Soldering Delta shower valve

[BRrenovator]

I installed a Delta R10000 PX Multichoice Universal Rough Valve Body with Pex crimp connections with universal outlets. I tested it after the installation and found leaks at the top outlet for the shower and at the bathtub stop on the bottom. My local plumnber advised me to use Oatey pipe compound in addition to the plumbers tape that I had used with the initial installation. I followed his advice, but the valve still leaks at the stop. Delta suggested that I take the compound off and double up on the tape. Since I've had this problem, I'd rather not take any chances and just solder the top and bottom connections closed. I've never soldered pipe before. Do you have any instructions on how to do this? Are there any other precautions?
http://www.deltafaucet.com/bath/details/r10000-px.html

Thanks

 

[SHR]

You are either wrapping the PTFE tape the wrong direction (common) or not tightening fitting enough (also common). Wrap the tape clockwise 3x around as you are looking in to the end of the male fitting. Snug the female PEX adaptor up tight.

 

[BRrenovator]

So I reinstalled the shower valve. I don't think that I had put enough plumbers tape on the threads the first time. I put more tape, and tightened the stop as tight as I could. It's not leaking any more. However, I have Sharkbite slipball valves on both the hot and cold water lines that run up to this bathroom only. I left the valves open so the water was on all night, and I could test for leaks. When I took a shower in the other bath (master bath), the water wasn't as hot. Neither was it as hot in the master bathroom faucet, or kitchen faucet. I checked the crawlspace this morning for leaks, and there were none; neither was the water heater leaking. When I shut the water off from the Sharkbite valves, the water at the faucet in the master bath, and kitchen got hot again. I'm confused as to why the water isn't as hot when I open the shutoff valves. What is causing this, and what can I do about it?

 

[frodo]

stupid question.

is their an arrow on that valve? or some kind of shower/ hot/ cold/ tub indicator ?

is the valve "ON" and the shower head pluged ?

 

[johnjh2o]

Install the cartridge on the valve. The hot and cold will mix without it being installed.

 

[Matt30]

Exactly.
As John said, you are getting crossover from hot to cold. Install the cartridge, or keep the valves shut off.

Also, if you don't want to flood your house, get those stupid shark bite valves out of there and and replace with pex.

 

[BRrenovator]

Exactly.
Also, if you don't want to flood your house, get those stupid shark bite valves out of there and and replace with pex.

Have you ever heard of Sharkbite failures? Does pex make shutoff valves that go from cpvc to pex?

Thanks

 

[Matt30]

Shark bite failures are as common as dandylions in the spring. They are a garbage set up. And yes, you can transition from cpvc to pex one way or another. I'm not 100% sure if there's a straight cpvc x pex adapter because cpvc is not used where I live. But I know there's cpvc x female adapters, and you could thread a male x pex adapter into it.

 

[BRrenovator]

I don't have any leaks from this valve or the plumbing in the crawlspace. My only test was opening the sharkbite valves from the crawlspace, and leaving the water on all night. Is that a sufficient test to check for leaks, or do I need to pressurize the system some how?

Thanks

 

[phishfood]

I can get CPVC x PEX crimp fittings from a few of the supply houses around here, not sure what the situation might be for you. If you want to transition at the valve, just use a threaded ball valve, and thread the appropriate adapters into it.

 

[SHR]

If the valves you used are actual "Sharkbite" brand valves, you can leave them in place. You will not have issues. If they are any other brand, I would replace them.

I do not use the "Sharkbite" valves for permanent installations only because I have the materials, tools and knowledge to easily complete installs with other materials. There are hundreds of forum conversations about the pros and cons of "Sharkbite" or push to connect fittings all over the internet. I do not want to start another. I have tons of training from the manufacturer and experience with the "Sharkbite" brand fittings and other similar brand products. My very educated opinion on them is for a novice, the "Sharkbite" brand valves are fine.