I'm in the process of remodeling the master bathroom and just got the fixture for the shower this weekend and looking now at replacing the existing shower valve. I'd like to put in a couple of ball valves to shutoff the hot/cold water feeds at the same time...allowing the rest of the house to be on, yet the shower turned off in case of issues in the future.
Today it has 1/2" copper pipes feeding the existing shower valve with a 1/2" going to the shower head. This is a shower only too.
Last night while at a friends house I was talking about having to solder on this new valve and the concern of a leak and such - so he mentioned a compression fitting. I got to looking around and wondering if this would work. Of my reading:
1) Compression fittings should be done in a open, but space that won't get kicked/hit easily.
2) Compression fittings should not be inside walls
3) Sharkbite can be used in walls.
I've never soldered a copper pipe and I'm worried that I won't get a good tight seal as the water in the house would need to be off completely to do it.
PEX - I'm sure this is an option, but is it for a DIY?
So I'm thinking these are my choices:
1) Learn to solder copper pipes
2) Install a Sharkbite and go on with the process
3) Use PEX
4) Hire a plumber to get the new valve put in.
What are the pros/cons of each of these choices?
Thanks, Michael
Today it has 1/2" copper pipes feeding the existing shower valve with a 1/2" going to the shower head. This is a shower only too.
Last night while at a friends house I was talking about having to solder on this new valve and the concern of a leak and such - so he mentioned a compression fitting. I got to looking around and wondering if this would work. Of my reading:
1) Compression fittings should be done in a open, but space that won't get kicked/hit easily.
2) Compression fittings should not be inside walls
3) Sharkbite can be used in walls.
I've never soldered a copper pipe and I'm worried that I won't get a good tight seal as the water in the house would need to be off completely to do it.
PEX - I'm sure this is an option, but is it for a DIY?
So I'm thinking these are my choices:
1) Learn to solder copper pipes
2) Install a Sharkbite and go on with the process
3) Use PEX
4) Hire a plumber to get the new valve put in.
What are the pros/cons of each of these choices?
Thanks, Michael