View Full Version : Code Question - Shut off valves inside wall OK or not?
Silversurfer7
02-20-2006, 12:09 PM
Hi Everyone,
Hope all are well.
Currently my shower wall is open and I have ball, shut off, valves sweated in - just before the inputs of the shower mixer assembly.
I'm wondering if having ball, shut off, valves inside a wall (no access once the wall is closed up) is a code violation?
Please let me know what you think, if you get a chance.
Many Thanks,
Silver
Gary Swart
02-20-2006, 12:13 PM
Think about it. What would be the function of a valve inside of a wall? Do valves ever develop leaks around the stems? :rolleyes:
Silversurfer7
02-20-2006, 01:22 PM
Good Points Gary,
I appreciate your input.
Initally the shut off valves were sweated in to allow for work to continue in the shower without the need for the water for the entire building (condo) being turned off. Yes, integral stops will do that now. When the valves were installed, the old shower stall & corresponding plumbing was removed. Additionally, the details for the new shower were not resolved.
In not sure when the ball, shut off, valves may start to leak? Murphy's law however, tells me that they will fail when I'm away on vacation. :eek:
Please send me your reccomendations on this, if you get a chance.
Thanks again,
Silver
Gary Swart
02-20-2006, 02:17 PM
Remove the valves that are in the wall cavity. If they're good valves, reuse them. If they were cheap temporary ones, replace with good ones and put them outside the wall where they can be accessed if work on the tub/shower is necessary. That way, the only water that would have to be shut off is at the tub/shower and everything else would still be operable.
and / or, an access panel from the other side.
Paul
Gary Swart
02-20-2006, 04:39 PM
That would make them accessable. :)
Silversurfer7
02-21-2006, 01:49 PM
Access panel, on other side of wall, would be ideal. Unfortunately, the other side of the wall is not mine....it's another condo unit.
Any thoughts on putting an access panel adjacent (easiest would be above shower head - close to ceiling) to shower? Perhaps this is another code question?
Many thanks for your insights and help!! :)
Silver