How to Sweat a Shower Valve

Sweating a shower valve is a process that seals all of the pipe fittings to prevent leaks. This is a standard process that seals copper pieces together and creates a water-tight seal. Turn off the main water supply to your shower before attempting this project.

• 1

  Remove the mixer valve from the hot and cold piping. This is the attachment that has the shower valve connected to it. The mixer valve is designed to mix both hot and cold water together at the same time.

• 2

  Clean all the shower valve fitting openings with an emery cloth. These portions are where the tubing connects together. Rub the emery cloth firmly inside and outside all of the fitting openings, including the mixer valve that attaches to the hot and cold piping. This acts as a fine sandpaper, removing any debris that may be present.

• 3

  Apply the flux with the included applicator brush to all of the fittings. Brush an even layer on the fitting openings. Perform this step on the inside and outside of the shower valve openings. No drying time is needed in between soldering.

• 4

  Attach the shower valve mixer to the hot and cold pipe fittings. Face the shower valve toward the hole in the wall as this will be essential for you to be able to control the temperature from inside the shower stall on the other side. Connect the pipes by placing them firmly into the elbow joints of the pipe. Crimp each pipe connection, using the pipe wrench to gently but firmly squeeze the elbow so that it will be slightly dented into the pipe connection within it. This helps to seat the pipe so that it does not move while you are soldering it.

• 5

  Light the propane torch and heat one fitting at a time with the flame of the torch. Heat the pipe fitting for approximately one minute and apply the 95-5 solder with one stroke to seal the fitting. Repeat this step for the remaining fittings.