Install Valve
When you inspected the water supply lines leading into your bathroom, you determined if they were made of galvanized or copper pipes. If your water supply lines are made of galvanized steel or iron, you will need to make one of the following decisions:
- Fit the galvanized pipe to the rough-in valve inlet
- Within the exposed area of the shower, connect a copper pipe to the galvanized pipe
- Locate the nearest water supply line juncture to the bathroom and replace with copper pipe
Copper to Galvanized
Here you can see how to connect copper to galvanized plumbing.
Work Area
Since you completely demolished the shower down to the wood studs, you have access to the internal water supply line plumbing. Your work area is completely exposed, therefore, the rough-in valve and piping is visible. If your work area were obstructed, you would then need to either cut into the shower wall face or you would need to gain access from the rear by cutting into the adjacent wall.
Rear Access
Here is an example of how to gain access from the rear of a shower rough-in valve for replacement.
Cartridge
Some manufacturers ship shower rough-in valves together with the shower valve cartridge. In these instances, you must remove the shower valve cartridge before attempting to install the shower rough-in valve, and especially when soldering copper pipe into the water inlets, The high heat of soldering could melt the plastic parts that make up the shower valve cartridge and cause internal leaking.
Secure Valve and Pipes
When you have decided the exact position and height where you will be installing the shower rough-in valve, be sure to secure water lines to wood studs and block the rough-in valve and shower head fitting. Securing with solid wood gives your shower rough-in valve the strength needed to withstand the vibrations which will be occurring during normal shower usage.
See this example of a properly secured shower rough-in valve and water lines.
Diverter Valve
The shower diverter valve will be installed next in line leading out of the shower rough-in valve, since it’s primary function is to divert the water flow away from the shower head and to a shower fixture, such as a hand shower. The actual placement is dependent upon the wall size, where you intend on hanging the hand shower, and accessibility requirements. Another function for a diverter valve would be to divert water flow to a bath tub faucet.
PEX ( cross-linked polyethylene)
PEX is a cost effective alternative to galvanized or copper pipe used for water supply lines that lead into your shower rough-in valve. The PEX pipe is easier and faster to install with the only precision limitation being the special crimping tool needed to secure each end of the line.
Install PEX
Here is an example of how to install a PEX pipe from a copper water supply line to a shower rough-in valve.