WE INSTALLED A SHOWER VALVE // TLF 26

This video shows our DIY installation of the Grohe shower valve in the master bathroom. This includes the Rapido Smartbox rough-in and a dual function Grohtherm SmartControl thermostatic valve. It also shows how to adapt copper to PEX water lines.
This master bathroom project was sponsored by Aaron & Company in collaboration with Lixil. Aaron is one of the region's largest plumbing-heating-cooling wholesalers with eight locations throughout New Jersey. Check them out at aaronco.com.
This is episode 26 of The Living Flip, a series where my daughter Julie and her fiancée bought a foreclosure to fix up while they live there. Watch the whole series here: • The Living Flip
➤➤➤Affiliate links to products used in this video➤➤➤
Grohe Rapido Smartbox - handydad.tv/r9r8
Grohtherm Smartcontrol thermostatic trim - handydad.tv/9j19
PEX crimping tool set - handydad.tv/a3bh
Copper-to-PEX adapters - handydad.tv/862z
Threaded PEX adapters - handydad.tv/ohp4
PEX drop ear elbow - handydad.tv/0cgn
Tinning flux - handydad.tv/3lwh
Torch - handydad.tv/cy88
Brought to you in part by our series sponsors:
Mannington Floors - mannington.com
Cub Cadet Power Equipment - cubcadet.com
Aaron & Co. Plumbing/Heating/Cooling - aaronco.com
✔︎Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @HandyDadTV
#handydadtv #grohe #plumbing #shower

[@christianpedersen3237]

Possibly the best guide to installing the Rapido Smartbox. I’m been staring at the cartoons, and my mind goes numb. This is great! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@JAYY_JAYY]

Great video I have been watching “professional plumbers “ and it took handy dad to make the best video . On second thought I see why no plumbers would show you this . It takes away from their work

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@SiManM20]

This is possibly one the most informative videos I’ve seen on KZbin in years. I followed your directions step by step and haven’t even opened the Grohe instructions once. Thank you 👍

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@davehogan7652]

Great video....really demystified the fitting of the Grohe shower valve for me...many many thanks

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@geoffreybram4360]

Great video👍 I have 2 of these in my home and you did a great job breaking it all down. I have an existing shower in a rental that has a tub surround. There is access in the back but is that suitable enough with this system … as a retro fit 🤔?

[@handydadtv]

Sure why not?

[@1conu593]

Greats installation! Saw like 10 of these from professional installers and you’re the only one who checked for leaks BEFORE closing the wall 😂

[@handydadtv]

Wow 😮

[@rushikeshagashe464]

Thanks a lot for the tip to plug in those stoppers! Our plumber installed the rough in yesterday and left it that way ... today morning we were getting hot water in our cold water taps!! 😅

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@bretschwartz]

This is exactly the same problem I just experienced except mine is completed and of course the contractor never tested the shower. The water comes out HOT or SCOLDING. does that mean my contractor never installed the stoppers? Im looking at a completely finished installation , can this still be fixed?

[@handydadtv]

@bretschwartz Turn off the water main, open it up and check.

[@Maniwasaki]

I'm german, first i saw wood and water..i giggled, then I saw the nice finish and the calm voice, i subscribed

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@djohn20111]

You're absolutely brilliant. You made my Grohe installation a breeze.

[@handydadtv]

Happy to hear! Thanks.

[@johnnicholson4862]

With regard to the comment about not putting the box in the centre of a tile - it depends on the tiles you have chosen, and on how handy you are with an angle grinder (disc grinder). We have 60cm x 60cm porcelain tiles in one of our showers and I put the box in the centre of a tile, grinding a hole from the reverse side. It wasn’t too difficult and looks great. What you definitely should do is choose the tiles before you install the shower and plan the whole installation so that you don’t have any awkward cuts to make.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the tip.

[@haroldwagner]

I just installed one of these tonight. Couldn’t done it without you. Thank you very much I do appreciate it thank you thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful. 😊

[@yesicandothis5586]

Great guide. Really useful to see someone installing it from start to finish

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@RyanM1randa]

This was probably the most easiest of all smartcontrol videos I’ve seen! Excellent

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@haroon420]

one suggestion I learnt from another KZbin plumbing channel was to put the knobs offset to the shower. That way you can switch the shower on and off without getting wet.

