i am switching my shower faucet from the 3 handle valve to a single handle. i have copper pipping and would like to switch that out with a flexible pipe. the copper pipe might be soldered with the main port. i need to know if i can do this job my self or do i have to get a plumber.
If you have no experience doing plumbing work, you'll need a plumber. Otherwise, you'll spend money trying to fix it and at some point, you'll have trouble and then, end up hiring one anyway. Btw, you don't need flexible copper pipe to replace a shower valve.
It's likely you can do the job if you have the tools. You're not real clear on what you're installing so I can't be specific, but you will have to cut the supply lines and install the lines to your new valve. You'll then need to run new pipes to your tub and shower head. Since you're switching from three handle to a single you'll likely have to do some wall board work too. That's just the details in the devil. You can do it but you should make sure you know everything you'll need to tackle. You'll need a copper pipe cutter, a torch and some SILVER SOLDER - not LEAD. Lead is no longer allowed on plumbing unless it is not going to be used for bathing or drinking. So across the board they've discontinued use of lead in copper piping in the home. I'm sure you can find something on You Tube that'll demonstrate proper techniques for sweating copper pipes. Just don't burn the house down and don't give yourself a nasty burn. Hope this helps. 'av'a g'day mate. )
There are several things you need to be aware of. First is that you will need access to the pipes to do anything. Second is that a single handle unit will need a hole in the center of the plumbing, which means a new hole. Right now the hot and cold water lines come to the valves and when these are opened the water travels to a mixer where the diverter valve is located. I assume this is a tub/shower unit as shower stalls only have two knobs. A single handle unit has the supply lines going directly to either side where the water is mixed inside the main assembly. The diverter is on the tub spout usually although some units have it located below the single handle. You can transition from copper to flex pipe, but I personally would not. I think your best bet would be to hire a plumber or a qualified handyman to do this job if you don't already know what to do.
If you have no experience doing plumbing work, you'll need a plumber. Otherwise, you'll spend money trying to fix it and at some point, you'll have trouble and then, end up hiring one anyway. Btw, you don't need flexible copper pipe to replace a shower valve.
It's likely you can do the job if you have the tools. You're not real clear on what you're installing so I can't be specific, but you will have to cut the supply lines and install the lines to your new valve. You'll then need to run new pipes to your tub and shower head. Since you're switching from three handle to a single you'll likely have to do some wall board work too. That's just the details in the devil. You can do it but you should make sure you know everything you'll need to tackle. You'll need a copper pipe cutter, a torch and some SILVER SOLDER - not LEAD. Lead is no longer allowed on plumbing unless it is not going to be used for bathing or drinking. So across the board they've discontinued use of lead in copper piping in the home. I'm sure you can find something on You Tube that'll demonstrate proper techniques for sweating copper pipes. Just don't burn the house down and don't give yourself a nasty burn. Hope this helps. 'av'a g'day mate. )
There are several things you need to be aware of. First is that you will need access to the pipes to do anything. Second is that a single handle unit will need a hole in the center of the plumbing, which means a new hole. Right now the hot and cold water lines come to the valves and when these are opened the water travels to a mixer where the diverter valve is located. I assume this is a tub/shower unit as shower stalls only have two knobs. A single handle unit has the supply lines going directly to either side where the water is mixed inside the main assembly. The diverter is on the tub spout usually although some units have it located below the single handle. You can transition from copper to flex pipe, but I personally would not. I think your best bet would be to hire a plumber or a qualified handyman to do this job if you don't already know what to do.
