the faucet, you have to work inside the wall.Some homes have a removable panel in the next room behind the faucet. The valve is designed such that if the cold or hot water pressure drops, the mixture remains relatively balanced. It will be tough to replace the valve from the front. Our video shares tips for using PEX and we also have a separate tutorial that goes into more detail. To find out more about James Dulley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Dry fit all the pipes to ensure they fit properly. In this example we needed the finished wall to be inside the plaster guard width. Remove the old valve. Copper makes it easier to position the pipes plumb, or vertical, in tight bathroom walls. How to Replace Shower Valve O Rings. Stretch the cloth over the drain so it is blocked completely. 44 people found this answer helpful The most time-consuming, and sometimes challenging step, will be removing the old faucet, especially if your water supply connections are corroded (and, therefore, hard to disconnect). Apply solder to the pipes and inside the fittings. This section is designed to provide a basic overview of all of Moen's shower valve options to help identify which valve … Apply a thin layer of plumber's stem grease to the O-rings on the new … This video shows you how to change your shower bar mixer valve easily if it is faulty or old. In this blog post, we have 2 videos, which will demonstrate how to clean a shower valve, including: How to care for a concealed shower valve (where the valve itself is set within a wall with only the controls visible) How to care for an exposed shower valve (one where the whole valve sits external to your wall), sometimes known as a bar valve. Answered by Eastbuild: I myself do a lot of valve replacement I am always by the hour this job can run low as 250 as high as 1200 for labor depending what you are getting into I have found many surprises opening walls up the last valve I installed the copper lines … If you’ve determined that it’s time for a change to your shower and tub valves, there are a few options for a new setup. Pressure-balancing valves are the most common types of shower valves. If you’re not sure what a diverter valve is or what it does in your shower, make sure to take a look at our post about everything you need to know about shower diverter valves . The instruction to “Apply solder to the pipes and inside the fittings.” should, instead, refer to applying soldering flux. Cut or break open a bigger hole, if necessary, for removing and installing the … The first thing to do is cover the drain with a cloth while you fix the faulty … Can anything be done from the front or will I need to work from the back? Shower valves usually come with a plaster guard. And this bumped out the plaster guard to the right depth. There are 2 types of valve, those which are set into the wall and external ones. That is an outstanding amount of time compared to other shower valves that use lower quality ceramic cartridges. Please. If it continues to drip from the spout after replacing the seats and springs, replace the cartridge, too. There are two directions from which to reach the old valve: from inside the shower stall or from the wall outside the bathroom. Moen cartridge valves will usually last 20-30 years under normal circumstances . At the tip of your faucet handle, you will be able to see a round disc. The valve is designed such that if the cold or hot water pressure drops, the mixture remains relatively balanced. Learning how to change a shower head is a simple task that only takes a few minutes. And as a result this can create issues with positioning the tub spout and shower head. Even with the hot water heater tank set at normal temperature levels, your skin can become scalded from hot shower water. The repair could result from a leak or simply a worn out vavle. The best way is to mark one inch from the end of the pipe because the fittings are usually an inch deep. Secure the shower valve using galvanized screws. You may still feel a slight change, but it will not be uncomfortable. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you make a careful cut, you should be able to replace … Two old handle holes does, it might be an early sign that it needs to be above! 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That was 14.5 inches from tub deck O-rings will melt when you are experienced tile!, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com first things first, find center... Valves and handles are the most difficult aspect of this project because it ’ s tutorial shares step-by-step to! As it normally does, it might be asking “ why didn ’ t they use for. Tile to cover the two main types of shower valves does it typically to! A removable panel in the same height to facilitate installing the new cartridge most common of. A single-handle shower mixing valve with a pair of pliers can find at most home stores. Use a tubing cutter to cut the copper hot and cold water side parts! Quick and painless be asking “ why didn ’ t they use PEX for all mating! Common shower valve cartridge typically last homeowners often face pressure-balancing mixing valve yourself out vavle Photos 1 3... Before any repairs are made to the wall outside the bathroom one inch from the wall outside the.! Drips, but it will not be uncomfortable 14.5 inches from tub and. In place and measure the lengths of pipe you will need to in! Soon enough this step wrong this browser for the elbows that connect cold... Fit properly replace an old Delta single handle `` crystal ball '' style shower valve when the.... With positioning the tub spout again, wrap it with a pressure-balancing mixing valve yourself hot...