[@handydadtv]

Here is a more extreme situation like that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4GtdmuCZdeal8k

[@anderivative]

Damn that's genius

[@bliffblam]

It looks stupid and amateur off to the side. You could just do it the right way , and make sure your shower door opens on same side as diverter. Also big fail on green board in shower. If theres ever a plumbing leak / roof leak or the waterproofing fails even a little bit, best case only mold and mildew. Worst, drywall gets saturated and entire wall, tile etc needs to be ripped out and replaced. ALWAYS! Use cement board or the like. NEVER use gypsum products in a shower/bath!

[@chuckkennedy6553]

I had the Square version of this istalled 18 months ago in two showers. This is the best video i've seen on the build. I know the cartoon instructions drove our plumber crazy. I've deveoped the tiniest leak from the back of trim plate and the drip runs down the tile wall to the shower floor. So that area never is 100% dry. Wondering if the round mix chamber needs more goop where it meets the box, or if one of the cartridges has a minute drip. Hmm

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@wesmoc]

I had to laugh at the comment about the instructions looking like a comic book. So very true. While I am very handy, one of the comic book scenes had me confused, and this video cleared it up for me and I was able to complete my install. THANK YOU!

[@handydadtv]

I get it. Thanks for the comment.

[@PeterWilhelm]

Great video, very helpful, thanks. Quick question, I have started my install and I am up to the point of pressure testing, which is fine. The next steps with the service stops, is this necessary? as I have isolation valves on the hot and cold pipes leading to the shower valve so l can shut them off to stop the water and have no need to use the service stops, or am I missing something? Thanks in advance

[@handydadtv]

You can skip if you have shutoffs

[@jessicacastiglione9189]

Purchased and installed with the pictogram. Wish I would have found this first. It appears that the smart block will not allow flow with only one side pressurized. Both hot and cold water supplies need to be connected and pressurized for the cartridge to allow water flow to any of the selected heads. Thanks for the great video. TonyK.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@brianseadoo8307]

Good job , well explained !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@TheJamesJones]

Looks good. I enjoy watching your flip videos. I am still well in the planning phase, but seems like a neat system.

[@juventusventuno9213]

Well done!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Alex-qe2lf]

You didn't have to ask. I subscribed right away after a few minutes into the video. Great instructional video. And man, you are so lucky to have such an awesomely handy dad in Craig. We are looking to remodel our bath and glad that you sold us on the Grohe smart control system. I am not a big bells and whistles kind of guy but my wife loves the convenience. Please let me know how it has worked out for you after several months of use.

[@handydadtv]

If you like this valve, check out this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4GtdmuCZdeal8k

[@michiburger5136]

Thanks for the video 👌greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@handydadtv]

Hello Germany! Thanks for the comment.

[@nelsoncheng5714]

Amazing video! I am interested in the 3-way trim but am worried about the reliability of the buttons, how are the plastic buttons holding up from your usage?

[@handydadtv]

Still working (and looking) good as new.

[@swbarkley]

I put in the three button version in my shower almost 2 years ago. The buttons still feel and function as though I just put them in yesterday.

[@nyvinchenz9430]

So this shower body has been installed for almost a year any big complaints. I want to recommend it to future customers is it worth the price the shower ruff price ok but they are crazy for the trim and cartridge pieces. Thank you any feedback will be great

[@handydadtv]

No complaints! I know German engineering is expensive, but it's a quality product.

[@AntLive29]

Great series. Where did you get the shower head, wand, etc?

[@handydadtv]

Aaron & Company is a kitchen/bath showroom and plumbing supply.

[@Smart-sk7qm]

Fast worker Very good thanks

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@jprefect2913]

Great video! Thanks for making it.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@johnbelloni7821]

I'm pretty handy but instructions were hard to follow your post was great really helpful hate to put every thing in and find out something is wrong brilliant video Grohe should hire you

[@handydadtv]

LOL thanks so much

[@DogeViper4156]

Are the service stops just for preventing the hot and cold from becoming a cross connection ?

[@handydadtv]

Yes exactly

[@fbochannel3944]

Thank you it helped alot installing

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@TheLawnGuardian]

That is by far the fanciest shower valve control I have ever seen. Pretty awesome! If you couldn't tell, I'm catching up on all of your living flip videos. I fell behind. Life has gotten pretty busy. This is still one of my favorite series on the KZbins.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much ❤️😊

[@gertebert]

Welcome to Europe. Where everything is a lot better most of the time.

