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    mikeswiz's Avatar
    mikeswiz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 2, 2009, 06:53 PM
    Soldering vs thread on for a new shower manifold
    I am installing a brand new shower with a Delta manifold. It has threads for each connection (hot, cold, shower and tub). 1/2 copper also fits into the connections perfectly.

    I have already used this same configuration on my other show that I installed, I soldered in the copper pipe. Yes it took a while to get the brass hot enough, but I have not had any leaks for over six months.

    I went to the local home depot about getting a plug for this installation, and they told be that I should not have soldered in my copper connections since it was threaded. They said I should have used the screw on connection then solder to that copper fitting.

    Can anyone give me any information on the pros and cons of both ways?
    letmetellu's Avatar
    letmetellu Posts: 3,151, Reputation: 317
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jun 2, 2009, 07:19 PM

    The sweat fitting are better for me because it eliminates one solder joint and one threaded joint on each side of the body. But be sure that you take the valve apart and take out all of the parts that heat could damage or distort.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 2, 2009, 07:49 PM

    Screw on fitting (female adpator) is to make the job more home owner friendly. Soldering is best but requires a bit of skill and some disassembly as Letmetellu points out. A properly taped and tighten adpator should be fine but I sweat whenever I can.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 3, 2009, 04:51 AM
    Hi Mike...

    Delta and may other manufacturers are making valves today that can have either pre-soldered threaded female adpaters connected to the male threads of the valve OR can have copper pipe soldered directly into the threaded connection as you indicate you did.

    You will have no issue with this the way you have done it! As presented, you did exactly what the manufacturer wanted you to do!

    Good luck...

    MARK
    mikeswiz's Avatar
    mikeswiz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jun 3, 2009, 05:57 AM

    THanks guys!
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jun 3, 2009, 06:02 AM
    Glad to help!
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Jun 3, 2009, 06:13 AM

    I am a bit late but... Basically, manufacturers give you both options. There is nothing wrong with either one of them. Some prefer to solder, some prefer to screw.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #8

    Jun 3, 2009, 06:29 AM
    Some prefer to solder, some prefer to screw.
    Given a choice I'm going to chose "screwing" every time. LOL!
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