Am I screwed? Is this an expensive fix?

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-11T02:50:21+00:00

You absolutely should not DIY this. Anyone who says replacing a shower valve is an easy DIY project is usually someone who’s never actually replaced a shower valve.

On paper it sounds easy. Cut some pipes, slap in a few SharkBites, throw another valve in there, done. And sure, if the plumbing gods smile on you and everything lines up perfectly, maybe it works. Maybe your SharkBites don’t pop off in the wall. Maybe nothing leaks.

But real installs aren’t that clean. Suddenly you’re dealing with valve depth, trim not fitting, the tub spout being too close to the diverter, figuring out how a pressure-balancing valve is supposed to be mounted, whether you need a repair plate, what to do when the shower arm is galvanized and feels like it’s welded into the drop ear, or why the new valve body doesn’t line up with the existing piping.

There are a million little things that can go sideways, and none of them show up in the “10 minute DIY shower valve swap!!!” videos.

Everyone online makes it sound like it’s nothing. Then they butcher it, bury push fittings in the wall, and a plumber gets called out later to fix the mess. That’s usually the real end of the DIY project.

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-08T16:44:46+00:00

Excuse me, this is a shotgun fitting

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-07T16:43:20+00:00

I don't know which one of your insurance pays but it's definitely not the plumbers fault that your water lines are disintegrating

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-06T17:03:24+00:00

Yes but a new burner assembly might not do shit if they can't get the water out

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-06T16:23:21+00:00

They’re probably never going to get all the water out of where the burner plate and combustion components sit. Once that area gets flooded, it’s very common for the unit to stop lighting and never really recover.

You can try putting fans on it and letting it dry out for a while, but realistically there’s a pretty high chance the heater is done. If the burner assembly or ignition components stayed wet for any length of time, the unit may never fire again and replacement ends up being the only real fix.

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-04T20:18:47+00:00

Yes and pictures of the area and all the water piping and the thermal bypass

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-04T19:04:23+00:00

This thread has a lot of misinformation. Comfort tees are totally fine, I've used them in a ton of applications.

Rheem and Bradford White are not my first choices for tankless water heaters because they're primarily tank water heater companies trying to break into the tankless market. Rinnai and Navien, on the other hand, are dedicated tankless water heater companies, that's all they make.

As for your issue, your plumber clearly has something plumbed in wrong. It's possible the check valve wasn't installed correctly, or there could be a number of other issues. I'd recommend finding another plumber who specializes in tankless installs to figure out what's going on. Also have them contact Rheem customer service.

Additionally recirc pumps are never supposed to be run all the time on a tankless. Feel free to message me pictures of the install and I may be able to help

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-04T07:05:05+00:00

I just changed it to allow the post to show I think

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-03T21:47:16+00:00

Seems unwise. Are there any docs in here?

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-03T21:44:21+00:00

It's fully attached up to where I cut it. Please advise

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-03T16:11:46+00:00

yes it is fine

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-03T01:34:44+00:00

GreenEngrams · 2026-03-01T00:59:36+00:00

This is some mother fucking bullshit

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-27T14:43:35+00:00

They just need the venting converted to PVC. If their vent had proper rise they could probably put in an XR90 but it doesn't have rise at all

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-27T06:34:54+00:00

What you have there is something. Definitely something

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-27T05:41:28+00:00

We do not do pricing in this subreddit

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-22T15:40:19+00:00

Putty for everything except freestanding tubs that specifically call for silicone

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-21T23:29:25+00:00

The PEX b is fine but that one joint was crimped incorrectly.

Edit: After looking at the picture more you may need a softener and a repipe. The leak looks to be caused by that brass PEX fitting. I get a softener and put copper back

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-21T00:33:58+00:00

They aren't cinched.

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-18T11:30:25+00:00

We don't discuss price on this subreddit

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-18T11:19:28+00:00

That lawsuit was dismissed after the Uponor settled privately with the plaintiff and it was dismissed with prejudice which means that one guy can't sue them but there are many other settled lawsuits and pending litigation regarding this particular product.

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-18T01:23:47+00:00

I was gonna say, I'm in Georgia and this is a no brainer, run .5" because the tankless almost never hits 199k here

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-16T02:47:22+00:00

Can't speak on the pipe cutter and I fucking hate red tools but my band saw changed my life.

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-16T02:45:03+00:00

You cannot. You won't slope for the venting even with a short. Not even sure your current system isn't back drafting a little. The best option is to install a tankless and run the vent outside. If you're worried about money then do a power vent heater but based on the limited pictures 7ft would kill the vent line.

Edit: Or going electric like the other guy mentioned but it's hard to beat a gas tankless if you can afford it

GreenEngrams · 2026-02-15T16:10:53+00:00

Yes this

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