Shower Valve Replacement...Hansgrohe's iBox and PEX (Step-by-Step)

Replace shower faucet diverters without solder copper pipes.
We share how to do it using PEX and Hansgrohe's iBox.
For more home improvement tips visit www.homerepair...
Helpful Links:
Hansgrohe iBox Universal Valve -- amzn.to/2zWxc5V
Hansgrohe ShowerSelect Trim -- amzn.to/2AGUaLn
Autocut Copper Pipe Tool for 1/2" Pipe -- amzn.to/2AFJNYm
Emery Cloth -- amzn.to/2zX1jcu
SharkBite Depth Tool -- amzn.to/2zTELtr
PEX Pipe -- amzn.to/2zV7nCG
Crimper for PEX -- amzn.to/2jJtaab
Cutter for PEX -- amzn.to/2hJDlHn
90 Degree Elbows for PEX -- amzn.to/2hItUbx
Crimp Rings for PEX -- amzn.to/2B4Z6Kh
3/4" Male Adapters for PEX -- amzn.to/2z63NC6
PEX Shutoff Valves -- amzn.to/2jLm4lL
SharkBite Shutoff Valves -- amzn.to/2B7RSFo
1/2" Drop Elbows Shower Head/Tub Spout -- amzn.to/2hPbzNI
Teflon Tape -- amzn.to/2z5v7R2
Channellock Pliers -- amzn.to/2jcp7z9
Impact Driver -- amzn.to/2jJuaer
Spade Bit (1") -- amzn.to/2hQoZZJ
Measuring Tape -- amzn.to/2hNMgLP
4 Foot Level -- amzn.to/2jbe0qa
Caulking Gun -- amzn.to/2hNUNhJ
Silicone Caulk -- amzn.to/2iBbutO
Mill File -- amzn.to/2z6gpt6
Screwdriver -- amzn.to/2jaaWe4
T-Lock Tile Leveling System -- goo.gl/1Xqd6v
wedi Tub Surround Kit for Shower Walls -- goo.gl/8D12gy
Angle Grinder for Cutting Tile -- goo.gl/o4N5jJ
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The first step for doing a shower valve replacement is determining whether to use copper or PEX.
We used PEX because it's easier than copper and provides some flexibility inside shower walls.
Determine the height of the shower valve, in this case the iBox, the tub spout, and shower head.
Connect all the PEX to the iBox using the right fittings and crimp rings.
Mount the iBox to the right depth using plywood and cement board screws. Ensure it's level and then connect the female fittings for the tub spout and shower arm.
Once the shower mixing valve is secured to the wall do a pressure test by turning on the water.
Spot any leaks and fix them before adding backer board to the shower walls.

[@gladi8orob]

Wow! Seriously simplistic! Very informative! Thanks!

[@kylefogle6022]

Great video! As a plumber who has installed various shower valves and many hans grohe valves, I'd say you covered nearly all the bases. I personally enjoy setting i boxes and grohe flex boxes because of their large reference surfaces and anchoring points. You emphasized leveling the box using the tabs which is great, but plumb and square shouldn't be overlooked. Sometimes blocking doesn't go in perfectly, walls may be out of plumb, etc... Using that level as a straight edge on the face of the valve, you can establish square by measuring back to the face of the studs, when both measurements are the same, your square. I use a laser with the plumb line for this instead. The laser is also helpful in aligning the shower head and tub filler. When it comes to setting the wing 90 or drop ear wing adapter, whatever it goes by, I find it useful to install a 6" nipple for test. This allows more accuracy in squaring and leveling the adapter, resulting in a tub filler and shower arm that is not only centered on the valve but centered over the drain. This may not be a big deal for most homeowner/diy applications, but when you install long tub spouts and shower arms this becomes imperative. I've only ever used pex for temporary applications, but I do know that the crimp type fittings reduce the flow rate seeing as the fitting fits directly in the pex therefore reducing the inside diameter, whereas the expansion type fittings maintain the same inside pipe diameter. That said you shouldn't have to go to 3/4 if using the expansion type fittings. You do however need a pricey expansion tool, just food for thought.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Great tips Kyle, thank so much for taking your time to explain everything thoroughly. We also like using laser levels but mostly for tile. It might be a good idea to use one for the next shower valve we install and share some tips. What kind of PEX system do you like using? Maybe we should explore that instead of the crimp rings.

[@snakemonkey555]

That was pretty intense. Great DIY video. Thanks.

[@-kk8619]

as a german i dont check this lines be so slimm and loose back there :D great work btw

[@K3NH]

Thanks man ❤

[@smoknvader9127]

How many scratches did you end up with on that tub? The guy was letting everything from the brass fittings to all the droppings just fall all over the tub.

[@brocheelie9676]

Une démonstration magnifique

[@wcsd9577]

Thank you, I'm installing this same one later this week and it helps a lot to see it done beforehand.

