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Connect water supply — Install the Water Supply Lines

Beginner

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Shower Rough-In Plumbing: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide · Step 3 of 4

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In this video

Connect the faucet's pre-connected supply lines to the water supply shut-off valves (hot on the left, cold on the right). Hand-tighten first, then use a wrench to finish tightening. If using flexible PEX lines, use pliers or another wrench to hold the water shut-off valve steady while tightening.

Goal: Connect faucet to water supply

  • Hot water supply line typically goes to the left connection point.
  • Use pliers or another wrench to stabilize the shut-off valves if they are flexible PEX lines.
  • It's common for shut-off valves to leak a bit at the packing nut when turned on and off. If this happens, just tighten the packing nut behind the handle about 1/8th of a turn.

Used in this video

  • Wrench · optional — Tightening supply lines
  • Pliers · optional — Holding shut-off valve
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FAQs

How difficult is this shower rough-in project for a beginner, and what's a realistic time estimate?

While labeled "beginner," this project requires meticulous attention to detail for measurements and connections. A novice can accomplish it, but allocate at least a full weekend, or even longer, to work carefully, learn the process, and handle any unforeseen challenges without rushing.

The tool list includes a "Zest Candle." Is that correct, and are the PEX-specific tools like the crimp tool absolutely necessary?

The "Zest Candle" is an error and is not needed for plumbing. However, specialized PEX tools such as the PEX cutter and a crimp tool are absolutely essential for creating secure, leak-proof connections. You can often rent these specific PEX tools from home improvement stores if you prefer not to purchase them.

What are the most common causes of leaks in PEX supply lines, and how can I ensure my connections are watertight?

Leaks typically stem from improper crimping or damaged tubing. Always make clean, perpendicular cuts with your PEX cutter, ensure fittings are fully seated, and use your crimp tool correctly. Crucially, check every crimped connection with a go/no-go gauge for proper tightness.

How should I thoroughly test the PEX supply lines for leaks before closing up the walls?

After capping all open PEX ends, slowly introduce water pressure to the system. Inspect every connection point visually for drips, listen for any hissing, and feel for moisture. Keep the system pressurized for several hours and re-check periodically to catch any slow leaks before proceeding.

Transcript
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or you won't be able to pull the sprayer out the top now we're going to do the supply lines the Spy lines have rubber gaskets in them so you shouldn't need any Teflon tape or pipe compound the hot line has a tag on it that says hot and it goes on the line on the left if you don't know which line is your hotline there is typically a dishwasher attaches to the hot side so we'll tighten these lines up finger tight first and then we're going to want to get these on there pretty tight so we're going to use a wrench to Snug them up the rest of the way if you have flexible PEX line like I have here in the video you may need to grab a hold of the water shut off with a pair of pliers or another wrench like so now we can go ahead and turn the supply lines on when you turn these shutoffs off and on sometimes you'll have one that'll start to leak from the packing nut this is a common issue it's not a big deal you'll see some drips coming off that hotline on the left to just take a wrench and tighten that packing nut just behind the handle it doesn't take much you'll just need to tighten it about an eighth of a turn

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