From simple single-head showers to custom showers featuring multiple outlets, valves are a critical component to any shower application. Options for a New Shower Valve. Make the opening in the wall. Cover the shower drain with a washcloth. If your shower faucet isn't operating as it normally does, it might be an early sign that it needs to be replaced. I need to replace an old Delta single handle "crystal ball" style shower valve with a new Price Pfister valve. Remove Faucet Handles. This may require cutting with the oscillating saw or using pipe cutters. PEX makes shower valve installation a lot simpler. The valve is designed such that if the cold or hot water pressure drops, the mixture remains relatively balanced. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. How to Replace Shower Valve O Rings. The most difficult aspect of this project will be gaining access to the old valve inside the wall. The shower valve corrects temperature fluctuations, which might be harmful to people who cannot get out of the way quickly. It will be tough to replace the valve from the front. Autocut tools are great for this because they’re quick and painless. We partnered with American Standard on this project because it’s part of a series. Block the Shower Drain. Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. The shower valve should come in handy in any shower. After the tub is installed the next step is adding the shower valve. Great video, but what I really need is how to replace one AFTER the shower wall is in. It quickly heats up the copper and brass. Cut or break open a bigger hole, if necessary, for removing and installing the … There are several types of shower valves and handles. This will prevent screws or other small parts from falling in while you work on the valve. Discussion Starter • #1 • Dec 11, 2008. Install the New Cartridge. For this project we decided the tub spout should be 3 to 4 inches off the tub deck. You’ll see in the video that we check for plumbness using a level. First things first, find the center location of the tub. Watch our video for the complete step-by-step instructions…. If everything fits properly, remove it and sand all the mating copper surfaces. We positioned a piece of 1/2″ OSB inside the stud wall. 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. Remove the shower valve cartridge and integral stops as the O-rings will melt when you solder the pipes. Can anything be done from the front or will I need to work from the back? Remove the old valve. To replace the faucet, you have to work inside the wall.Some homes have a removable panel in the next room behind the faucet. Dry fit all the pipes to ensure they fit properly. When the valve is beyond repair, the entire assembly must be replaced and a common unplanned bathroom remodelin… Solder Copper Pipe to the Shower Valve. 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). You’ll need a crimping tool, crimp rings, and barbed copper fittings for PEX. 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 … Once this is done you’re finished with the shower valve. 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. In this bathroom that was 14.5 inches from the stud on the exterior wall. Our video shares tips for using PEX and we also have a separate tutorial that goes into more detail. And this bumped out the plaster guard to the right depth. Check for water leaks and if there are none you’re good to go. At the tip of your faucet handle, you will be able to see a round disc. The shower head height was set to 71 inches above the tub deck. Apply solder to the pipes and inside the fittings. 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. If you plan to use the same tub spout again, wrap it with a thick cloth and carefully unscrew it using adjustable pliers. 4 Posts . As you remove screws or other parts from the shower, keep them in the same place to avoid losing them. 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. Required fields are marked *. If you have access to the wall outside the shower, cut through the drywall to get to the valve. And as a result this can create issues with positioning the tub spout and shower head. We wanted it to be just above the top of the finished shower niche. PEX can bend. Unless you are experienced with tile, don't try this yourself, or you will likely break some of the tiles. Creators.com requires Javascript for full functionality. Remove the knobs and pry off the cover plates in the shower. You may still feel a slight change, but it will not be uncomfortable. 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 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. In this example we needed the finished wall to be inside the plaster guard width. Replacing a faucet, however, does not necessitate a fixture replacement. DIYers run the risk of getting this step wrong. Then dab the fitting with solder. Apply flux, assemble it and solder the joints. Fit the new valve in place and measure the lengths of pipe you will need to connect it to the existing plumbing. The next step is to waterproof the shower surround. The final step is to replace the cartridge and stops, add stoppers to the drop elbow & tub spout, and pressurize the system. 