[@michagellert7225]

thank you!!! all the best from Poland!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you Michal, hope you’re having a great day

[@ziendlovu1408]

Great system well understood guys thanks very much

[@gbigbo_zjebeezjeboo]

Great video ? However I'm a bit confused. At around 4:18 the ibox is shown with the different pipes connected. To the right of the ibox we see an incoming blue pipe (cold water coming from household supply). To the left of the ibox we see an incoming red pipe (hot water coming from househould supply). But then, - On the bottom of the ibox we see again a blue pipe ? Does it mean only cold water will run through it? - On the top of the ibox we see again a red pipe ? Does it mean only hot water will run through it ? Could you/could someone clarify a bit please. Kr, EDH

[@logtec1977]

According to PEX- 1/8"-1/4" of pipe should be showing between the fitting and the ring

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thanks logtec1977

[@dogscratchedoor]

Seems like the pex to male NPT adapter dimension is reversed. The female is 3/4" and pex is 1/2" unless you're running 3 /4" pex all round but male dimension should be 3 /4" , right?

[@amando5810]

Hi, I was working on a valve similar one bottom. Doesn't work I did replace it and still no water any ideas

[@mdanwarofficials918]

Hello sir great video but how I reopen the decor palette and

[@viggoajackrussell-hyperact223]

I think you should read the instruktion again (you cut it fluss with the wall...and no 2 K seal (1. moisture and 2. water protection sealing) on all corners. Might be correct plumming in some contires... but sorry to say, not even first year apprentice in any Scandinavia countries would be alowed to do this.. what ever board you use on the back side, a corner or assambly point is best to be protected... who many times dont you see moisture or mould behind old teils under renoveating.

[@otresplumbing1255]

This guy's a comp case waiting to happen

[@rem_it]

Hi, what bathtub was it? It has a good shape with near vertical walls for the shower function. Thanks

[@logtec1977]

The first thing you need to do is protect the tub and NOT place your hammer and other tools directly in it in the tub!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

You're correct, we should have shown that

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

Home Repair Tutor do the service stops came open and how do you close them?

[@sarge9733]

Holy shit. That bath must be fucked! If I HAVE to work in the 'tub', I always put two dust sheets in there, and even then, try not to put ANY tools down. This bloke is thowing all his shit in the bath, like it's a garage floor. Shocking!

[@gold7155]

Could someone share -> what's the life time of PEX Pipe to use hot water?

[@josephaloise3380]

Did you have a problem with water hammer? I did one and had some banging noise when I shut the water.

[@stevenjohnson6205]

The gold fitting that goes into the ibox before the shower. Will that come with the shower or is it a separate part? Got the ibox but no other part

[@Tinroofdeals]

R.I.P. Tub.......

[@MrTesh47]

Do you know if Hansgrohe manufactured different types of temperature control knobs? I’m trying to remove the knob and cannot see or locate any fixing screw to unfasten the knob. Did Hansgrohe ever manufacture a straight forward push on knob? I’m simply trying to find a way to increase the temperature. I don’t think the valve was correctly set when installed.

[@rynhrst]

Would you recommend using a thread sealant like Rectorseal Tru-Blu with the teflon tape for added protection?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+rynhrst are you referring to the PEX fittings going into the iBox?

[@rynhrst]

Yes.

[@leetomlee7265]

thanks for sharing. I am confused with so many different types of valves. Why use iBox vs pressure balance valve or a separate temperature control with volume control valves? Appreciate any of help.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It’s personal preference. All new valves should be pressure balanced. Hansgrohe has different trim kits for the iBox that controls temp, volume should be steady for shower. Delta and Am. Standard also make good systems. Just depends on what you want

[@leetomlee7265]

i am sorry i do not know what i want. So iBox has pressure balance too?

[@DEADLOK69]

Any chance you can use a 2x8 to install the iBox?

[@itsmerob6120]

Pittsburgh level baby

[@carlosmangrobang5629]

Does that valve trim control water volume for both tub and shower?

[@mdsojibhosain365]

ممتاز

[@deborahkim1242]

Shouldn’t the supply lines be copper pipes. I don’t like this pex stuff. How does it really wear over time?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

PEX is approved by our local plumbing code, our county has some of the toughest code enforcement in the US. We've had multiple pinhole leaks with copper but none with PEX, that should give you a good idea of how is wears over time.

[@marktomas3490]

Where is the volume or pressure control? You can not apply the "single" water pressure for the shower as you use for the tub.

[@bagelcheese9695]

Hi - please help! My brand new Hansgrohe shower diverters in both bathrooms stick - in the shower setting. What was done wrong in the installation? Inbox Universal plus was used with Tali’s S.

[@ismailoz6677]

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️👌👌👍ellerine ekmeğine sağlık

[@joshuaskidmore999]

I like running 3/4 pex all the way.... the diff in ID between copper & pex always concerned me

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Good suggestion, 3/4" will give more water flow. Thanks Joshua

[@rockys7726]

You don't need to trim the white plastic screws so accurately. There's a lot of room in the ibox to screw into. Also don't over tighten those screws or you'll distort the mounting plate.

