Plumbing question: What exactly happens if you don't follow building code?

[lightpants]

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-P...handle-shower-valve-with-a-single-handle-unit

 

[lupi]

Code really says bath faucet must be single handle?

 

[NetWareHead]

The reason they are code is because they include a pressure-balancing valve which adjusts flow of hot and cold so that when someone flushes a toilet someone else doesn't get scalded.

Yep, this is the reason why it is code.

 

[NetWareHead]

I'll second the suggestion at taking the faucets apart & taking everything to a GOOD hardware store.

As far as code, there may be some allowances for replacing faucets with like faucets for exactly the reason you would want to. I know there are a few such allowances in electrical code.

Oh geez, too many tabs open and this post took to long - I see you mentioned that you already went to HD and their "master plumber" told you something. Been there, done that. Dismayed, I went to a local hardware store the next day. The guy rolled his eyes when I told him about what happened at HD, walked down the aisle, and picked the three things I needed off the shelf without even changing his walking pace.

Home Depot's faucet repair section is VERY lacking. Old hardware stores have parts that they've had in stock for decades sometimes.

This is what I'm going to do. If I can repair the faucet then I don't have to worry at all about code since there is no installation to worry about. Going to call up some hardware and plumbing supply houses.

 

[NutBucket]

Wow, that's a strange looking valve. Definitely wasn't expecting that.

 

[DrPizza]

Code requires a pressure-balancing valve. Code, as far as I know, doesn't require a one handle valve - it's just that most are one handle.

Until recently, single-handle pressure-balance valves were the only models available; these are fine when replacing a single-handle inner valve or for a full-scale remodel, but they're not very well suited to changing over an existing two-handle faucet. To hide the empty handle holes, you have to install an enormous trim plate, which isn't particularly attractive. For that reason, we chose the Delta Monitor II (about $260), the first two-handle pressure-balance valve. But, unlike a standard two-handle faucet, which has separate hot- and cold-water handles, the right handle of the Monitor II controls water temperature and the left handle controls water volume. It features a polished-chrome-and-brass finish, and includes a matching tub spout and showerhead.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218723,00.html

You're welcome.

 

[heymrdj]

Code requires a pressure-balancing valve. Code, as far as I know, doesn't require a one handle valve - it's just that most are one handle.


http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218723,00.html

You're welcome.

That is actually *really* nice. Don't have to waste water turning both valves to max just to get a temperature balance.

 

[amdhunter]

Shit happens.

:sneaky:

 

[NetWareHead]

Code requires a pressure-balancing valve. Code, as far as I know, doesn't require a one handle valve - it's just that most are one handle.


http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218723,00.html

You're welcome.

Thanks Doc, this is what I need assuming my shower can't be fixed and I have to replace the faucet. I also did not like those huge trim plates needed that cover a huge part of your shower wall. Now the problem is just to find a vendor that actually sells this faucet, it seems that Delta does not even have it listed on their site. ??

That is actually *really* nice. Don't have to waste water turning both valves to max just to get a temperature balance.

Yes this is a great feature. I hate one handled shower valves that only work either all-on or all-off and can't let you dial the water pressure to somewhere in the middle.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

"Hey fucker! If you do that again, I'll beat your ass!" If they do it again, apply vigorous beatings. You don't have to deal with that too many times :^D

But you're a certified badass and I'm usually too busy working on my monitor tan to get physical.

 

[iGas]

You must upgrade the fixture to code, because grandfather exempt only apply to residential property. Grandfather exempt is not transferable to new owner, or rental/commercial property.

The owner of the commercial/rental property is liable for for any damage/accident that occur in the bathroom (including medical of the tenant/s if fall or scalded from hot water) that is not up to code.

The, tile can be patch with another tile colour/design to highlight where the faucets were. It can be a square patter (ugly), or preferably a band of tiles across the wall.

The faucet body can be install from behind the shower if it is easily accessible.

 

[Howard]

Code requires a pressure-balancing valve. Code, as far as I know, doesn't require a one handle valve - it's just that most are one handle.


http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218723,00.html

You're welcome.

Lovely.

 

[Greenman]

DrPizza has it right. You don't need a single handle valve, you need a pressure balanced one. There are pressure balanced two handle valves available, you can also get a pressure balancing unit that converts any valve into a pressure balanced valve.
To change out any valve you're going to have to open the wall, either the front or the back. Going through the front (tile side) is a very risky operation, and can be very difficult depending on how the shower was constructed. Based on the poor quality work I see in the picture you posted, I would assume that shower to be tile over green board. That's not going to be an easy one to fix if it is.

 

[DrPizza]

You must upgrade the fixture to code, because grandfather exempt only apply to residential property. Grandfather exempt is not transferable to new owner, or rental/commercial property.

The owner of the commercial/rental property is liable for for any damage/accident that occur in the bathroom (including medical of the tenant/s if fall or scalded from hot water) that is not up to code.

The, tile can be patch with another tile colour/design to highlight where the faucets were. It can be a square patter (ugly), or preferably a band of tiles across the wall.

The faucet body can be install from behind the shower if it is easily accessible.

D'oh! I should have realized that (rental/commercial property.) Even if he could get away with not updating it (no inspection) - it would be foolish, since he would be creating a huge liability.