Bathtub waste and overflow - code?

3 years ago

Hi, question for plumbers. We are building a new home in Nassau County, New York. The bathtub was just installed on the 2nd floor. The plumber installed Gerber brass waste & overflow in the area without future access. Bathtub sits above another half bathroom, which will be fully drywalled without future access to bathtub waste and overflow. You can’t really see Gerber W & O in the picture as it’s above that P trap.There is a TJI beam on the way so the plumber had to a lot of maneuvering. He tried to install Cable Operated Tub Waste and Overflow but it didn’t fit because the TJI was on the way. He wanted to cut TJI and we said no. I think the cable operated unit was glue joints as it was plastic. Does anyone know if the code requires PVC waste and overflow? Would that be NY or local or some other code? Can anyone point me in the right direction where I can find the language for the Code so I can discuss with the plumber? It was already installed but the space below was not drywalled yet. Should we replace it now while we still have the chance? Where would I have an access panel? There is half bathroom below bathtub and it would look really weird if we have access panel in the ceiling. I had never seen one done it this way.

thank you!

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Comments (2)

Bongo
Original Author
3 years ago
I just thought the code required glued connections (PVC?) if it was installed in inaccessible place?
bry911
3 years ago
My 2 cents... this is one of those be careful what you wish for situations.

So, a disclaimer, my plumbing license expired 30 years ago (mostly because I stayed in college long enough to ensure I would not have to work for my father). I am also not really familiar with New York plumbing codes but understand they can be quite a bit more strict than others. If you want an answer from a plumber familiar with New York, then I suggest the TerryLove forums.

In my limited and distant experience, the access panel requirement is overly broad and even where required is often written in pencil. We were told to pull the tub, mount the waste and overflow and then set the tub. Sometimes pulling the tub is impractical and so a slip joint waste and overflow is used. Your waste and overflow are unlikely to leak over time, there just isn't any force to pull them apart, after a couple of years you could likely go cut the compression nuts off and they still wouldn't leak if you didn't disturb the pipes. The trap itself is a different story as gravity and water are pulling it apart so I would want it to be solvent, as yours is.

I personally wouldn't turn this into a problem, but if you want to be sure head over to the TerryLove forums.
Bongo thanked bry911
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