[@DirtyDuramax]

I thought the same thing about the comic book. I literally tossed the paperwork behind me and grabbed my phone to check KZbin university. Only thing i didn’t like seeing was using a drill for the screws but other than that, good work. Also i hate sharkbites! I’ve been a plumber for over 20 years and i refuse to use them in a permanent install. I don’t even use temp caps anymore either because i had one fail and ruin a really expensive hardwood floor from a very small leak over 2 weeks with nobody in the house.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the comment. I’ve heard mixed reviews of Sharkbites. Many people love them.

[@elynavarro6895]

I have the one with a single diverter and dual function...do you think the depth of the smart box is the same as how you positioned yours?

[@handydadtv]

I’m not sure

[@dclowd9901]

I have one of these in my shower and it was apparently installed too far back somehow? I guess the plumbers couldn’t make heads or tails of the limitations of the casing depth. They’re probably going to have to cut out the wall behind it to fix it since our tile is already in now.

[@handydadtv]

That sucks

[@rkpatel100]

Thank you, helped me out!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@kevinheide7300]

A very informative video....nicely done...maybe I can do mine after all. The instructions were , or looked complicated, but by watching your video, it made everything come together. It would have been nice to see how your cement board, that’s under your tile was fitted around the smart box, but with the ring you mudded in, it doesn’t have to be perfect, I suppose....again....this was a very helpful video, thank you, Kevin

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful. You can do it too. 👍🏻

[@mkassem81]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@isaacjacobs6192]

I’m installing my smart valve now. I see you used port B & C, You can’t use port A & B and close off C instead correct?

[@handydadtv]

The ports used are determined by the trim kit.

[@isaacjacobs6192]

Yeah I’m using the dual trim kit but I’ve read you can only use port A if you’re using the triple trim kit. Port A is a straight route to my hand held but I can’t use that one, only B & C.

[@hsuyueh-ching2147]

Thanks so much! Your video is so helpful! Even when we called Grohe, they referred to your video for instruction. One more maybe silly question, does the main control knob go just one click to the left (like 15 degree) for hotter water, but it actually goes all the way (almost 180) when turning right (for cold water). Not sure if I make sense but any response would be greatly appreciated. Just want to make sure we do it right. Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

That sounds right. I think you need to press the button to make it go hotter if you want.

[@hsuyueh-ching2147]

@@handydadtv Thanks for confirming!

[@bimil8724]

Do you need water hammer arrestor on the water inlets? Looks like it is a quick close valve.

[@handydadtv]

The directions didn’t require it, and my daughter hasn’t had any complaints about water hammering.

[@garrethroyal7015]

Hi does the smart control box have to be level from top to bottom of the control box if the wall is off a few mil is that ok

[@handydadtv]

I’m not sure but I’d think it’s more important for the box to be straight with the wall. If the box is plumb but the wall is off, the escutcheon plate may not sit right.

[@yevko99]

doing the same install, plugged the rough-in after doing a pressure test but didn't put the stoppers back in. Took me a while to figure out why the water in our shower was lukewarm :)

[@handydadtv]

Lol yeah it’s not obvious

[@yevko99]

How did you verify the connections don’t leak when you had to reconnect the handheld with a shorter pipe

[@handydadtv]

Faith. Seriously. I can’t see inside the wall when I install the final pipes so I use a healthy amount of Teflon tape and screw them in very tight. And say a little prayer.

[@yevko99]

HandyDadTV cool our house which was a flip had zero Teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads leaking into the wall, hate flippers

[@handydadtv]

Oh no! That’s just wrong.

[@Newspacehospitality]

Modern and functional shower trim kit

[@handydadtv]

Yes. Really nice.

[@infiniti2015]

Excellent video

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much

[@karthikg9]

Can we connect a 22mm copper pipe directly to the smartbox?

[@handydadtv]

Yes with a threaded male adapter.

[@JaM_Mobil]

Great video guys! I bought the Grohe smart control to fit it into a camper. However, I have no option do the test runs with water. I really have to install everything before I can run it with water pressure. Any advise with regards to this way of installing it?

[@handydadtv]

Follow all the steps, just skip the pressure test. Check for leaks when you finally hook it up.

[@handydadtv]

That said, you should still flush the lines before final installation of the valve.

