View Full Version : Builder Installed Plumbing in Wrong Place
htownmom
Jul 4, 2009, 05:55 PM
My home is under construction and the builder installed the plumbing to my bathroom 3 in the wrong place. He installed it in the doorway of my gameroom! As a proposed resolution, the builder has offered to relocate the plumbing to its proper place but has to break through my newly poured and still curing foundation. Will this compromise the foundation or pose any future problems with the foundation? Should this even be a concern? Also, will there be any potential future plumbing/drainage issues caused from this repair? Are there any other options on getting the plumbing to its proper place without breaking through my foundation? Please help!! I am distraught over this problem. Please advise.
Milo Dolezal
Jul 4, 2009, 06:15 PM
I don't think you will have any issues with new plumbing through foundation. I would suggest that you core through concrete rather than break it with jack-hammer. It will retain its structurality.
I don't know if it could be re-routed in different way since I don't see lay-out of your house and plumbing. But overall, no big deal, especially if builder agrees to relocate it w/o extra cost to you.
htownmom
Jul 4, 2009, 07:04 PM
Thanks for the response.
The plumbing needs to be moved over about 6 feet. I was under the impression that they would have to create a channel of some sort from where the plumbing is to where it needs to be relocated to. They would then add more rebar and pour new concrete to fill the hole. Is it possible to do this using this coring method?
Milo Dolezal
Jul 4, 2009, 07:37 PM
If you are on slab - then Yes, it can be done the way you described. If you have post-tension slab than make sure they don't cut the cables. It is very expensive to repair.
21boat
Jul 4, 2009, 08:04 PM
Not able to give other options here. Can't see the print.
A new hole through a green poured wall isn't a super big problem structurally.
I'm a bit confused here. Is the "foundation" as you call it also the floor too?
If its just a matter of going through the foundation wall no worries as long as the brake through is done in a gingerly way and not "Shock" the wall. A hammer drill and some hand hit cold chisels will work.
No Jack hammering abuse
If the plumbing has proper fall and is vented correctly then all should be fine. If you could post some drawings and or pictures many here can also advise on locations and layouts..
Is there any why to mover the door and swing a layout to accommodate the change?
speedball1
Jul 5, 2009, 06:33 AM
Mom,
You keep saying "foundation" Are you quite sure that you don't mean slab? Most plumbing's inside the foundation. What makes yours different? Regards, n Tom
htownmom
Jul 5, 2009, 07:58 AM
I will go out to site and take some pics of what I am talking about. But the plumbing pipes are sticking up from my post tension slab in the wrong place. No, moving the walls are not an option. The builder will not supply me with the blueprints to my house, so I am unable to supply that. I want to thank you all so much for your replies. I will have pics available later this evening.
speedball1
Jul 5, 2009, 08:09 AM
The builder will not supply me with the blueprints to my house, so I am unable to supply that.
What do you mean he won' let you copy the plans? They're your plans. You paid to have them drawn up if you have a custom built home. Ask him if he will furnish you with a set of the "as-built" plans. If he refuses make complaints to the Building Department and the Better Business Bureau. Let me know how you make out. Tom
21boat
Jul 5, 2009, 11:18 AM
What do you mean he won' let you copy the plans? They're your plans. You paid to have them drawn up if you have a custom built home. Ask him if he will furnish you with a set of the "as-built" plans. If he refuses make complaints to the Building Department and the Better Business Bureau. Let me know how you make out. Tom
I smell smoke here. How many sets of prints were done? The builder is blowing smoke here!
pipes are sticking up from my post tension slab
That changes this her quite a lot. The floor will need sawed which may effect a post tension floor unless its just a concrete floor. Depending on the type of post tension floor you don't want to saw cut into the concrete floor and cut the cables/tension rods
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prestressed_concrete
htownmom
Jul 6, 2009, 07:35 AM
Here are some pics of the problem. The small framed area to the left of the pipes is where the bathroom is and the pipes are supposed to be.
21673
21675
21676
Milo Dolezal
Jul 6, 2009, 07:39 AM
Yes, it is in a wrong place. What happened ? Did they misread the blueprints ?
KISS
Jul 6, 2009, 08:12 AM
Hey, the builing permit people have a set of plans, don't they/ They have to in order to approve the construction.
You had to at least see them if this was a custom home.
Find out if they are not following the plans. The building permit company could get involved.
All you need is them not issuing a certificate of occupancy and you'll have more troubles.
htownmom
Jul 6, 2009, 09:07 AM
Yes, I did see the prints and they were correct. This is a production builder and is one of their standard plans that I had a few custom options. I am still trying to figure out myself how this was overlooked.
21boat
Jul 6, 2009, 08:37 PM
This is a production builder and is one of their standard plans
It almost looks to me like the layout was reversed here. Another words they have a basic set of the same prints they go by and as most track home construction is you reverse the layouts to accommodate for changes in driveway/door grade entrances. A left or right handed print. The thing that bothers me even more is who's overseeing this and he must be the brother of the framer that framed the inside walls knowing that the plumbing is off.
See if you can actually find out EXACTLY what is in the "Post tension floor" and what was used there. There has to be a print for that spec for approval of specs>>>?? Really need to know that to cut the concrete floor and move drainage. The inspector may also need to know of the relocation.
Just on a side note. In my area the plumbing inspector doesn't really look at the print on a res house. He is mostly interested in proper drainage slopes and vents for PVC rough ins.
Obviously the plumbing was inspected Before the floor was poured and they figured someone knows where to put the pipes.
hojomusician
May 1, 2015, 11:10 PM
I think the same thing has just happened to me.
http://youtu.be/a1B72fCOHwY
massplumber2008
May 3, 2015, 05:53 AM
Yup, looks like the two pipes in the hall will need to be relocated to the hall wall, for sure! It shouldn't be a big deal, however... plumber/builder just needs to chip out some of the floor, extend the pipes and patch the floor.
Good luck
Mark