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spikemarie
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 09:39am
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Hello! The plumber working on my small cabin has roughed in all the plumbing, but we still need to set the pump and get the water line into the cabin and hook up the electric tankless water heater. Because of that, we left the bathroom wall with all the plumbing open so far. My plumber is telling me that we need to get the water line into the cabin AND finish/close up that wall completely (including tiling the floor and tile walls), before he can come back and install the water heater.
Does this sound right? I don't want to tile the floor and shower only to have him come back, install the water heater, and discover there is a problem somewhere with the plumbing and we have to rip out all the tile and fix the plumbing problem.
Thank you very much in advance!
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 10:13am
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Dont know 'the code' in your area for the building inspection/approval but I, for purely practical reasons, did not close things up when I did my bathroom remodel myself until I saw Everything Was Fine.
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spikemarie
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 10:19am
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Thank you for your response, gcrank1! I've had other issues with this plumber, and this latest episode has further eroded my trust in him. I might be calling around for a new plumber today.
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pabear89
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 10:25am
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You can check with air, Pressurize the system and check for air dropping leaks.
I do 75psi inspection before covering pipes and 25psi for drains.
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spikemarie
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 10:47am
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Thanks, pabear89! I think I will begin by getting a different plumber to come out and do that.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 04:18pm
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It wouldnt hurt to ask your current plumber about 'if he is going to pressure test and how'. I think from his response, and from the 'heads up' info here, you will be able to make a better decision on his competency.
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spikemarie
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 04:41pm
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Thanks, gcrank1!
I took a screenshot of all the responses to my post and will print them out as a "crib sheet" for myself next time I talk to him.
I'm going to run the situation by my main builder and everyone else I know with construction experience, too. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but this could be one of the more costly mistakes I make on this project if it turns out he is not very competent.
Thanks again!
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 04:48pm
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There is a correct sequence to everything. Plumbing should always be tested and inspected where inspections are a part of the observed code practise. Walls and floor, etc. do need to be completed in order to complete the installation. A pressure test must be done before covering the pipes. Even if there is no official inspection it would be foolish and irresponsible to cover any plumbing joints or valves without first doing a pressure test.
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spikemarie
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 07:28pm
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Thanks, ICC! Before gcrank1 mentioned it, I had no idea they could test the system with a pressure test.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 07:45pm - Edited by: ICC
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Usually the piping is all installed and all the stubs where sinks, etc will have their connections made are capped or fitted with closed stubs. After pressure testing the walls can be finished with only a small hole needed for the pipe stub. Those are then cut off and shutoffs, etc fitted. Each of those are checked after the system is activated with water pressure. Any leaks that may be seen at those points are easily fixed.
Here's a link to see one type of stub
https://www.sharkbite.com/products/brass-crimp-stub-outs
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spikemarie
Member
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# Posted: 1 Apr 2021 11:10pm
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Thank you for the information and the link, ICC! I have bookmarked the page and will ask my plumber about the pressure testing.
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