[@JaM_Mobil]

@@handydadtv thanks for your quick advise. I can't flush the lines before finishing the whole installation unfortunately. We don't even have a drain yet ;) I will have to find a way to work around it.

[@handydadtv]

Don’t install the cartridge until you flush it.

[@JaM_Mobil]

@@handydadtv Thank you for taking the time to reply to my very special case. I watched your video over and over again trying to figure out why the lines need to be flushed before installing the valve. Even from the cartoon style manual it is not clear to me why it is absolutely necessary for the lines to be flushed. Will air in the pipes do any damage to the valve or will the air settle somewhere hindering the valve from working? This is a very important aspect questioning the whole sense of the grohe system for campers. Other than houshold installations where water pressure is constant and pipes will be constantly flushed I need to release the water from the whole system (e.g. if I leave the camper vacant during winter) from time to time. Hence, if air in the pipes / valve is a problem the whole grohe smart box would not make sense for camper utilization. Without taking to much of your precious time, I like to ask you if you could clarify for me why flushing is necessary. Greatly appreciated. (english is not my mother tongue, hope I made my point clear)

[@ivanmoreli9321]

Nice video!!! Thanks man!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much

[@CHIchangching]

do you have the link for the entire set? You link shows parts only. I am looking for the same set with valve in it. :)

[@handydadtv]

I don’t have an online source. You need to go to a local plumbing supply store for Grohe valves.

[@CHIchangching]

@@handydadtv I am really interested in these! do you know if those buttons are platstic made? They looks a bit cheap though.

[@handydadtv]

Other than the big faceplate, everything is plastic. Not cheap plastic though. It will probably outlast me.

[@firesurfer]

Hi, any suggestions for concealing the hose in the wall similar to a kitchen sink sprayer? I want to pull the hand shower hose out when needed and let the hose stay inside the wall leaving just the handle exposed on the wall when not needed. I'm mostly concerned with servicing the inside end of the hose in case of leaks or replacing the hose. The only thing I can think of is making an access plate somewhere near the diverter.

[@handydadtv]

I’ve never seen that.

[@firesurfer]

@@handydadtv It's either making a pocket in the wall for the sprayer so that it sits straight or making a 45 mount that sits on a flush wall. The access door is going to have to be right next to the diverter. I'm going to call Kohler and see if they have a suggestion. Kohler has a deck mount for the hand sprayer. I'm going to try and mount it to the wall.

[@Lauren-zk3ez]

What does the button on top of the temperature control do?

[@handydadtv]

Allows you to go hotter than the "high limit" of 100 degrees.

[@Lauren-zk3ez]

@@handydadtv thanks!

[@jackmorgan709]

so no water will come out without installing the actual valve body? I have the box roughed in right now and am wondering if I can turn the water back on without installing the valve body and trim.

[@handydadtv]

You need to have the stoppers installed, then you can turn on the water. I show how to do this in the video.

[@osheros]

The valve comes with the test plug, which mixes hot and cold and outputs to all outputs (that aren't capped) so you can pressure test. You shouldn't leave it like that for very long, ideally installing the real valve without the trim or having shutoffs elsewhere for the shower. Leaving the test plug in place means you might have hot water entering the cold water lines or vice versa if there's a pressure drop in the system, say from a toilet flushing. Also, a couple tips for the future: 1) use Teflon tape, then pipe dope on top of that to avoid those tiny leaks. 2) only a light coating of flux is needed and once you've pushed the fittings together, wipe off the excess to get less solder running down the pipe.

[@handydadtv]

@osheros Thanks for the tips!

[@Jdivanchik]

Interesting press connection system. I've never seen one like this. No need for pre-expansion of pipes.

[@handydadtv]

We have that system here too but the tools are much more expensive.

[@Jdivanchik]

@@handydadtv What is the name of the system you used in this video? You may have mentioned this in the video, but I don't understand English very well...

[@handydadtv]

This video explains the difference kzbin.info/www/bejne/joOxfHeofNGCotU I used Pex-B.

[@tuppersdad]

Those are cinch clamps which have a high failure rate. They were supposed to be pulled from the market but still are available. The worst pex connection.

[@mdsmp]

Great video. How did you deal with the hand shower install? Seems as if you need to have a threaded pipe roughed in to accept the 1/2” fip fitting it comes with

[@handydadtv]

The hand shower elbow, visible outside the tile, is connected to the drop-ear elbow inside the wall with a 1/2” brass nipple (short threaded pipe). I think it was around 2” long.

