How to Install a Shower Faucet with PEX (Step-by-Step Guide)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Install a Shower Faucet with Pex

A new shower faucet can give your bathroom a fresh look and feel, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project. If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, you can install a shower faucet with PEX yourself in just a few hours.

This article will walk you through the steps of installing a shower faucet with PEX, from choosing the right faucet to connecting the plumbing. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid common mistakes.

So if you’re ready to give your bathroom a makeover, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to install a shower faucet with PEX.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Pex tubing, pex crimping tool, pex cutters, adjustable wrench, tape measure, pencil, level Measure the distance between the hot and cold water supply lines and cut the pex tubing to the appropriate length.
2 Crimp a pex fitting onto each end of the pex tubing. Slide the pex fitting onto the end of the pex tubing and use the crimping tool to crimp the fitting onto the tubing.
3 Connect the pex fittings to the hot and cold water supply lines. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
4 Attach the shower faucet to the pex fittings. Turn the water supply back on to the shower and test the faucet to make sure it is working properly.

PEX is a type of flexible plastic tubing that is used for plumbing applications. It is a popular choice for shower faucet installations because it is easy to work with and can be installed in a variety of configurations. In this tutorial, we will show you how to install a shower faucet with PEX tubing.

Tools and Materials

The following tools and materials are required for this project:

  • PEX tubing
  • PEX crimp rings
  • PEX cutter
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Shower faucet
  • Shower valve
  • Supply lines
  • Drain
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver

Preparation

Before you begin, you will need to gather all of your tools and materials. You will also need to turn off the water supply to the shower.

To turn off the water supply, locate the main water shutoff valve for your home. This valve is usually located near the water meter. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.

Once the water supply is turned off, you can begin removing the old shower faucet.

Removing the Old Shower Faucet

To remove the old shower faucet, you will need to first remove the escutcheon plate. The escutcheon plate is the decorative cover that surrounds the shower faucet.

To remove the escutcheon plate, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Once the escutcheon plate is removed, you will see the shower faucet behind it.

The shower faucet is held in place by two screws. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the shower faucet out of the wall.

Cutting the Supply Lines

The next step is to cut the supply lines to the correct length. The supply lines are the pipes that connect the shower faucet to the water supply.

To cut the supply lines, use a hacksaw. Cut the supply lines so that they are about 1 inch longer than the distance between the shower valve and the shower faucet.

Installing the New Shower Valve

The next step is to install the new shower valve. The shower valve is the part of the shower faucet that controls the flow of water.

To install the new shower valve, you will need to first attach it to the supply lines. The supply lines are connected to the shower valve with PEX crimp rings.

To attach the supply lines to the shower valve, first slide a PEX crimp ring onto the end of each supply line. Then, insert the end of each supply line into the corresponding port on the shower valve. Finally, use a crimping tool to crimp the PEX crimp rings onto the supply lines.

Once the supply lines are attached to the shower valve, you can install the shower valve in the wall. The shower valve is held in place by two screws. Use a screwdriver to install the screws.

Installing the Drain

The next step is to install the drain. The drain is the part of the shower that catches the water that drains from the showerhead.

To install the drain, you will need to first attach it to the drain pipe. The drain pipe is the pipe that connects the drain to the sewer line.

To attach the drain to the drain pipe, use a plumber’s putty to seal the connection. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the drain in place.

Installing the Shower Faucet

The final step is to install the shower faucet. The shower faucet is the part of the shower that you use to turn on and off the water.

To install the shower faucet, you will need to first attach it to the shower valve. The shower faucet is attached to the shower valve with PEX crimp rings.

To attach the shower faucet to the shower valve, first slide a PEX crimp ring onto the end of each PEX tubing. Then, insert the end of each PEX tubing into the corresponding port on the shower faucet. Finally, use a crimping tool to crimp the PEX crimp rings onto the PEX tubing.

Once the shower faucet is attached to the shower valve, you can install it in the wall. The shower faucet is held in place by two screws. Use a screwdriver to install the screws.

You have now successfully installed a shower faucet with PEX tubing. This is a relatively simple project that can be completed by most DIYers. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to do the job for you.

Here are some additional tips for installing a shower faucet with PEX tubing:

  • Make sure that the water supply is turned off before you begin

3. Installation

To install a shower faucet with PEX, you will need the following materials:

  • A PEX crimping tool
  • A PEX tubing cutter
  • A PEX tubing bender
  • PEX tubing
  • PEX crimp rings
  • A shower valve
  • A shower drain
  • A shower faucet
  • A shower head
  • A plumber’s putty
  • A hacksaw
  • A drill
  • A screwdriver
  • A tape measure

Step 1: Prepare the PEX tubing

The first step is to prepare the PEX tubing. To do this, you will need to cut the tubing to the correct length. You can use a hacksaw or a tubing cutter to do this.

Once the tubing is cut, you will need to flare the ends. This is done to create a wider end that will fit into the PEX crimp rings. You can use a PEX tubing bender to do this.

