Yes, thanks, I understand that very well. Which of course is a great motivation to do it right, no? Does this thread really need to be about this? The guys at the best local plumbing supply suggested I bury an intake vent in the wall since I wasn't getting inspected, I don't accept that, I want to do a good job.
No, I suppose it doesn't at that so does that make us all accomplices?
Doing it right means getting it permitted. It is a part of the process. Do you think that because you are not licensed that the code and the law does not apply to you? The purpose of permitting and inspection is to insure that the work done is done to code and since you have no idea what you are doing in the first place how is it that you expect to be able to objectively inspect your own work to determine whether it is "done right" and meets code?
I can't speak for anyone else here but I am not going to give any sort of advice to someone that allows them to make an end run around the law. The plumbing codes are there to protect the health and safety of the public, not just the individual homeowner.
I've gotten the stub of the steel nipple out without trauma and now I've just got to work out the offsets and I'll have an "up to code" vent. Since you'd like to make this the topic of the thread, I'll bite.
I've hired many licensed contractors who'd rather pull their own teeth than pull permits. Some of them even knew what they were doing. A number clearly did not, even though the lax city inspectors didn't catch their mistakes. What do you think of a contractor that asks the client whether they'd like a permit or not?
I'm a professional craftsman that's out of work right now. Do I spend money I don't have for the inconsistent expertise and high cost of a contractor, or do I take my time and great care and do it right? I've had a "pro" carpenter build a stud corner with 2 studs, plumbers put a gas valve unreachable behind piping, drywall not shimmed so screws pop if it's hit, and I could go on ad nauseam. Not only do I not screw up by taking shortcuts to save time, but because I'm doing it all, I don't have each trade causing thoughtless problems for the others. I pressure test my gas lines, something I've never had a plumber do. I've had to call several plumbers back for gas leaks. I've also had plumbers bitch and moan when I say I'm going to follow the instructions on the permit and not pay them the final till after inspection.
In general, because I take the time, the work I do on my home and rentals is better quality than I could have hired someone to do. I hate doing carpentry trim work, but my miters join and I cope the corners, unlike most "pros" who bang it out. I've seen new $0.5 million condos with finish work that looks like it was done by a middle schooler, a friend of mine's very expensive kitchen reno is falling apart, the 8" crown molding has 1/2" gaps all over. But according to the LAWS, I can't even frame a closet on my own. I recently discovered Holmes on Homes, and every other episode seems to involve inspected new construction or reno that was done badly and/or illegally and not caught by the inspectors. I had a permit for a new stairway by a specialty stair contractor: the inspector glanced in, saw "yup, there's a stair" and that was all. It could have been dangerous, and as it turned out I ended up having to reinforce the structure myself. Here in Jersey those inspectors are regularly sent to the slammer for corruption, and local businesses in particular suffer when they won't play the yellow envelope game, it can take years to open a restaurant if you don't play.
Sorry, but my conclusion is even "pro" + inspection doesn't always equal "done right". I understand that not all DIY's are as cautious and careful and as dedicated to doing it right as me, making your attitude valid I guess. But helping me online doesn't make you an "accomplice" any more than writing a DIY book does. Since inspectors clearly miss much, helping a DIY in a single family with his own permit can be just as risky to the public if he doesn't understand what he's doing. Try to see from my side the experience of not getting what I pay for being frustrating, especially if I have the time to do it myself. And if you're an honest and skilled plumber who returns calls, your customers should consider themselves lucky.
PS: send your "rule of law" speech to the SEC and see if they can get around to prosecuting ANY of the wall streeters who wrecked our economy breaking all sorts of laws.