[@owenjamesk]

Great video thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@bigredwag]

Let's see the hand wand!!

[@J_A-_]

What is the press tool you use on the pex tubing? Is this good enough to be behind a wall?

[@handydadtv]

Should be a link in the description. Yes, crimped Pex connections are used inside walls.

[@faengelm]

very well done

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@jessedanner3460]

Nice video, Thanks

[@GG1man]

I recently finished installing the same device in my new shower. I am at a loss as to how to adjust the temperature of the water with the large knob. No matter which way I turn it, only hot water comes out of the shower or the hand held wand. The instruction booklet only has pictures. I wish it had an explanation spelled out.

[@handydadtv]

The temperature works fine on the main shower head?

[@GG1man]

@@handydadtv No, I cannot get the temperature to go down on the main shower head or the hand held wand. What I am having trouble deciphering are the instructions on page 6 of the installation manual. I know there is some sort of adjustment that can be made inside the unit. I simply cannot understand what the pictures are trying to say. You know that old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" ? Well, in this case I would prefer a thousand words. Perhaps when all is said and done, the Grohe SmartControl fixture will be appreciated. But I don't think I would have picked it if I had known the difficulty of installation. I've been a carpenter for over fifty years. I built my own house and did all of my own work, including electrical and plumbing. The only other time I had an experience with a Grohe product was about 35 years ago. I helped my brother install a Grogh vanity faucet. I recall having similar difficulty with that installation.

[@wesmoc]

Take the chrome cap off of the larger knob. Take out the gray plastic insert. It is a little difficult because the teeth in the gray insert lock into the inner workings of the knob, but with a little persistence it should slide out. Now, look into the knob and you will see the the toothed insides of the knob and in the surface you will see thin slot. Insert a medium sized flathead screwdriver into that slot and turn it gently to the right. I had to turn mine all of the way until I met resistance. Remove the screwdriver, turn the outer knob so the button is at the top, insert the gray piece back in making sure the word TOP is centered, and test. You may have to do this a few times to get the temperature you are comfortable with. Once you have it adjusted the way you like, put the cap back onto the knob.

[@eds6017]

@@wesmoc I cant get the gray insert to stay in place. When I turn the knob it eventually pops out like it's not seated correctly

[@82attilatoth]

10:46 I would like to use this system for bath filling. Does it come with more white cover caps with different images? I need a bathtub image but even when I select bath filling in the configurator the result shows shower icons.

[@handydadtv]

Yes it comes with many different choices of button caps. Including a bathtub.

[@82attilatoth]

@@handydadtv cool, thanks! I could not find this info anywhere!

[@haroon420]

Can the universal box be used with other brands of shower knobs? I’ve bought a shower with waterfall feature and they’ve given a standard mixer. I wanted to switch to this. Is that possible or can we only use only the grohe fittings?

[@paulwaterloo345]

Thanks for posting that HandyDad! This should be on Grohe's channel, it's hard to figure everything out, but watch your video and now I know what to do for my rough plumbing. Very helpful. Building a new house a block from the ocean in FL!

[@handydadtv]

Sounds wonderful! Good luck with the house.

[@nomadicplanet1158]

This is not a proper install u should not follow what he did. . He violated code and used poor material Not a wise move Talk to a professor in ur area

[@handydadtv]

What code did I violate, professor?

[@paulwaterloo345]

@@nomadicplanet1158 You should learn how to spell.

[@frankortolano5886]

Good job

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@Birdfriend777]

your voice is great as an anchor.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Zizochoukri4042]

What camera are you using to film things in front of you while you are are working with your hand.? Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

GoPro

[@prymus6260]

what size of pipes did you lead to the water mixer and from the mixer to the rain shower

[@handydadtv]

All 1/2 inch.

[@Leick42]

Thanks

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@Bladess1111]

Hello i have similar Grohe smartcontrol system but i cant change volume of water flow , when i press the button the flow is high, after turning the button left or right it does nothing. Its connected correctly with this white roller under it. The problem is this main button has different range of move then this roller and IT means that beginning of range on main button is equal to ~1/3 range of this white plastic roller and on this range water is on highest flow. Its possible to fix it?

