Step 7 · Connect Pipes to Box Valves

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Cut the PEX pipes extending through the box so they are the correct length to connect to the valve inlets. Slide a 1/2-inch copper crimp ring onto the blue (cold) PEX pipe. Push the pipe fully onto the cold valve inlet (typically on the right). Position the crimp ring 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the end of the pipe and use the PEX crimping tool to compress the ring until it's secure. Repeat the process for the red (hot) PEX pipe on the hot valve inlet (typically on the left). For the drain, cut the 2-inch PVC pipe to the proper length and use PVC primer and cement to glue it into the drain port on the outlet box.