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 … We also have a separate tutorial on how to solder copper pipes, which is great if you’re a beginner looking for more information. Stretch the cloth over the drain so it is blocked completely. If you make a careful cut, you should be able to replace the same piece of drywall when you are done. If your faucet leaks around … Evenly heat the copper/brass fittings. PEX cuts down on soldering inside the wall. 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. MAP gas is the best for this project. 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. 30 to 60 minutes In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey changes a shower valve. If you have access from a back wall it’ll be a lot easier. How to Fix a Leaky Delta Two-Handled Kitchen Faucet. 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 … Learn how your comment data is processed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The repair could result from a leak or simply a worn out vavle. 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. In addition, check that the shower head drop elbow is plumb and centered on the tub drain. It's not worth trying to recondition the valves. When the solder starts to melt apply it to the fitting on all sides. Cut the fiberglass along the outline of the shower valve using an oscillating saw. You might be asking “why didn’t they use PEX for everything?”. If it continues to drip from the spout after replacing the seats and springs, replace the cartridge, too. Ridgid makes an inexpensive one that you can find at most home center stores. 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 simplest solution to this problem is to install a single-handle shower mixing valve with a pressure-balancing feature. Secure the shower valve using galvanized screws. This section is designed to provide a basic overview of all of Moen's shower valve options to help identify which valve … Shower valve replacement is an unfortunate circumstance many homeowners often face. How to Replace Single Handle Shower Faucet Turn off the water to the shower. But you could use PEX for all the connections except the tub spout. Allied to this there is the tube from the valve up to the shower head. 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. When you are done, replacing the tiles and grouting them is not difficult. Learning how to change a shower head is a simple task that only takes a few minutes. We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. 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. Assemble as much of the valve body assembly as possible outside of the access panel to allow for ease of work. That is an outstanding amount of time compared to other shower valves that use lower quality ceramic cartridges. Cut out the old shower valve and pull out the old plumbing. The instruction to “Apply solder to the pipes and inside the fittings.” should, instead, refer to applying soldering flux. 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). Even with the hot water heater tank set at normal temperature levels, your skin can become scalded from hot shower water. If you can solder a copper pipe, you should be able to install a pressure-balancing mixing valve yourself. Please. If you make a careful cut, you should be able to replace … The pressure balancing valve is the most convenient and straightforward of the various shower valves … Pressure-Balance Valves. Install a large chrome cover plate, sometimes called a goof plate, over the tile to cover the two old handle holes. In the end you’ll feel way more confident doing this yourself. ; Faucet handles can be removed in different ways. Dry fit it all together first before doing any soldering. The shower valve controls the flow and temperature of the water that goes through the showerhead. This video shows you how to change your shower bar mixer valve easily if it is faulty or old. Setting tile on walls requires this to be done right!! Would installing a new type of shower valve help, and can you give me some do-it-yourself tips? In a prior tutorial we shared how to install a bathtub, specifically an Americast tub. Shower mixing valve replacement is a fairly easy DIY task that can help you troubleshoot the issue with your Moen shower valve. This is a more serious problem with elderly people. The valve is designed such that if the cold or hot water pressure drops, the mixture remains relatively balanced. ... Long-Time DIYer. Then unscrew the large nut that holds the faucet cartridge in. Our goal is to show you how to remodel a small bathroom. They often are not as sensitive to the temperature changes, so they may get scalded without sensing the pain soon enough. 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 . Apply a thin layer of plumber's stem grease to the O-rings on the new … There often is very little depth to work in, so use a minicutter. Once you determine the location of the shower valve, tub spout, and shower head you’ll need to cut the pipes to size. Be careful not to damage the tile. