Hi All,

I'm a NEWB with some Questions:

1. Have an old Bathroom Vanity that I would like to replace. I believe it has Globe Style Valves under the cabinet. They are working fine and not leaking.

My options are change them with compression type valves (need to know what size) or use an adapter to attach new flex feeds (3/4 to 3/8?). Does such an adapter exist?

2. This one's a real doozy! I'm in the process of having my 2 Fam home converted to 3 Fam. I've gone through the hoops of hiring an Architect, General Contractor, Plumber, Electrician to build it. It's nearly complete BUT, I'm having a problem/issue with my Gen Contractor...

Our Contract stated that the work was to begin Oct 10, 07 and be completed in EIGHT weeks. It is now well, you know. Here's the pitch... He left me hanging right after T-Day through New Year's so I got another Plumber to change two of my Shower Bodies (the original General Contrator refused to change my Shower Bodies from the get go saying that was another job that we'd discuss after completion of the conversion to 3 Fam) since once these bathroom walls were opened due to moisture rot etc the original Shower Bodies were in bad shape too and needed changing badly.

After the New Year, my General Contractor came by to resume work (left me in the dust, debris etc) he saw the new Plumber's work and went BALLISTIC! He then went on and on yelling and cussing about I can't do this, I don't repect him, etc. and I must now give him the Company Name, Insurance, Individual who performed the work under his CONSTRUCTION PERMIT. And if I don't he could be fined 30k, lose his license etc.

He's asked me several times for it and also email reminders about it. I told him over the phone that it's none of his business. I think he just wants a monopoly on the job being performed on my home; not to mention he'd probably harass the other Company as he's doing to me. Hence his not finishing what he started, i.e. the conversion on my home. What do you think? Thank you in Advance. P.

I think maybe his claims may be legit. After all you did hire him, he would have had to arrange the work permit and any sub contractors coming into the jobsite would have had to be arranged by him not you. Give him what he wants just in case you may be liable in some way too.

It was his construction permit and he does carry insurance on his work so basically he is responsible for any work performed by others under his work permit.

He is blowing smoke. You do not need a permit for a plumber to do the work you describe. Also, even if you have a general it does not stop you from hiring others to work on issues not part of your contract with the genral. Tell him to be quiet if he wants to be paid on time, maybe you should hint that your check may be as slow as his work.

Bob's dead on. You don't need a permit to change out a couple of tub/shower valves. You just have a "y" contractor.

1. Have an old Bathroom Vanity that I would like to replace. I believe it has Globe Style Valves under the cabinet. They are working fine and not leaking My options are change them with compression type valves (need to know what size) or use an adapter to attach new flex feeds (3/4 to 3/8?). Does such an adapter exist? What material are the pipes made of? What size are they? (!/2" is normal). How are they fastened? Threads, Solder or Compression?
If this were my contractor I would get in his face and threaten to sue for breach of contract if he doesn't clean his act up and complete the job. Also, I would report him to the Better Business Bureau. Remember you have the power! You have the $$. He works for you not the other way around. Don't let yourself be bullied by a contractor that's also a control freak. I bet it's a real blast being married to this guy. Let us know how it all comes out. Good luck, Tom

Good Answers All. Now at least I have some Ammo to fight back with. Lol

Can someone please answer my first question as well. Thx.

"1. Have an old Bathroom Vanity that I would like to replace. I believe it has Globe Style Valves under the cabinet. They are working fine and not leaking. The pipes appear to be bronze or iron and are thick and heavy and are threaded on. Also they appear to be around 3/4" diameter.

My options are change them with compression type valves (need to know what size) or use an adapter to attach new flex feeds (3/4 to 3/8?). Does such an adapter exist?"

Bob's dead on. You don't need a permit to change out a couple of tub/shower valves. You just have a "y" contractor.
What material are the pipes made of? What size are they? (!/2" is normal). How are they fastened? Threads, Solder or Compression?
If this were my contractor I would get in his face and threaten to sue for breach of contract if he doesn't clean his act up and complete the job. Also, I would report him to the Better Business Bureau. Remember you have the power! You have the $$. He works for you not the other way around. Don't let yourself be bullied by a contractor that's also a control freak. I bet it's a real blast being married to this guy. Let us know how it all comes out. good luck, Tom

Great Answer! What's a "y" Contractor?

The pipes appear to be bronze or iron, very thick and heavy around 3/4" and are threaded on.

I would like to know if there's some sort of adapter (so I won't have to change the valves) that I can hook up some flex feeds to my new vanity sink. Basically, from the pipe to adapter to sink. Thx.

Hey Phil, if your old stops are working there really is no need to change them out. However I can't tell you about an adaptors because you have not told us yet what kind of pipe runs from the old stop to the sink. There will be a way to do this we just need to know what you currectly have connected to the faucet.

Great Answer! What's a "y" Contractor? I wrote a word that rhymes with witchy but it got X'ed out.

The pipes appear to be bronze or iron, very thick and heavy around 3/4" and are threaded on.
Since I was around at the time you house was pipeed My bet is 1/2" threaded galvanized iron. Supply stubouts.

I would like to know if there's some sort of adapter (so I won't have to change the valves) that I can hook up some flex feeds to my new vanity sink. Basically, from the pipe to adapter to sink.
Sure! If the valves are 1/2" threaded globe valves you may remove the old supplies and purchase a pair of 1/ 2" X 1/4" bushings and two 1/4" brass nipples. After taping the threads with Teflon Tape you may install the bushings and nipples on the Globe\ valves. You may now install a set of flexible lavatory supplies and your job's complete. Good luck, Tom

Yeah, there is no reason to give him any info .

You hired the plumber so if any thing would happen you would go after the plumber.
It makes no sense to me what the Contractor said to you like it was said he's just blowing smoke and wants an excuse to back out .

We have weasel contractors down here, They get the deposit then can't perform, and keeps a competent contractor out. They take on more work than they can handle.
He doesn't need to know who it was. He needs to finish his work.