Loose faucet

[WriteON]

It's amazing how many great ideas have been abandoned because builders were doing things on the cheap.

The home my parents built in the early 1950's had a removable panel to provide access to the bath tub plumbing. Don't know if that was just something my dad opted to do (he was a pretty practical guy), or if it was customary at the time, but it really was a great idea.

When our current home was built (20 years ago), the builder didn't even bother to provide attic access - I suppose he saved around 35 cents by doing that,, but I would have gladly paid a few hundred bucks for that feature if had given me the choice (or if I had thought to ask for it).

In our former home (which was built in the late 1940's) we had a problem with the tub in the downstairs bath, and of course, there was no way to access the plumbing. After working on the plumbing, I made a plywood panel to fit over the opening, and painted it so that it wouldn't be so obvious. A little trim moulding disguised the fact that it was a patch. As far as I know, it's still there - we sold that house 20 years ago, and its been through at least three owners since we left.

Later, when we added a second floor bath, I put a linen closet at the head-end of the tub, and designed the framing and wall so that a large section was removable just in case I ever had to get in there. And since there were some plumbing fittings under the closet floor, it was also constructed to be easily removable. I never had a chance to tell the people we sold the house to about those openings, so the current owners may not even know they are there.

Building cheap and fast….. at a nice premium. We bought new. The process was sickening. I don't mind saying GL Homes in Florida.

 

[WriteON]

A little more follow up. When I scheduled the dispatcher tells me there's $90 service charge. If I use them the fee goes toward the repair. If not the $90 stands. I agree. The plumber (employee) quotes close to $900 to remove the sink, garbage disposal, water filter system. A new sink/faucet supplied by me will be installed. He asks for $125 deposit. I pay him. I ask for receipt...says it'll be emailed to me. 2 days go by ...no receipt... I text and request a receipt for the deposit. I get the invoice for $870 for the job when complete. I got PO'd that a simple request for the deposit receipt can't be followed. That's when I decided to DIY. I called the office. Canceled the order and asked for a refund of $35. Said I agreed to the service charge and ok with it. Dispatcher asks if I want a refund or credit(?). I say refund. Over week goes by and nothing. Not happy...Hate chasing $$ or looking for checks in the mail. I did a Google & Yelp 1 star review saying how unprofessional, sneaky, lazy, had high expectations, blah blah, really disappointed. Said the 1 star has to do with customer service. I get call 5 minutes later from the owner at 7pm. This is a 5 star rated vendor. He asked me about the 1 star and says he read the file... the girl dropped the ball.. he apologizes, he's embarrassed. He wants to bring the refund to my door. Said he can be there in a half hour. I said simply mail it and thanks. I had visions of him at my door both the biggest pipe wrench on earth. I said...just mail it. Have dinner with your family...stay home and relax, No need to run out here for $35, Said I appreciate the call. I'll delete the 1 star review. Said I had no choice. it's the only way I could get your attention. He thanks me repeatedly. Apologizes again says we do not do business like that and returning the $125...I said I only want what I agreed on but he insists a full refund. I say thanks. He calls me the next morning to say the checks in the mail.
OK ending I guess but it's the same old story... When we pay for something it's due and gets paid NOW. But when money is owed we're lucky to see it. And the beat goes on.

 

[David350]

Great work, I would do just what you suggested and paint the panel for now. Once painted, you will stop "seeing" it and if you were to drywall over it, you no doubt will need future access. Not drywalling it off ensures you will never need to get back in there

 

[jttheclockman]

Fluid Master 14x14 panel. Will paint and that's it for now. I might leave it in case access is needed. Might drywall the hole. Not sure yet.
What leaves me hazy is I could fix the faucet but a skilled plumber couldn't. However I'm glad I could DIY.

Was looking at these photos and a couple things came to mind. Even though you took sheetrock off and all, that had to be one tough job trying to maneuver around the studs, metal braces and wiring. I would not have been able to even fit in that hole. Being you just put up a fake panel for future work my theory does not apply. But over the years when I have to do something like that I live by the rule, if you are are going to patch a small hole what is the difference to patching a large hole? Same amount of work and effort. Yes maybe a larger sheet of sheet rock and a few more screws but at least the work area is less cumbersome. Just did it in my basement when contractor worked on my kitchen and bath last year. They needed access to the drain lines that I wanted replaced from steel to PVC. They said they need to cut some holes in my finished game room sheetrock walls. I told them I will take care of it. So I cut 3 large holes and will patch at later date. Made their work so much easier and they were able to remove pipes and replace with ease. They were in and out in 5 hours with all rough plumbing. Of course they brought 4 guys but still not too bad. I had the best team of contractors to work on all my projects throughout my house the past 3 years. Paid a premium price for work but in long run well worth the money. Good workers are hard to come by. Just a thought.

