How to Replace Shower Fixtures With Copper Pipes

Remove the water control handle from the old shower faucet fixture. The handle is generally held in place with a single screw. Remove the escutcheon or cover plate. Unscrew the old shower head and arm from the shower riser pipe.

Hold the replacement shower fixture escutcheon in place over the water control handle opening. Use a pencil to trace the outline onto the tile or shower wall. Measure a half-inch in from the traced outline, and draw a new line. Cut along the new line with a spiral-cut saw to gain access to the old shower valve.

Place a wet rag behind the shower valve. Put on leather gloves, and hold the valve with a pipe wrench or pliers. The valve and pipes will get very hot. Heat up the old welds with a propane torch. Remove the old shower valve as the old solder heats up and melts.

Replace the old 2-by-4-inch support board behind the shower faucet valve, if necessary. Install a 2-by-4-inch support board if there is not one in place. Cut the board to fit snugly between the wall studs. Hold the replacement shower valve in place against the support board. Adjust the board until the shower valve protrudes the required distance through the shower wall. Consult the specifications supplied with the replacement shower valve to determine the required distance. Drive screws through the support board at an angle into the wall studs to hold it in place.

Hold the replacement shower valve in place again. Determine if fittings or extensions are needed to connect the shower valve and the copper water pipes. Copper fittings are available in a variety of lengths with threaded or smooth ends. Take the replacement shower valve to the hardware store, along with the lengths of the fittings needed, to make sure you purchase the right fittings.

Clean and dry the outside and inside of the pipe ends and fixtures, including the shower riser pipe, with a clean absorbent towel, an emery cloth and wire brush. Make sure all of the old solder and dirt are removed and the pipes are completely dry. Do not touch the cleaned copper pipe ends with bare fingers. Skin oils and dirt can cause the solder to fail resulting in water leaks.

Spread flux on the outside of the copper pipe ends and inside of the copper fittings. Hold the replacement shower valve in place. Connect it to the copper water lines and shower riser pipe.

Remove the cartridge from the replacement shower valve. Re-wet the rag, and place it behind the replacement shower valve. Heat the copper pipe connection with a propane torch until the flux bubbles and then stops bubbling. Touch the solder to the heated copper pipe connection. Run a line of solder around the connection as it melts. Solder each connection.

Put the cartridge back into the replacement shower valve after it cools. Screw the new shower arm into the top of the shower riser. Screw the shower head onto the shower arm. Turn the water on. Check the new valve and soldered joints for water leaks. Remove the wet rag from behind the new shower valve. Install the new escutcheon and water control handle.