Need help installing a new tub/shower faucet.

[wwilson1]

All,

I need some advice for installing a new tub/shower valve. The first two photos show the existing arrangement, and the last photo shows the new valve. I want to use galvanized pipe and fittings since I’m not capable of doing copper.
1. The new valve has male (IPS) threads sticking out of it instead of female threads (like the old one). I would like to use ½” couplings (female/female) to on each of male threads of the valve then re-attach everything like the old valve was installed. Is that a good way to do this?
3. Are the male IPS threads compatible with the female NPT (I think) coupler threads?
4. Should I add more unions?
5. How do I calculate the new lengths that will be needed on the left and right side of the valve?
Thanks, Wayne

[jimbo]

The problem is that your old Moen had female inlets and the new Delta has male. You can use a coupling and a nipple, but this may add too much length to mate up properly with the existing unions.

You will just need to get a handful of different size nipples, and take things apart back to the point that will allow a proper eassembly.

[master plumber mark]

if you cant solder, good luck....

I suppose you could get galvanized couplings
and build the faucet back up probably having to add
2 unions into the system to make it easier...

you could maybe just put a coupling on the top going
to the shower and jsut screw it back in to the line
going up to the shower ...
then add unions to the hot and cold sides of the fixture.


and cut it back to the elbows and start over form there......

that looks like a lot of work to me.

[wwilson1]

mark and jimbo,

Thanks for the help. One more question:
Will the male IPS threads (straight) on the Delta work with the galvanized couplers (NPT taper I presume)? I plan to use teflon tape for thread sealing.

Wayne