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snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 02:53 PM

Hi, we are having a new shower head and tap put in our stand up shower, the original shower head and tap were centered. Since the installation of the new one , the shower head is centered but the tap is over to one side. We were told that this is because whoever built the shower has a stud going down the center and they were able to inlet the shower head but can do nothing about the valve. Wish they would have let me know before that it would be of centered. Is there anyway to center the valve without taking out the stud, as the old valve seemed to be centered?

massplumber2008 · Jan 12, 2011, 03:01 PM

Hi Snarayan...

*OUCH*... what is wrong with some people! I hate to knock anyone without all the facts, but this is just bad business!

There is absolutely no problem with cutting that stud, except maybe that it would have required more labor to remove and restabalize the wall and they should have discussed this with you, no doubt!

Did they have the entire wall opened up or were they working through the shower wall itself? Here, even if the valve didn't fit they come to you and say, "the valve will be off center if we don't 1) get another valve, or 2) open the back wall and cut the stud"... that kind of stuff.

Did these guys pull a plumbing permit because they are supposed to do that here and the inspector is supposed to pop in and make sure the job was done right and the temperature limiting device (if present) has been set properly?

Please answer all questions, OK?

Mark

snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 03:17 PM

Thanks, was told they can't cut stud because valve has to attach to stud, this is insurance job , they did have wall wide open. This is info I got from the supervisor. Don't know about permit, sent by insurance company.

ballengerb1 · Jan 12, 2011, 03:25 PM

I am thinking the insurance company sure went with the low bidder on this. They can cut that stud and then nail in a verticle 2x4 between the other studs. Tell them to stop work immediately and get the insurance adjuster out to the site, this is very wrong. They must fix it properly, to code and to your liking

massplumber2008 · Jan 12, 2011, 03:29 PM

NO question, I agree with Bob (ballengerb1)... no question!

snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 03:54 PM

The problem is this was not part of the job, they offered to install a new one, which was nice but I would have stuck with the old one if I new it would be like that. Now they covered it with cement board and don't want to fix it.

massplumber2008 · Jan 12, 2011, 03:58 PM

Call a local plumbing inspector and ask him if a plumbing permit was required for the job (it should be required) and then, if it is, you call the guys that did this work and let them know that you will report them to the local building/plumbing inspector unless they fix all and have it inspected as required by law!

Simply put, to not take a minute and come out and ask what you think is plain negligence! No excuse, really!

Can they get in behind the wall to do the repair work?

snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 04:14 PM

I am in Canada , not sure about the laws , but will look into it. They already boarded up all the walls and it supposed to be tiled on Friday but I'm going to be canceling that until I find out what I can do, really frustrating.

snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 04:28 PM

Just checked up on the permit, it is not needed to replace existing shower heads and valves

massplumber2008 · Jan 12, 2011, 04:33 PM

Not to doubt you, but from where did you get that information? In all states I've worked in replacement shower valves need permits. Replacement shower heads, do NOT need permits! I'd check with the local plumbing inspector in the morning!

Also, wait for Ballenger to pop back in and respond. He may know more about your rights here than I do, OK?

Mark

snarayan · Jan 12, 2011, 04:41 PM

I actually called the city where I live and that is the info they gave me.

ballengerb1 · Jan 12, 2011, 04:42 PM

I agree no permit for a shower head or arm but once you start opening the supply line to install a mixer a permit is required. However, I am talking USA plumbing codes and city laws. Ask your building inspector directly if a permit aws needed to replace your mixing valve and move pipes. I am just wondering how the original shower mixer was mounted, if it was centered the new one should just pop right in. As the inspector not just a clerk who answers the phone to be sure you get correct info