I'm new to this forum and have a question concerning the best way to solder a Moen model 62320 shower valve. Do I need to remove the cartridge? I was afraid it would get too hot and melt the o-rings. How do you know how long to heat the joint before you apply solder. It seems some of my joints are turning dark and I thought maybe I was overheating the joint. Any soldering advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by dsimms

I'm new to this forum and have a question concerning the best way to solder a Moen model 62320 shower valve. Do I need to remove the cartridge? I was afraid it would get too hot and melt the o-rings. How do you know how long to heat the joint before you apply solder. It seems some of my joints are turning dark and I thought maybe I was overheating the joint. Any soldering advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Remove the cartridge. Take plumbers sand cloth and shine the pipe back a few inches and with a 1/2" cleaning brush shine the inside of the fitting.
Now paint both pipe and fitting with NoCorrode Solder paste or a acid based paste and join the pipes and valve.
Fire up the torch using a medium tip and apply heat to the BOTTOM of the fitting while holding the tip of your solder on TOP.
When the solder begins to melt on top run the tip of the solder around the joint. Capillary action will suck the solder into the joint as you run the solder around the joint. Run the solder around several times and let it set it. You have just completed your solder job. Hope this helps, Tom

I thought most shower valves were using pipe thread these days. If your shower valve has threads and you are worried about heating it up too much then solder a length of pipe to the threaded adapter before you screw it into the fixture. Then you can use a coupling to attach this to the supply lines.

Thanks for the quick replies. The valve is not threaded and the cartridge was already installed when I got it. In addition the small white plastic tool needed to remove the cartridge wasn't included. I guess I'll have to go back to the plumbing supply house and get one. Your advice on how to solder has helped me get a better result. I never realized how difficult it was... kind of like playing golf... how hard can it be to hit that little ball?? Anyway thanks again , I'm sure I'll have more questions when I try to install my Aquaglass 3-piece shower , Toto Drake toilet , and vanity in my basement project.

If new to soldering a MAPP gas torch can help a bit. It is hotter than propane and gets things moving along pretty well.