Shower valve assembly

Hi guys! You help is appreciated. I'm installing a new shower valve. I am wondering if I should use the union connections supplied or just solder the supply lines into the valve body itself. I'm concerned about heat to hot and cold valve assemblies. Do the come out easily, to avoid any heat damage? Or should I just sweat on a copper male adapter to the supply lines, screw on the bottom half of the union. Should I use tape here or solder these together? Then just tape and joint compound the other side of the union to the shower valve body, then connect the 2 halves? Also, can I just solder a adapter to the shower riser and just tape and compound that ,and thread that into the valve body? Here is a link to the piece. Thanks,

Terry,

I know this may not help you, but all I can say is if you haven't installed it yet and you can return it, do so.

I am in a situation with American Standard right now and after reading this forum, I can be sure of one thing. They are not of a quality that I would recommend. I am stuck with them now since the job is basically done and I regret it 100%.

To answer your question in short. Yes, pull the cartridges (guts) BEFORE you apply ANY heat.

Pete