Plumber used CPVC for Tub Spout

[Hammer]

I had a plumber friend help me install the piping for my tub / shower set up. He used all CPVC piping. The tub spout looked a little unstable to mount the (pretty heavy 2.85 lbs.) Moen S3896 tub spout on because an accident or any significant pressure like someone leaning on it could break it off the CPVC pipe. I asked about it but he said it would be fine. After a Google search on CPVC and tub spouts it appears that CPVC or PEX should not be used for the piping to the spout. What is the correct method to pipe the tub spout supply with or tub / shower piping in general.

The valve body is a Moen U232CIS

Pictures of the tub / shower piping install

 

[Twowaxhack]

I would’ve used copper for the tub drop. In this case, your particular application cpvc would be ok but it should’ve been terminated with a drop eared ell with brass or stainless threads so you can come out of the wall for the spout with metal pipe. That cpvc will break…..

Lift spouts should never use pex or cpvc because it’s restrictive and can cause water to dribble out of the shower head while filling the tub. You’re not using diverter spout, you’re using a diverter valve, so this doesn’t apply.

Replace the cpvc spout drip with copper. That’s my answer.

 

[psomerville]

Just wondering if having a light switch that close to the tub is within code.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Should be on a GFCI if that close

 

[Hammer]

Should be on a GFCI if that close

I believe it is...

 

[Hammer]

I would’ve used copper for the tub drop. In this case, your particular application cpvc would be ok but it should’ve been terminated with a drop eared ell with brass or stainless threads so you can come out of the wall for the spout with metal pipe. That cpvc will break…..

Lift spouts should never use pex or cpvc because it’s restrictive and can cause water to dribble out of the shower head while filling the tub. You’re not using diverter spout, you’re using a diverter valve, so this doesn’t apply.

Replace the cpvc spout drip with copper. That’s my answer.

So the CPVC is ok to keep running from the valve to the spout and hand shower supply and just install a drop eared ell and come out of the wall with metal pipe (copper?) for the spout?

 

[Twowaxhack]

So the CPVC is ok to keep running from the valve to the spout and hand shower supply and just install a drop eared ell and come out of the wall with metal pipe (copper?) for the spout?

Unless the directions that came with the valve say otherwise, yes.

But personally I would install copper to the tub spout and solder it all.

 

[GReynolds929]

The lack of proper support on that install is a broken pipe waiting to happen. There should be a threaded drop ear 90 at the tub spout and hand held screwed to 2x4 backing. The nice thing about those valves is the back is flat and there are easy access mounting bracket to screw to a 2x4 behind each valve. As it is right now the first time someone shuts the water off with any force there will be a new shower created in the wall. CPVC would be OK with proper support, this install do not have that at all.

 

[Hammer]

The lack of proper support on that install is a broken pipe waiting to happen. There should be a threaded drop ear 90 at the tub spout and hand held screwed to 2x4 backing. The nice thing about those valves is the back is flat and there are easy access mounting bracket to screw to a 2x4 behind each valve. As it is right now the first time someone shuts the water off with any force there will be a new shower created in the wall. CPVC would be OK with proper support, this install do not have that at all.

Copy

 

[Hammer]

Thanks everyone for the guidance.

So is the general consensus to install threaded drop ear 90 at the tub spout and add copper for the tub spout and add another drop ear 90 for the hand held screwed it to added 2x4 backing and I should be good. or do I need to replace any of the CPVC piping?

 

[GReynolds929]

Technically you don't need to replace the tub spout piping with copper since it's going through a transfer valve and not using a diverter spout. Definitely needs a threaded drop ear secured to the 2x4. Copper would be better but that would apply to the hand held piping also.

 

[Hammer]

Unless the directions that came with the valve say otherwise, yes.

But personally I would install copper to the tub spout and solder it all.

How about copper and propress or sharkbite type fittings?

 

[TomFOhio]

No sharkbite fittings. I am just curious why you didn't center your faucet and tub spout with the waste and overflow? Unless your
picture is deceiving and and it is. Otherwise for me you did a nice installation. Just redo the tub spout line.

 

[Hammer]

No sharkbite fittings. I am just curious why you didn't center your faucet and tub spout with the waste and overflow? Unless your
picture is deceiving and and it is. Otherwise for me you did a nice installation. Just redo the tub spout line.

This is a better picture:

 

[Hammer]

Otherwise for me you did a nice installation. Just redo the tub spout line.

I think I'm going to install threaded drop ear 90 at the tub spout and add copper for the tub spout (like you said) and add another drop ear 90 for the handheld screwed it to added 2x4 backing and leave the CPVC piping in place not unless the CPVC will restrict the water flow as some have suggested.

 

[TomFOhio]

I like that picture a lot better.

 

[Hammer]

I purchased the suggested items to correct the valve piping.

8" X 12" copper stub
1/2" copper male adapter
1/2" X 1-1/2" brass nipple for the handheld shower
1/2" CPVC / Stainless drop ear 90 for the tub spout and handheld shower

​

 

[Hammer]

Ok a new twist in my quest to renovate my bathroom. So I must had a misunderstanding with the salesperson at my local plumbing supply store when discussing my needs / requirements for my valve functions. I thought I asked for a valve for (3) devices that would operate (3) independent and provides shared functions. After more investigation (reading online) the Moen U232CIS does not shared functions.

I called the plumbing supply and talked to a rep they confirmed that the U232CIS would not support my needs. I asked if they had a Moen valve that would operate (3) independent and provides shared functions and be able to use my trim kit and they said yes, they did the U362XS would fit my needs.

They had one with PEX connections readily available. My question is if anyone has had any experience with this valve or similar I'm assuming it's piped the same way but what needs to be modified for the shared functions as opposed to independent functions and will it share (3) shared at the same time or just (2) shared at the same time.

Also is there anything I need to know about the PEX materials or fitting in terms of preferred fitting material for PEX pipes like brass, stainless, plastic or crimping fitting type.

 

[Twowaxhack]

You need to get examples of piping diagrams for that valve or read the instructions to pipe it.

I feel like stainless or bronze are the best pex fittings. Brass is fine if you have good water.

Plastic if you have bad water.

 

[gagecalman]

I'm not a plumber so take this for what it's worth.
I'd call Moen and see if you can just replace the diverter cartridge. From the pics the housings looks the same.
It looks like the U232CIS uses a 200758 and the U362XS uses a 200759. Don't know if that is the only difference but if it is you won't have to start over.