DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Some of you may be familiar with my builders by now, I've come across another issue.

When installing a shower they chased the pipework into the back of the wall to avoid disturbing the tiles. However they have not sheathed the pipe in larger diameter pipe or even clipped it in place before plastering over it. Is this a BC requirement or just recommendation to avoid the paster cracking?

The pipework knocks something chronic when we turn the shower on and the inevitable has now happened with the top of the hot pipework chase cracking round the edge (clearly visible as it has now been painted).

Before I get the builders back I wonder if you could please advise if I should get BC involved again or just leave it to the builders? Should they be taking it out and putting a sheath in place or would opening the chase at top and bottom and every 50cm along it to allow a saddle clip to be installed be sufficient?

Thanks
Adrian

The pipework should be protected and clipped - not always possible to protect in a larger diameter pipe - but it should at least be plastic coated pipework - uncoated pipework in concrete or plaster will corrode.

The pipe shoudl also be clipped to prevent what is happening here, the piepwork is free to move and when it does the plaster will crack.

I would get the builder back and explain your concerns and see what they say. I can't imagine BC being interested bascially - it's poor practice and bad workmanship, not really a major issue.

If they refuse to do it, It's up to you what you do - go to trading standards etc etc or put it right yourself.


htg

Thanks htg,
I don't mind adding clipping myself but will be persuading my builder to repaint the wall afterwards before I start. Do you think that putting saddle clips in every 50cm would be adequate to stop it coming out again?
Thanks again

Actually, I think what is more likely to be causing your problem is the lack of protection for the pipe. Not only does the plaster attack the copper as Htg says, but as the pipe heats and cools, it expands and contracts far more than the surrounding plasterwork causing it to eventually crack.

By all means fix the pipe, but make sure it is protected and mechanically separated from the plaster.

Yes 500mm is the recommended clipping distance for 10mm-15mm vertical pipe runs.


htg