[@majstrujeme8352]

Crimp pex ugh use Uponor.

[@smokey6420]

Uponor sucks, tece is the best.

[@Natalya-lq6tu]

Hi, my builder installed wrong way around thermostatic mixer sleeve, towards blue is hot water and red is cold ! Could you please let me know how difficult is it to change it now when the job is complete? So i can go back and ask the plumber to change or leave it now. Many thanks

[@bornnrazed]

If you’re a plumber you would know not to use pex or anything else other than copper; or a brass nipple for your piece between your valve and tub filler. This installation done the way the video shows will end up in restriction. So when the homeowner goes to fill the tub they will also get water flowing through the shower head as well, not just the spout. There are many videos on KZbin showing pex being used for your tub filler and none tell you that it will be a costly mistake if not done right.

[@robertball8111]

I'm a novice with plumbing and also have never used pex. You talked fast, made following you difficult. This doesn't seem like a project for a novice diyer.. would like to find a tutorial that slides things down significantly. I have learned enough grim your tutorial on using pex that I think I can use it, still a bit unclear which pex tools are good and necessary, so many kinds and variations. Some are pretty expensive, is it worth investing in more exspensive pex tools if your going to use it for ably a couple projects. Also I had a plumber from a reputable company republic the majority of my 118 year old house and he told me that b the shark bite connectors are not meant to be used for long term plumbing repair or upgrade, they don't last. You get about a year or so and then they leak. Can give me your take on this as an issue to be concerned about. Hate to have a leak behind a shower wall shortly after installation.

[@TheZoomzik]

американские шабашники с фум лентой, домом из опилок - жесть

[@user-od4pb4um1l]

Везде хватает.

[@user-qd8ig9vb5p]

Вы чё там лепити горбатого.

[@Saucyakld]

Beyond me hahaha!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Tineke Williams lol, you’d be able to figure it out

[@mdshafiqabir1415]

holding cesk

[@valz1985]

That poor tub is getting scratches and dings all over the place. I always cover my tubs with ram board before I even start work.

[@ancruzsumano6472]

What type of pipe do you use?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

PEX for water supply

[@user-ss7wg5ev5j]

Шабашник ванну не накрыл, на подводе В1 и Т3 сразу нужно ставить уголок (колено).

[@douggordon6220]

This guy is a hack. He must have a indistructable bathtub. Now days these things scrach just by looking at them. I can tell he has never done this professionally. DIY plumbing is pretty simple.... just make sure you have a good homeowners policy.

[@davepangolin4996]

Those feed pipes ‘pet’ look rough

[@itzseafairyplayz5527]

you weren't able to center the fixture to the vertical tile line!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

We don’t design showers for that, we can cut tile and accommodate any mixing valve location.

[@itzseafairyplayz5527]

well all that needs to be done is measure properly to anticipate where the center line is. Minute sensibilities but makes a world of difference in aesthetics

[@otresplumbing1255]

Get a life

[@brianrundle9219]

Rough!

[@user-uh4ii8mt3h]

In Russia we don’t give money for this kind of work 🤭

[@dedicatedpyro]

Ew that thing looks way to complicated, ever use Moen Posi-temp?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

it's not bad, the push button functionality makes it look harder than it is. But the cool part is you can use the iBox for any Hansgrohe faucet. Haven't used the Posi-Temp. What do you like about it?

[@rubengh777]

It seems very complicated. I’m used to the simple American products.

[@I.c.k.c]

What is your opinion on this method of tiling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGevqJ9qbd53qa8 Would it cause problems in the future? Thanks

[@HomeRepairTutor]

yes, just watched a few minutes of that video and saw many problems. First, there's no use of an uncoupling membrane like DITRA or Flexbone. This will ultimately lead to cracked tiles in older homes. Plus, uncoupling membranes waterproof the subfloor. The method in the video also neglects back buttering or use of a trowel. These techniques can lead to popped tiles. And finally, the angle grinder lacks a wheel guard. We have some footage of this ourselves but don't recommend it. Angle grinder blades rotate at 10-12K RPMs and if one breaks...it's dangerous at best.

[@I.c.k.c]

Home Repair Tutor thanks, just wanted to ask your opinion . I never saw tiling straight onto concrete with concrete, without adhesive. Seems strange

[@HomeRepairTutor]

it's okay to tile over concrete but using something like DITRA between it and the tile is a smarter method. Unfortunately some people might watch that video and think it's okay. Plus the lack of back buttering or trowel is simply bad technique. This video is a better example of what to do kzbin.info/www/bejne/r16sc3SeqKqpnLM

[@I.c.k.c]

Home Repair Tutor oh thanks . But I meant tiling with a cement plaster screed instead of a typical tile adhesive . I never saw that before so I didn't know what to make of it haha

[@jonathangreene941]

Good video but piece of shit valves