Can I reuse my tub filler?

[DIYMike]

I have remodeled our master bath. The tub fill was in fine working condition. I want to change the layout of the knobs and spout. It is constructed with 1/2 copper sweated into the brass fittings. My question is this - can I "De-sweat" the fittings so I can move things around? If so - once I disassemble everthing, how do I propery "clean, sand, and flux" the brass joints.

Am I better off cutting tubes and splicing onto the copper joints, leaving the copper/brass intact? (yea, would result in more joints than ideal)

Thank you!

[DIYMike]

Ok - so I read some other posts about copper joints... but this is the brass fitting (to copper).

I unsweated the filler fitting. No problem. I used my inside wire brush and it seems to have worked, but the color of the brushed area is closer to the color of the solder than it is to brass. Is it normal for brass to lighten up in color or is that really just solder that's been brushed?

What should I do?
Thanks.

[DIYMike]

on closer inspection, it's brass. I'm ready to re-sweat. Thanks anyway.

[DIYMike]

Just in case anyone else has this question - the valve assemblies are factory soldered. I was able to remove the filler connection, but the other two could not be seperated. I had cut the copper tubes too close to the assembly... had I not, I could have reused the rough-in. Cost me $70 for a new roughin for the Moen filler.

Good luck, hope this helps the next person!

[jimbo]

Don't dispair over the money spent on the new valve. Although the old one may have been perfectly serviceable, many of us would consider it foolish to NOT replace the valve once the wall is open. This is a remodel which you will live with for 15 to 30 years! Why not start with all new material?

[DIYMike]

Thanks, I feel better now.