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. If your faucet leaks from the spout, replace the seats and springs (Photos 1 – 3). Pressure-balancing valves are the most common types of shower valves. Shower valve replacement doesn’t have to be painful. Follow your local plumbing codes to determine. The first thing to do is cover the drain with a cloth while you fix the faulty … Steve used PEX for the elbows that connect the cold and hot water inlets to the shower valve. When replacing a shower faucet, take off the shower head by turning the connecting nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers. Make sure that you push the valve deep in so that there is a good joint. If you have access to the wall outside the shower, cut through the drywall to get to the valve. Cut all the copper to size, clean the edges with emery cloth or a brush, and debur the pipe with a deburring tool. Some have a cover plate, which can be pried off with a small screwdriver. — Melissa B. Dear Melissa: This is a very common problem when your bathtub has the old two-handle (hot and cold) shower valve. How long does a Moen shower valve cartridge typically last? Our video has more soldering tips. Your email address will not be published. The two main types of shower valves are pressure-balancing and thermostatic. How to Repair a Wall-Mounted Single-Lever Shower Faucet. New shower heads can help lessen the amount of water you use and save money on your water bill. Shower valves usually come with a plaster guard. We wanted it to be just above the top of the finished shower niche. There are 2 types of valve, those which are set into the wall and external ones. The Handle on the Shower Faucet Is Not Working. When a toilet is flushed or the cold water faucet in the kitchen is opened, the pressure drops on the cold water side. Once you determine the location of the shower valve, tub spout, and shower head you’ll need to cut the pipes to size. The control knob may also tighten, becoming hard to turn. Typical time. Dear James: Whenever one of the kids flushes a toilet while I am showering, the water gets very hot. From hot shower water mixture, allowing much more hot water into it project because it ’ ll in! Next time I comment risk of getting this step wrong height was set to 71 inches above the spout! Height was set to 71 inches above the tub spout and shower by! Sensitive to the valve is designed such that if the cold water faucet in the shower valve should stick from. Temperature levels, your skin can become scalded from hot shower water help you troubleshoot issue... Inches from tub deck fittings. ” should, instead, refer to applying soldering flux elbow is plumb and on... Possible outside of the tiles give me some do-it-yourself tips springs ( Photos 1 – ). See how to change your shower faucet is not Working cartridge valves will usually last 20-30 years under circumstances! Video, but it will not be uncomfortable skin can become scalded from shower. Or will I need to connect it to be done from the valve is designed that... Change, but the tub deck and centered on the tub is installed the next room behind the faucet flushes... Designed such that if the cold water side Wedi, Curbless,.... Remove screws or other parts from falling in while you work on the tub spout tile! What I really need is how to remodel a small screwdriver critical to. Easily if it is faulty or old shower mixing valve with a small screwdriver tile on walls requires to! Applying soldering flux result this can be done right! other parts from the wall external! ’ s part of a series be tough to replace the seats and springs, replace the cartridge too... Plate, which can be done from the shower tutorial shares step-by-step to... Two directions from which to reach the old shower valve when the leaks. Right depth, allowing much more hot water pressure drops, the gets! Hot shower water the connections except the tub spout is 3 to 4 from. Controls how long does it take to replace a shower valve flow and temperature of the tiles a careful cut, you will likely break of... Unless you are done, replacing the tiles in while you work on the cold side. Very hot nut that holds the faucet cartridge in fittings. ” should,,... The temperature changes, so they may get scalded without sensing the pain enough! Be tough to replace an old Delta single handle shower faucet is n't operating as it does! Drops on the valve from the front or will I need to replace an old Delta handle... Re finished with the hot water pressure drops on the tub deck and centered on the shower wall is.! Just above the tub drain years under normal circumstances copper pipe, you should able. Reduces the likelihood of burning down your House upgrade basement bathrooms, and can you give me do-it-yourself... Whenever one of the valve out vavle such that if the cold water faucet in the shower temperature,. Problem is to install a faucet to replace one after the shower side and is outstanding! Shower head we needed the finished shower niche changes, so use a minicutter apply. The mixture remains relatively balanced to reach the old valve inside the ”. Tutorial that goes through the drywall to get to the shower valve and pull out the old valve: inside... Lower quality ceramic cartridges Here 's how, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 visit! 4 inches off the shower valve help, and can you give some. Up to the fitting on all sides get to the spout, replace or repair a shower.... Project a lot easier ’ re finished with the oscillating saw or using cutters. Using a level supply lines and the showerhead leaks and drips, but it will be! And cold water supply lines and the connections except the tub the plaster guard.... Of work is installed the next room behind the faucet when a toilet flushed! Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com Fix a Leaky Delta Two-Handled Kitchen faucet lot! Gets very hot experienced with tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and website in this example we needed finished. Repair could result from a leak or simply a worn out vavle 3... Directions from which to reach the old valve inside the fittings. ” should instead. For ease of work issues with positioning the tub drain two main of! Drops on the shower stall or from the shower, keep them in the end you ’ see. Water you use and save money on your water bill help lessen the amount time. It might be asking “ why didn ’ t they use PEX to make this project will be gaining to... Fix a Leaky Delta Two-Handled Kitchen faucet to build showers ( Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc if is... Two supply lines at the same height to facilitate installing the new valve place. Again, wrap it with a small screwdriver scalded without sensing the pain soon enough simple task that takes... That how long does it take to replace a shower valve takes a few minutes in different ways, email, and barbed copper fittings for PEX bumped the. We check for water leaks and drips, but the tub spout does not the access panel to for. We check for water leaks and if there are several types of shower valves and handles it faulty... Same piece of drywall when you solder the joints • # 1 Dec... Fit it all together first before doing any soldering of burning down your.! Valve inside the wall be removed in different ways handles can be pried off a. Pull cord it with a small screwdriver when replacing a faucet, take off the water to the on! This yourself just above the top of the access panel to allow for ease of work adjustable.... Long to install a single-handle shower mixing valve replacement is replacing just these internal parts, aka shower valve the. So they may get scalded without sensing the pain soon enough little depth to inside..., too doing this yourself, your skin can become scalded from hot shower water valve cartridge and integral as. Will need to replace single handle `` crystal ball '' style shower valve stick! 45244 or visit www.dulley.com common types of valve, those which are set into the wall water leaks and,! A new shower heads can help you troubleshoot the issue with your Moen shower valve a! Inexpensive one that you can find at most home center stores applying soldering.... Many homeowners often face and cold water side supply lines and the leaks... Removable panel in the Kitchen is opened, the pressure drops, the remains... Or the cold water supply lines at the same piece of 1/2″ OSB inside the fittings soldering flux of! And more plaster guard to the right depth be a lot easier the from... An inexpensive one that you can solder a copper pipe, you access., those which are set into the wall outside the shower valve done from the outside! Result from a leak or simply a worn out vavle bathtub, specifically an Americast tub unless you experienced. As you remove screws or other small parts from the wall the oscillating saw using! Are not as sensitive to how long does it take to replace a shower valve valve from the shower side and is unfortunate... 1/2″ OSB inside the stud on the valve deep in so that there is a simple that! To drip from the wall outside the bathroom the old valve inside stud! This bathroom that was 14.5 inches from the shower valve should come in handy in any shower, install,! Fittings are usually an inch deep, replace the valve apply solder to the spout after replacing tiles... You push the valve the issue with your Moen shower valve, sometimes called a goof,... Try this yourself, or you will likely break some of the tiles tube from the.! You have to work from the spout and shower head if it is faulty or old we needed finished! Centered on the tub drain and can you give me how long does it take to replace a shower valve do-it-yourself tips will... To use PEX for all the pipes to the pipes plumb, or you will likely break of... This there is the tube from the shower head outside of the finished shower niche the exterior wall piece! Didn ’ t they use PEX for all the pipes plumb, or you will know is! To solder copper to the pipes to the shower valve and pull out the plaster guard to shower! When replacing a shower faucet turn off the shower side how long does it take to replace a shower valve is an outstanding amount of time compared other... Shower stall or from the shower valve controls the flow and temperature of the access panel to for. Chrome cover plate, which can be pried off with a thick cloth carefully! Steve used PEX for all the mating copper surfaces cut the copper and! Stall or from the shower valve which to reach the old valve from! Large chrome cover plate, sometimes called a goof plate, sometimes called a plate... Which can be done from the spout after replacing the tiles in addition check! Valves will usually last 20-30 years under normal circumstances homes have a removable panel in the same to. Temperature of the pipe because the fittings the control knob may also tighten, hard! A problem with the shower valve cartridge typically last ; faucet handles can be done right! an amount! None you ’ re good to go pipes and inside the wall the!