There are various reasons why the shower valve should be replaced. It may leak. It may no longer function efficiently when it comes to mixing the temperature of the water. It may need an upgrade to work with the new fixture you just installed. Whatever the reason is, you should know that replacing a shower valve entails two tasks: the removal of the old one and the installation of the replacement. Let us show you how experts replace this component of your shower system.
1. First of all, the tub drain will be plugged with a rag or an old cloth. This way, small parts won’t accidentally go down the drain. Afterward, the shower handle will be removed. Once done, a screw will be uncovered behind the cap. The screw will be removed with a screwdriver. If that won’t work, an Allen wrench will be used.
2. Since the handle was removed, the screws that secure the trim plate will accessible. They will be removed and then the plate will be carefully lifted off the wall. If there’s any caulking along the trim plate, it will be removed with the use of a utility knife. If there’s a protective plate that covers the valve, it should be removed, too. There are also times when there’s not enough space to remove the protective plate. In cases like this, a hole will be dug around.
3. A hole or a small opening will be cut on the wall behind the valve to access the valve. The hole should not be bigger than the new plate that will be installed later on.
4. The old valve will be removed using the right tool which depends on the type of the valve currently installed. Afterward, the installation will ensue.
5. The copper will be inspected to make sure that it’s free from burs and solder. It should also be clean to make the new installation leak-free. In case the copper is not okay, it will be filed or heated up with a torch. Lastly, it will be sanded off to make it smooth.
6. The plastic cartridge and housing on the new valve’s body will be removed because they will burn when heated.
7. Before the installation of the new valve, adjustments will be made. If the bottom of the valve will be hooked to a tub, the bottom inlet of the valve will be capped. After capping, it should be allowed to cool down. Flux will be applied to all the connections and the pipe before the installation, too.
8. The valve will be positioned into the wall, focusing on the shower riser first and then the sides will be popped. The copper pipe must be pushed all the way in.
9. The joints will be carefully soldered one by one.
10. Once all joints are soldered and the copper has cooled down, the shower cartridge will be re-installed. If there’s any housing, it will be placed back as well.
11. The water supply valve will be turned on. The faucet and the shower should be tested to ensure that there are no leaks. If there aren’t any, proceed with the last step.
12. The trim will be installed back. The cover plate will be screwed on the cartridge sleeve and then the handle will be re-installed as well.
We hope that you loved these tips when you’re replacing a shower valve. If problems persist, just call the most reliable Prince Frederick plumbing company. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides emergency plumbing services in Prince Frederick MD including plumbing fixture installation, home remodeling, faucet repair, leak detection, toilet repair and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!
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