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New Bathtub drain completely clogged

16 years ago

Our contractor's plumber just connected the drain to our new tub. This was done after the tub was grouted and tiled in place. The water was also connected and when tested, the tub did not drain at all. This is not just a slow drain...there is NO draining at all. Our contractor, bless his heart, indicates that this must be a pre-existing condition. It is not. The original tub drained perfectly well. Why he didn't test the drainage before tiling/grouting the tub in place is beyond comprehension. The original drain had to be moved about 3 feet to accomondate the new tub. We replaced the old one only because it was a corner unit, installed by previous owners, that was too large for the space. The new drain has been snaked with no results at all. I wasn't home when they snaked the drain but it is obvious (because of the scratches) that they went through the clean-out. Also, due to all the snaking and plunging...there is now a 1/4" crack in the acrylic next to the drain and several more scratches. While cleaning up and bailing out the tub after they left, I found several small particles of black plastic in the plunged water. Could this clog be caused by construction debris, or maybe a clogged/capped vent? Is this a situation where we have to go and sue the contractor since he has given up and told us we need to take (and pay for )more drastic measures? Please, any advice is appreciated!!

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Comments (3)

tom_p_pa
16 years ago
The 1/4" cracked acrylic tub is a major issue!!

Did he wash his thinset tools using the tub? If so, the thinset will harden even under water and can cause a complete stoppage. I have witnessed contractors dumping unused thinset in their buckets into toilets, sinks, tubs,
etc. And no snake will penetrate this.

You will need to go after him legally if he is unwilling to resolve.

And yes, the tub should have been fully tested before tiling. This is plumbing 101.

Do you have access to your tub from underneath to take some piping apart? Did he use a fernco to connect the new and old plumbing...is so, start with this for an easy inspection.

What type of drain stop does the tub have...is that operable?
guatnut
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you Tom for the quick response. As for your questions: #1: I don't believe the tiler guy would do that because there wasn't any running water and because the tub was put in before the tile, there would be evidence of the thinset around the tub drain. No toilet or sink either. #2: Yes, there is a small access panel to the plumbing in the closet. Unfortunately, I can't see where the connection is exactly...what does a "fernco" look like? #3: Drain stop...I understand that occasionally this gets stuck but I am sure the plumbers would know that, wouldn't they? Also, wouldn't that have to come out in order to snake it? I am wondering if it could be related to some kind of vent blockage? Or did the workers forget to uncap
something? Or is there something "mechanical" that is causing a blockage. #4: Can the acrylic be repaired? I am so afraid of being blamed for anything that is going to follow. The GC doesn't know about the crack yet. Thanks for your help and opinions.
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dchall_san_antonio
16 years ago
Your contract is with the GC and he is responsible, so get him involved now. You should never deal with the subs directly.

Running water or not, he is supposed to test the drain. I tested my tub for cracks while it was still in the box. That's what hoses and/or buckets are for, among other things.

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