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The Old House Plumbing Kitchens

Am I being too picky about wall mount faucet replacement?

3 years ago

I'm repairing a 1940's kitchen, including removal of galvanized supply pipes and replacement of a wall mount faucet.

We hired a younger plumber to do the work from a reputable company. He's been great with the other jobs he's done - very hard working etc. However, unfortunately he had difficulty placing an anchor in the wall for the new supply pipes to stabilize the replacement wall mount faucet. Instead of consulting with us about placement and options to deal with this, he shifted it lower (about 1 inch) to where he could find the best anchor and installed it there.

I noticed the change when he showed us the finished work - he seemed to think it was inconsequential until it was pointed out. While it's "only" an inch, it does impact the clearance to get dishes in and out of the sink etc and it's quite a small kitchen. We likely we would have considered having someone in to do reinforcement on the wall rather than have it lowered, if we'd had the option.

I'm torn about what to do. I assumed that requesting a replacement meant to put the faucet back where the original was, but perhaps that is an incorrect assumption? Eventually we'd re-do all of the tile work and will open the wall around the faucet again at that point, so it could stay as-is for the next few years, but it will impact use somewhat in the interim. I don't want to cause a huge issue by complaining about the plumber - as I said he's been great for the other stuff, however we did pay a good price with a reputable company for the work - he was not the cheapest quote or anything like that. Is it too picky to ask for it to be removed and reinstalled? Or, is it my fault - should I have been more specific about the faucet height to start out with?

Original placement:

New lower placement:

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Comments (8)

Carrie B
3 years ago
Your first photo is taken more head-on, and second photo is taken more top-down. Can you post another photo, taking care to post from the *same* angle as the first?
cb__canada
Original Author
3 years ago
Hopefully this is a better comparative photo - if you look at the grout line on the top row of tiles, the difference in height is a bit easier to see. The original sat right below the top of the middle tile row. The faucet is now lower, more to the centre of the middle row of tiles.
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Some of the posts here remind me of when the tile setters, GC and cabinet maker were here having a confab. After the walls and windows were done, the cabinet maker found an extra inch and wondered where I wanted it. Naturally, I chose countertop! So when we were talking about window trim, they were terribly concerned because I might have that inch more wall showing. Since my priority is countertop, I thought about it too quickly for them to notice and said no problem. They were shocked!!!! One said in surprise to another, "She's so easy!" I'm not. I just know my priorities and what I can live with. So my wish for Firstyear, and all the other TKOs, is contractors who care more about the bits that are a little off than you do. :-) Oh, and they figured out how to install the trim so that I get that inch of wall on both sides. And get my inch of countertop. So I wish for all of you to have good problem solvers too...
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I am glad to see that they made it right for you! I was at One Green World this weekend for there fig sale and ended up picking up a yuzu while I was there (in addition to 13 figs ;P) and I was talking with the owner about how this had been a hard year for citrus and they said that there's only a handful of growers and that they are having issues with their trees this year for various unnamed reasons so that's why stock is so low/lesser quality across the board this year. Though to be fair OGW's trees looked pretty amazing, all had healthy looking leaves and most had fruit even the kaffir limes! They started using a neem product on their trees this summer and I didn't see any scale. I was so pleased by this current visit that I will certain be back if they get an citrus varieties that I want in stock. As well as when I am on to the next obsession (pawpaw's once we move).
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Muriel Thompson
3 years ago
Fix it now. Based on your description, it’s not just a visual preference, this is a functional issue, and that matters. I may be (likely) underestimating the scope of the project to move the mount, but it sounds like your plumber should be willing to work with you on this.
herbflavor
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Faucets are very d I y these days... but wall mount ? Not exactly certain. There are many different configurations as in higher arc and water outlet spout position also higher. Would that satisfy you? In our bath I ordered 4 faucets as I couldn’t tell. when old one was out I picked the correct size shape and configuration and returned others . For this I maybe would have had a couple as I know things have variance when you make changes on the old .( two older homes you just never know w tearing out replacing etc / I’ve had surprises) .....holding up a couple faucets right there would be my route . And let him complete his part/ I’d avoid second tradesperson . I think it’s okay in truth.
Lyndee Lee
3 years ago
I would express my disappointment and concern about the change in functionality. At that point, I would promise to keep an open mind and tell the plumber that I am unsure whether the height difference is a major issue. Then, take a couple days to adjust to the new faucet and determine whether it is necessary to redo the installation to match the original height.
If the plumber wants paid immediately, tell him to go ahead and set it at the original height or let him accept a payment delay while you decide if you can tolerate the new height.
If the install is neat and clean and appears to be well secured, I would let it go but I am more accepting of old house quirks than some owners. Any time you deal with old house plumbing there is always a risk of pipes getting moved and stressed and springing a leak elsewhere. I am a member of the if it isn't broke, don't fix it club.
wdccruise
3 years ago
The faucet is so lacking in function (low spout height, two valves instead of a mixer, no sprayer to reach the entire sink, no hose to fill pots or buckets) that the loss of an inch really isn't going to make much difference. Plus the faucet will look better if it protrudes through the vertical center of the tiles.
chispa
3 years ago
Maybe keep the placement, but replace the faucet with one with a slightly higher arch?
Laura Hill
3 years ago
Looks like it should be pretty easy to find a faucet with a higher arch...some even have pull-down faucets if you wanted.

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