[@kjerstistoddard3751]

I have the same problem. My contractor thinks that is just the way it should be but I can't imagine that it would not be able to have the same volume control as the less expensive system he installed in the guest bathroom. I tried to contact Grohe but no response yet and nobody in my area seems to be familiar with this system so they have no opinion. Hopefully, somebody will reply to your comment with an answer for both of us.

[@Bladess1111]

@@kjerstistoddard3751 grohe service visited me and said that it should be like this and the range of volume pressure it isnt that noticeable :D that it depends on the installation system pressure in house.

[@peterekker2381]

I have the same problem. Flow control valve not decreasing well the water. It feels maximum to minimum -10% flow control decreasing. Any advice, or is it “normal”?

[@ANISH0721]

Did you guys ever manage to get this sorted?

[@peterekker2381]

⁠​⁠@@ANISH0721Grohe service can not help. They said it is normal. Problem still exists. :(

[@xcmskim4]

Awesome job! Excellent video! If it ever breaks/leaks, hopefully the plumber will know how to fix it. I find that most plumbers dont know how to fix expensive or complicated shower systems/fixtures or faucets.

[@handydadtv]

I didn’t need a plumber to install it. I won’t need a plumber to fix it.

[@hyiloajami9329]

Thanks.good work

[@StayConnectedEV]

What is the second faucet for? Great work! One concern I see is it has a lot of plastic parts these days.

[@handydadtv]

The lower outlet is for the hand sprayer. I mentioned it briefly but should have been clearer.

[@StayConnectedEV]

HandyDadTV pretty awesome

[@SilverSpoon_]

@@handydadtv ah ok I thought you were planning to add another handheld showerhead, but that's always a nice thing to have, I like the idea, good job!

[@elizabethpotkanska7250]

Hi! Love you video! I have similar Grohe Shower Valve in my bathroom. Is the default lowest temperature 38 deg? Can it be adjusted to colder temperature? The lowest setting is to warm for me sometimes..Please help.

[@handydadtv]

It is adjustable by removing the cover on the temperature control knob. Turn on the shower on to a temperature you like, pull out the black ring inside the temperature knob, turn the knob so it clicks at 38 degrees, and then reinsert the black ring. Now the knob should be locked on your preferred temp. Just push the button to turn the knob hotter.

[@elizabethpotkanska7250]

@@handydadtv Thank you! Unfortunately my model is different: GROHFLEX timeless Dual set, my husband had no luck adjusting the temp, he took out a couple of screws... the cover was stuck... we couldn't find any video showing adjusting temperature on our model..

[@ashishnagor5311]

I'm indian, really looks good. And your way of working is very good. 👌👌

[@maclure151]

What if the rapido smartbox is installed using A and B ports and plugging C. Will this valve still work?

[@handydadtv]

No. You need to choose one of the port connection options on the front. All 2-port options use B and C only.

[@alsan2812]

​@@handydadtv hello HandyDad, I need help, I hope you can help me. I have smartbox and this: www.grohe.co.uk/en_gb/essence-single-lever-mixer-with-2-way-diverter-24058001.html, at the moment top shower and hand shower work together when the button is popped in, when button is popped out, nothing happens no water goes out, I think my plumber made a mistake and he installed using A and B, and since we have the plug for A outside as well (while installing the valve there's another outside plug and he put this plug to A, so at the moment only B works in the button popped in position). Is there a way to correct this ? If I get this one: www.amazon.co.uk/Linear-24095001-Single-Lever-Diverter-Chrome/dp/B07QJ56SF9, and dont use the outside plug for A, would this help top and hand shower work separately ?

[@alsan2812]

@@handydadtv any ideas :) ?

[@handydadtv]

Refer to this document cdn.cloud.grohe.com/Literature/Brochures/en_GB/GROHE_Rapido-Smartbox-Brochure_en_GB/original/GROHE_Rapido-Smartbox-Brochure_en_GB.pdf Page 36 shows your valve trim using port B for the shower head and port C for the hand shower. If the valve is not working correctly, you should get your plumber to fix the issue. I've heard of hiring a plumber to fix DIY mistakes, but not the other way around! However, your suggestion of replacing it with a 3-port valve might work if he used ports A and B incorrectly. But GET THE PLUMBER TO PAY FOR IT.