Step 2: Install the PEX tubing

The next step is to install the PEX tubing. To do this, you will need to slide the PEX tubing into the PEX crimp rings. Once the tubing is in the rings, you will need to crimp the rings onto the tubing.

You can use a PEX crimping tool to do this. Make sure that the rings are crimped tightly so that the tubing is secure.

Step 3: Connect the PEX tubing to the shower valve and the drain

The next step is to connect the PEX tubing to the shower valve and the drain. To do this, you will need to use a PEX crimping tool to crimp the PEX tubing onto the shower valve and the drain.

Make sure that the connections are tight so that there are no leaks.

Step 4: Turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks

The final step is to turn on the water supply to the shower and check for leaks. To do this, you will need to turn on the water supply to the house and then turn on the shower faucet.

Look for any leaks around the connections. If you see any leaks, you will need to tighten the connections or replace the PEX tubing.

4. Finishing Touches

Once the shower faucet is installed, you will need to do a few finishing touches.

First, you will need to install the shower faucet. To do this, you will need to attach the shower faucet to the shower valve.

Once the shower faucet is installed, you will need to reattach the shower head. To do this, you will need to screw the shower head onto the shower faucet.

Finally, you will need to clean up the work area. To do this, you will need to sweep up any debris and put away your tools.

Installing a shower faucet with PEX is a relatively simple process. By following these steps, you can easily install a new shower faucet in your home.

How do I install a shower faucet with PEX?

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower. Locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water lines to the shower. Turn them both off.
2. Remove the old shower faucet. Remove the old shower faucet by unscrewing the nuts that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage the PEX pipes.
3. Install the new shower faucet. Align the new shower faucet with the PEX pipes and attach it with the nuts provided. Make sure that the faucet is tight against the wall.
4. Connect the PEX pipes to the shower faucet. Use a PEX crimper to connect the PEX pipes to the shower faucet. Make sure that the connections are tight and leak-proof.
5. Turn on the water supply to the shower. Turn on the hot and cold water valves to the shower. Check for leaks around the shower faucet.

What tools do I need to install a shower faucet with PEX?

You will need the following tools to install a shower faucet with PEX:

  • A pipe wrench
  • A PEX crimper
  • A hacksaw
  • A screwdriver
  • A level
  • A tape measure

What is the best way to connect PEX pipes to a shower faucet?

The best way to connect PEX pipes to a shower faucet is with a PEX crimper. A PEX crimper is a tool that crimps the PEX pipes onto the fittings, creating a leak-proof seal.

How do I prevent leaks when installing a shower faucet with PEX?

To prevent leaks when installing a shower faucet with PEX, you should:

  • Make sure that all of the connections are tight.
  • Use a PEX crimper to crimp the PEX pipes onto the fittings.
  • Check for leaks around the shower faucet after you have turned on the water supply.

What is the difference between PEX and copper pipes?

PEX and copper pipes are both types of plumbing pipes that can be used for shower faucets. However, there are some key differences between the two materials.

  • PEX is a flexible plastic pipe, while copper is a rigid metal pipe. This means that PEX is easier to work with and can be installed in tight spaces.
  • PEX is less likely to corrode than copper. This means that PEX can last longer in areas with hard water.
  • PEX is less expensive than copper. This makes PEX a more budget-friendly option for shower faucets.

Which is better for a shower faucet, PEX or copper?

The best material for a shower faucet depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a durable and long-lasting option, copper is a good choice. If you are looking for an easy-to-install and budget-friendly option, PEX is a good choice.

Can I use PEX for a hot water line?

Yes, you can use PEX for a hot water line. However, it is important to use a type of PEX that is specifically designed for hot water applications. This type of PEX is typically thicker and more durable than regular PEX.

Can I use PEX for a cold water line?

Yes, you can use PEX for a cold water line. However, it is important to use a type of PEX that is specifically designed for cold water applications. This type of PEX is typically thinner and less durable than regular PEX.

Can I use PEX for a gas line?

No, you cannot use PEX for a gas line. PEX is not rated for use with gas and can be a fire hazard.

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed how to install a shower faucet with PEX. We have covered everything from choosing the right materials and tools to the step-by-step process of installation. By following these instructions, you can easily install a new shower faucet yourself, saving time and money.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Choose the right materials and tools. The most important factor in a successful installation is choosing the right materials and tools. Make sure to use PEX pipe that is rated for hot water, and use a crimping tool that is designed for PEX.
  • Follow the step-by-step instructions. The installation process for a shower faucet with PEX is relatively straightforward. However, it is important to follow the step-by-step instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
  • Test the faucet before you use it. Once you have finished the installation, it is important to test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly. Turn on the water and check for leaks. Make sure that the water flows smoothly and that the temperature is consistent.

By following these instructions, you can easily install a new shower faucet with PEX. This will save you time and money, and you will be able to enjoy your new shower faucet for years to come.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.