Also I see you stole my Dewalt flashlight (I love that thing. My go to light source) and my Festool shop vac. What gives?

 

[WriteON]

JTT.... My light is brighter than yours. My Festool is newer and bigger. Anyway the panel is until I decide if the faucet is staying or being replaced. If it does not bother me I might leave it. 2 stools sit in front of it and block it's appearance. I did buy a 16"x16" piece of cut drywall, joint compound and tape from Home Depot for when I'm ready. I'm good at drywall patch... sadly I had lot of practice.

 

[jttheclockman]

JTT.... My light is brighter than yours. My Festool is newer and bigger. Anyway the panel is until I decide if the faucet is staying or being replaced. If it does not bother me I might leave it. 2 stools sit in front of it and block it's appearance. I did buy a 16"x16" piece of cut drywall, joint compound and tape from Home Depot for when I'm ready. I'm good at drywall patch... sadly I had lot of practice.

I too am pretty darn good at taping. Not as fast as those that do it all the time but have all the tools and can sling mud with the best of them My last 2 rooms I had to put up 10 sheets. Tape and primed. Next year is painting throughout the house one room at a time. Man the cost of paint is ridiculous $60 a gallon of flat paint. I am thinking about hiring it out because I can not raise my right arm above my head because of bad shoulder. I will see what happens after I get through this years set of projects. I have festools entry level shop vac. Less volume and expense but still dust free. That is a great line of tools.

 

[WriteON]

I have festools entry level shop vac. Less volume and expense but still dust free. That is a great line of tools.

The is no entry level Festool. 100% quality regardless of size/model. I tried various sanding blocks and quickly bought the Festool attachment. Works like a champ. The sanding block will stick to the wall if the power/intake is not turned down. Dust is dust but dry wall dust is brutal. No substitute for a good dust collector. I'm painting the panel later and hopefully done for a while. Would enjoy my free time playing pool, listening to jazz... and getting into the shop more.

 

[jttheclockman]

The is no entry level Festool. 100% quality regardless of size/model. I tried various sanding blocks and quickly bought the Festool attachment. Works like a champ. The sanding block will stick to the wall if the power/intake is not turned down. Dust is dust but dry wall dust is brutal. No substitute for a good dust collector. I'm painting the panel later and hopefully done for a while. Would enjoy my free time playing pool, listening to jazz... and getting into the shop more.

Yes they are great vacs but like everything they sell over priced tremendously. Great quality of tools but they push the boundaries too much. The vacs all look alike but physically they are larger. Dust is dust but will have to say I do not use mine for sanding sheetrock dust. I use my ridgid with a heppa filter and it does well. That vac is for some tools. Playing pool. Man there is something I wish I could see my pool table again. So much stuff in the game room that thing needs work to play on it again. Well rest up you earned it.

 

[WriteON]

Yes they are great vacs but like everything they sell over priced tremendously. Great quality of tools but they push the boundaries too much. The vacs all look alike but physically they are larger. Dust is dust but will have to say I do not use mine for sanding sheetrock dust. I use my ridgid with a heppa filter and it does well. That vac is for some tools. Playing pool. Man there is something I wish I could see my pool table again. So much stuff in the game room that thing needs work to play on it again. Well rest up you earned it.

If we were neighbors I'd help you clean up. Friends don't let friends let their table close up.

 

[jttheclockman]

If we were neighbors I'd help you clean up. Friends don't let friends let their table close up.

It has been quite afew years since I had a stick in my hand. Will say this I can not get down on a shot any more. I would have to learn to play more upright these days or the friend will be carrying me home.

 

[WriteON]

It has been quite afew years since I had a stick in my hand. Will say this I can not get down on a shot any more. I would have to learn to play more upright these days or the friend will be carrying me home.

I'm there. My eyewear is equivalent to the Hubble. If I lean over I cannot get up or come close to passing out. I'm surprised I made it out from under the sink during the repair.