[@alsan2812]

@@handydadtv thanks a lot for your response ! Yes, C is closed and A-B is connected, I will go for this: www.amazon.co.uk/Linear-24095001-Single-Lever-Diverter-Chrome/dp/B07QJ56SF9 as 3 port valve solution, do you know if this would allow me to separate hand shower which is on A with top shower which is on B ?

[@dannyg6683]

This is an excellent video! I sell plumbing fixtures and sell Grohe. I will most definitely be sharing this video with any plumbers who have any questions about this system. Thank you for making it!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure. It really was an easy installation. The comic book instructions are the hardest part.

[@nomadicplanet1158]

This was not done by code. & the way you soldered those transition fittings was pretty poorly oh & btw u should do your research as to why there are copper lines in houses. That plastic pipe builds up bacteria on the inner walls of the pipe, where as copper is a natural entaganst that kills bacteria. Besides the fact it's a shitty thing to put low quality material in your house and look to pass it off as if it's proper material behind them walls. Another words u can paint a log of shit to look nice but it's still a log of shit. But good effort for a home owner, just sad ull try to sell the house in the future as if it was the correct material & professional work.. Smh.

[@handydadtv]

Wow you sound like an angry old guy who can’t let go of the ancient ways. Sorry to say, no new homes are built with copper anymore. I guess we’re all consuming bacteria growing inside the Pex tubing.

[@genghisbunny]

What's the advantage of this system over a standard flick mixer?

[@handydadtv]

Easier plumbing. More control. Fewer points of failure. Style.

[@nigelgray9939]

Also, the component that goes mostly on thermostatic shower mixers is the cartridge. Nearly every other concealed shower, you'll need to take the wall down. This one, you remove the face plate, swap the cartridge, and replace the face plate. Simples.

[@paratroddiu]

8:07 ok, go friend! take off your hand!

[@wesmoc]

What he did was a legit way to do it.

[@mdsmp]

You cant cut your finger with a wetsaw

[@macsterguy]

Very, very nice shower!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@5molotok5]

kind of strange to see super nice grohe shower valve surrounded by cheap moisture resistant drywall, even though the redguard was applied. probably will be fine, but i would still use cement board. and i would only use gas wrench to turn pipe.

[@handydadtv]

The original shower was tile on 3/8” ordinary drywall with no waterproofing. This one should last as long as they like the tile.

[@henkjan7263]

so this unit can be repared without getting the whole wall out?

[@handydadtv]

Correct. You can replace the entire valve from the front without opening the wall.

[@nachochitiu6953]

Really helpful.

[@handydadtv]

Glad to hear

[@joshnantell9504]

What are the service stops for?

[@handydadtv]

The service stops keep the water shut off during construction until you can install the valve cartridge.

[@AussieInSeattle]

Anyone installed one of these? How hard are the buttons to push? Could little kids (6yo) manage? Hard to tell in the video how hard you have to push them on and off.

[@handydadtv]

This valve would be easy for kids

[@anthonymyers4378]

You're videos are great. Where/how did you learn to do all this stuff?

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊. Mostly from my Dad, and This Old House. There was no KZbin when I bought my first house.

[@middlesbrough123]

I’ve just done one I cut one rod and tried the green part in fir size then thought I’d done it too short because the green was visible so I cut all 3 shorter ......oops 🙈 Don’t understand why you would have green plastic showing 🤷‍♂️

[@handydadtv]

The green shows when it’s on.

[@middlesbrough123]

@@handydadtv yeah I’m aware now . Chrome with be better

[@michalm838]

looks like blind guys was tiling terrible gaps lol.

[@handydadtv]

If that’s all you have to critique, I’d say we did a good job. 👍🏻

[@michalm838]

@handydadtv find the doctor u need help u must be blind

[@CyndiLH]

The little ledge on the front of it is used to level it I think :)

[@handydadtv]

That’s right

[@anderivative]

It's for setting your beer while you work, but yes level before setting the beer.

[@chrisg9464]

Overall great instruction video! A note, please don't install rough-in's with PEX, unless you like having the toe warmer leak while running the shower. Always run copper for the shower assembly (you can actually run PEX to the hot/cold, but the rest needs to be copper).

[@handydadtv]

Wait. Are you saying it’s okay for the supply lines to be Pex, but the riser to the shower head, for example, should be copper?

