I usually do the whole shebang on remodels with the exception of electrical requiring licensed expertise. Just finished a small bath for sister-in-law where the place had some serious floor joist issues that exceeded what I wanted to deal with. Her GC got the structure part done, had the copper sieve pipes replaced throughout, had drywall guys rock it and someone set the shower receptor.
I am surprised that she had that many leakers as she is on city water and I do not think this was built during the bad copper period.
The floor was not very level (about 1/2 in 42″) and the pan was not level. To top it off the drywall was so that adjustments were pretty difficult. Got that to an acceptable level. Painted, put in cheap glue-up surround, put down the cheap peel and stick whe wanted (against advice), ran trim, installed vanity, etc.
The CG was going to have the plumbers come back and put the stops and p-trap in and I told him to just get her some credit and I would go ahead and save them some time. Turned off the water, cut off caps, installed stops, turned on water and nothing. Went under and they had put ball valves to isolate the b’room, very commendable.
Turned on hot, hear the rush of water which stopped in a few seconds, good. Turned on cold and the rush did not stop, not good, quickly followed by a shower from above. Turned it off, cursed the fact that it was about 6:30 on Friday the 13th. Figured that either the rockers had put a Piffen screw through line or maybe my trim nails got it. Tore out the piece of base in the general area and saw nothing suspicious, especially with three big nail plates.
Went back down and looked, saw hot and cold for shower, same for vanity, cold for toilet, and one mystery line going up into the now wet area. Called DW who was coming down to help haul tools home to bring the fitting box. Cut the line, capped it and pulled out a 12″ L of pipe that just went up into wall with no cap. Must be some new venting (which is what I am doing). Have not called the GC but think he owes her a little backcharge.
Moral is I probably should have let them put the stops on. But then she would not have had her bath for the weekend. Overall it looked like a good plumbing job though.
Replies
Aren't ya glad you hired pros ;-)
I did not, I was just batting cleanup. But what the he11, we all make mistakes sometimes. This is one of the reasons I do almost everything T&M. Takes the worry out of being right.
You should have kept your hands off it. If it aint yours don't touch it. That's the rules. I've been burned too many times on Friday by that same scenario.
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I sort of agree with gunner, but can also see your side of it all wanting to get the bath up and running.
It's a case of understanding the risks and rewards, then making the decision and getting the job done. Neither way is wrong or right.
The older I get the more it's easier to let someone who starts a particular part of a project finish it. In fact it's a huge advantage for us to have subs who don't have additional subs so there isn't anyone else to point the finger at other than themselves if something goes wrong.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
First thing I thought was, why would you touch a plumbers unfinished work till I saw it was for your SIL but even still....eeeeeeeee
Brave guy you are. Just don't let it happen again : )
Be well
andy...
Creation arises, is sustained for awhile, and then things change. That’s the dance.
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The GC is a real great guy who was really doing her a favor doing this small job. His subs were basically doing him a favor also. At least the rocker who would not normally do a one room deal.
I should have let them finish but it was agreed by all that this was the most effective approach. Like I said their work was good, just a simple but dramatic mistake.