In this video, when a shower valve in a perfectly preserved original bathroom started leaking, a homeowner reached out to Richard Trethewey for help fixing it.

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Older shower valves will leak over time. But, sometimes it’s safer to replace them with a pressure-balanced shower valve rather than fix them. When a homeowner knew that an upgrade would mean making holes in his perfectly preserved bathroom, he reached out to Richard Trethewey for help.

Where to find it?
Richard replaces an old 3-valve system in a 1930’s bathroom with a pressure-balanced
shower valve [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rQe3Q5] and cover plate [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DKAgKj].

First, Richard loosens the calking around the tub spout with a utility knife [https://homedepot.sjv.io/g1LKRr]. Then he uses a pipe wrench [https://homedepot.sjv.io/bavzk9] to remove the tub spout.

Richard uses an imp tubing cutter [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m5r34e] to easily cut the connecting water pipes and removes the old shower valve.

He then lays masking tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/y2E32v] around the 3 valves openings and traces out a template of the cover plate.

Richard then uses a drill driver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna] and drills holes around the perimeter of the template. Next, he cuts through the tile and mud job with an oscillating saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/g1LKDB], following the template.

Richard assembles the new pressure-balancing shower valve by cleaning out the
fittings and the exterior of the pipes with a wire brush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/vN13ye]. Then, applying a layer of flux [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Jzo0KR] to the interior fittings and exterior of the pipes. He installs the valve by heating up the pipe along the joints using a torch [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5gmQML] and soldering [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZX79M] them securely to the water lines.

All supplies used for this project can be found at most home centers.

Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH

Materials:
Masking tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/y2E32v]
Sand screen [https://homedepot.sjv.io/q4k34j]
Scrap wood
Pressure-balancing shower diverter valve [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rQe3Q5]
Oversized cover plate [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DKAgKj]
Copper piping and fittings [https://homedepot.sjv.io/WqOGkM]
Flux [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Jzo0KR]
Solder [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0ZX79M]

Tools:
Utility knife [https://homedepot.sjv.io/g1LKRr]
Pipe wrench [https://homedepot.sjv.io/bavzk9]
Water pump pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5gmQjj]
Small tubing cutter [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m5r34e]
Hammer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/ZQmzbR]
Masonry chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GmoBDk]
Drill driver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna]
Hammer drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LXoqnZ]
Masonry bits [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5gmQAL]
Oscillating tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/g1LKDB]
Wire brush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/vN13ye]
Tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rQEBXy]
Soldering torch [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5gmQML]
Screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9gxPM3]

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How To Repair a Leaking Shower Valve | Ask This Old House
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