[@chrisg9464]

@@handydadtv Weird, right!? Bare minimum is one to the spout, this avoids the leaking while running the shower. Pex doesn't allow enough pressure for the spout diverter to remain fully enabled, it will always be partially open with Pex (example, you ca pull on the diverter, and it will stop leaking). We had one customer complain about it, we researched, and ended up opening the drywall behind the shower to re-plumb it post completion. Easier than re-tiling.

[@handydadtv]

Are you talking about a pull-up diverted on a tub spout? With water-saver shower heads, I’d think the pressure would be high regardless of the tubing going to the spout. Coincidentally, I looked at a picture of my current house being built and see they indeed used Pex for the supply lines but COPPER for the lines to the tub spout and shower head! Is this for flow, or rigidity? 🤨

[@chrisg9464]

@@handydadtv I haven't been able to find an explicit, data/ technical backed explanation for it. The most logical is that the inner dimensions of a pex tube is lower, reducing the pressure. This can also cause a backup of water to flow up to the shower head.

[@mycl500]

@handydadtv Any issues with your pex shower head setup? I know if you use pex B crimp style the fitting has a smaller diameter than pex A....hence potential for lost of pressure. What if you use pex A maybe that would be a non issue.

[@2Drezik]

nice !

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@nutanp]

What's the point of the valve on the bottom? To wash your feet?

[@handydadtv]

It will go to the hand sprayer.

[@sutra49]

At minute mark 9:52 in this video you need to point out that the knobs should be in the open position. In addition, the orange guides which came with my unit are to be placed over the trim, you had yours placed flat and maybe they are specifically for cutting, but mine where not which resulted in me cutting mine too short.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the tip

[@carlreichelt8724]

So the push buttons should be all the way out..with orange caps over the trim knobs..then cut stems flush with orange piece ?..

[@darrenbinder8064]

I think they made two versions. The one shown here is older and I think the plastic spindles need to be pushed in (valves off) before cutting. The newer version has orange covers over the actual knobs so you want the spindles out (valve on) before cutting. I cut mine as shown with spindles out and now they are too short and I’m scrambling to figure out how to get new ones.

[@erikgillisostrom6109]

Looks nice BUT...... that installation with the piping behind the wall would be totally unacceptable in Sweden and no insurance company would ever pay a dime for eventual damage!!! But I guess rules are different in your country 🙂

[@handydadtv]

You don’t have pipes inside the walls in Sweden?

[@LittleAnimalTV]

Help! Somehow there is less water pressure on the main shower than the hand shower. It looks like only eco flow works. If i turn the button further the water flow is not increasing.

[@FeroxWJB]

Is the escutcheon plate and the knobs made out of plastic or metal?

[@handydadtv]

The plate is metal. The knobs are plastic. But not cheap plastic.

[@apex007]

Bob and Sal had some drama last week on youtube. Bob mentioned how Sal contacted you and told you not to follow Bob's method for your master shower build. Thats some weird drama between grown ass men.

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed. I expect Pros to fight with DIYers. But not each other.

[@apex007]

@@handydadtv They're don't even have the same customer base. Not sure why Sal gets so upset. Sal obviously only does high end installs while Bob does low to mid end.

[@sweaterwearingsquirrel9302]

For the life of me I will never get why guys use drywall screws around showers and shower fittings. I always use exterior because steam and vapor are real.

[@handydadtv]

Redgard is real. 👍🏻

[@victoraraujo912]

We for real can use drywall for a shower if we use redguard?

[@handydadtv]

Yes. I’ve done it multiple times. No issues.

[@tuppersdad]

No even red guard says no.

[@Ryan-bl2xo]

Never use drywall behind tile even if you use redgaurd

[@handydadtv]

I disagree. Nothing wrong with it. My previous house was built in 1971 and the shower was tiled over 3/8” drywall with no waterproofing. Lasted nearly 50 years until I decided to renovate it.

[@marala11]

All your work looks good but the gas cap is a “no, no”. It will create corrosion. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@handydadtv]

Gas cap?

[@marala11]

​@@handydadtv I don't want to annoy you but between 4:18 to 4:23 and 4:24 to 4:33 it seems like the piece of copper pipe was capped with a bulky galvanized or black gas cap ( the grey color cap). A copper or brass cap will look skinner and it would be similar to the copper pipe color. Unless what you've installed there is a "plastic cap" with a galvanized/black gas cap look.

[@handydadtv]

Oh gotcha. Yeah, the caps were black pipe on brass nipples. But they were just there temporarily for pressure testing.