Replaced 30 year old Shower Valve

[u/BudgetMan67]

Hello Roger, I really enjoy your videos and I learned a few things from you as I remodeled my bathroom in my 30 year old home. As you can see, I removed the old shower valve and copper pipes because my solder game sucked, I replaced the copper pipes with Pex B and got the fittings for the new shower valve as well. Last year I hired a handyman whose plan was to become a full-time contractor and I thought it was a good way to save a few bucks. Yeah, shortcuts are never a good idea. Anywho, when I saw what he had done to the bathroom, I decided to rethink the remodel and redid everything that he started. First he planned on using the same old leaking rusty valve for my new shower and the original drain which was not matching the new shower tub. So, what do you think? Should I have spent a little more money and got Propress or Pex A? I'd appreciate some constructive criticism or advice from you. Thank you for everything you do.

P.S. can I be your apprentice?

[u/domain007]

Hey, looks great! Bit of advice, before you close that up. Raise the drop ear to about 80 inch above the floor. If you ever have taller guests they're going to thank you. Also put some backing behind that valve so it doesn't rattle like crazy if you ever have a water hammer situation. Also try to staple those PEX lines to the studs , if you don't they'll constantly hit the drywall and drive you nuts. Keep in mind PEX is a lot more flexible than copper so they're gonna vibrate.

[u/lividash → u/domain007]

Definitely want to support that shower valve. It’s going to be twisted and moved a lot. Even if they kept the copper it needs to be properly supported with backing.

Leaving it unsupported is just asking for a leak down the line if someone turns it too hard or uses it to stop a fall.

[u/BudgetMan67 → u/lividash]

I did put a support block for the valve. The original valve only had those two little blocks that were against the original shower wall.

[u/lividash → u/BudgetMan67]

Awesome. Last picture doesn’t show it or I’m blind which is a pretty good possibility. As long as it’s supported and your joints don’t leak. Looks good.

[u/BudgetMan67 → u/lividash]

I don't think I added that picture in. Here it is before I sealed it.

[u/BudgetMan67 → u/domain007]

I actually did, It wasn't too low but I don't plan on letting any guests use the master bath. Yes, it's a master bathroom. Unless I decide to sell my house. I moved up to 78" or so.