How to Install a Shower Mixing Valve
Before you install your shower faucet, a shower valve is installed on the water pipes in the shower wall. This valve is designed to work with your particular faucet. It is the most demanding part of any bathroom remodeling project because the shower valve is soldered to pipe fittings that connect to the home's water lines. This requires expertise and planning. You must know how to handle a blow torch and solder. If you are unfamiliar with either, it is best to leave this job to the professionals. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Cut out the existing shower valve with a grinder and metal abrasive disc. Remove the existing shower valve and discard.
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2
Fit the new shower valve inside the hot and cold water pipes. Measure the distance to the hot and cold water pipes with a tape measure. Find the proper pipe fittings to connect the valve to the water pipes. These usually consist of 2- to 3-inch pipe fittings with elbow joints.
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3
Brush solder flux over the edges of all fittings and the valve connections using the brush provided with the flux.
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4
Mount the valve to the fittings and install the fittings on the hot and cold water pipes by sliding them into the shower valve connections on each end. The open side of the shower valve must be facing toward the showering area. Position it accordingly if it is not already.
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5
Heat the seams of the pipes and fittings with a blow torch and touch the seams with solder to solder the connections. Allow the connections to cool for several minutes. Apply the solder all the way around the seams of the pipes.
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6
Place the plaster guard over the shower valve and screw it into place with the provided hardware in your new faucet installation kit. Cut drywall to fit on your wall and around the shower valve. Install the drywall with drywall screws and a screwdriver, making sure the shower valve is flush with the edge of the drywall.
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