Tub & Shower Faucets with CPVC pipe

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Texas Wellman

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Hi,

I didn't see a similar topic after searching so I decided to post my own. I'm renovating a house and I am replacing the original faucets. The original faucets were installed on CPVC pipe. What is the preferred method to keep the faucets secure when using non-rigid pipe?

I have ran a board behind a faucet and then strapped the hardware to the board but then it makes it un-accessible for repair. I have seen some where the cover in the shower gets tightened up against the shower wall and secures the faucet to the shower but I always thought that this was not really a good way to do it.

With rigid pipe like copper or galv. the pipe gives the support. How do you replicate the support given by metal pipes when using cpvc or pex?
 

Terry

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With PEX and CPVC, you need to secure the valve body.

Or.........you can solder on some copper, and secure that.
For a tub spout, you will need copper.

PEX and CPVC are too smal for a tub spout.

moen-tub-spout-install.jpg
 
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Texas Wellman

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Thanks for the quick reply. I do use a metal piece for the tub spout.

How do you secure the valve body exactly? As I stated, before I have used a board (1x4 between the studs) and then strapped/secured the valve body to the board. I was just curious how a real plumber does it?

I prefer not to have any copper/metal in the plumbing so adding a section of copper/galv. is out of the question.
 

Jadnashua

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Some valve bodies have screw holes for you to use to anchor it to blocking. Otherwise, you have to become somewhat creative. In a tub/shower situation, since you need to make the tub connection out of full-bore pipe (all of the plastics are thicker, and have a too small ID for things to work properly), you'll have at least one pipe sticking out of the valve that can be strapped or screwed to something. If you use a dog-eared el fitting to turn into the tub, that has holes or slots to accommodate anchoring it well. You do not want to be flexing that connection every time you turn the water on/off or adjust the temperature, so you do want it anchored. If you use metal for the shower riser, that would give you both sides that you can anchor fairly easily with commonly available materials.
 

JohnfrWhipple

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Wing Back Fitting


32985591.jpg


From there you are going to need some more fittings


JfeWb.jpg


Maybe one of those and some of this....

201012272234317133_123209846.jpg


tbn-02close-4.jpg


And a little chunk of this


pipes2.jpg


Then you might pull it off without using any heat !
 

JohnfrWhipple

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Thanks Terry.

I was trying to be funny - show how crazy all the steps needed are to avoid using a little copper and some sweated joints.

The Home Depot crowd is all about these quick connects.

I think we will find copper fittings will become "Special Order" in under five years.....
 
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