I am currently in an argument with my builder and the plumbers he hired to install my drop in tub. The tub legs did not touch the ground when it was first installed, the shell was literally just dropped in the enclosure. I informed my builder and the plumber fill the area with expanding foam.
I spoke with a Mansfield rep who informed me the legs needed to be supported on a solid surface per the instructions and not foam, but my builder and plumber are doubling down saying this is a standard install for every drop in tub. Any opinions.
You already have the answer you need. And no I have never seen a drop in installed on top of spray foam. Sounds like the Builder is giving you the runaround for a mistake they made, of course that’s just my opinion.
We used concrete or thin set mortar back in the day under that type of tub, however that install lookes like it was framed way too tall for that tub to start with…
Get the install instructions from the company and if you can get them to put in writing that the legs must be supported and foam is not to be used. You have already been told how it needs to be. I would email a copy of the proper install and letter(If you can get it) to the builder with a note saying you expect the builder to follow the required guidelines.
I have often seen 3-4 bags of drywall compound in the plastic bags put in place, the tub is then set on top and the plastic bags are punctured in many places. The drywall compound drys and hardens in about a week and it makes a perfect custom fit cradle for the tub to sit on.
Thanks, I do have the email from the Mansfield rep and the instructions. But they keep stating that removing the foam will cause it to squeak or damage the tub or this is how they install all there tubs.
As you already know your Builder has improperly installed the tub. Since the Builder appears not willing to work with you I would advise that you speak with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (local Building Inspections Department) who has issued the building permits. Hopefully you are in an area that has permitted building requirements. You can request the Building Official re-inspect this item for a failure of the Builder to comply with the manufacturer requirements.
Homes are constructed using the Building Codes as a basic requirement along with other requirements. You can view the International Residential Code for free here https://codes.iccsafe.org/. Select the “I_Codes” button and year you want to view. You can check the Building Inspections Department WEB page for the version they are requiring the Builder use. This issue falls under the Administrative and Plumbing section of the International Residential Code. The Plumbing section does not have a general “Catch All” phrase like other sections have however the Administrative section, R104.9 covers this.
R104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
The “approval” is the manufacturers installation requirements as a default requirement since the Codes do not specifically address this.
Provide the AHJ Building Inspector the manufacturer’s installation requirements and request they review this item for non-compliance.
Is this a new build? If yes, then the builder still owns it and he can install the tub anyway he wants, but if you’re buying the home, you can then request that he install it per manufacturer’s instructions, if he refuses, tell him you’re going to walk and find another builder, then watch how fast he make corrections.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t work at all around here. Demand is so high that the builder already has a backup buyer that is unsuspecting & all to eager to secure a home.
Why not just cut out the foam under the four legs, then rip some 2x material to the right width. Install the 2x material like a header, located between the top of the plywood and the tub legs, so it spans across two floor joists supporting the subfloor, thus supporting the legs on solid lumber. Do that for each leg. Get it done before the enclosure is sheeted over, and prior to tile being installed.
Offer your builder $100 to do it if you need to.
I agree, the tub frame appears to be built too high. Things happen. Smart builders can fix things like that and meet manufacturer installation instructions.
Foam is sometimes used to keep the center of the tub supported, and to keep it from squeaking, but it is not sufficient to hold 100 Gallons of water, and the user.
The only thing holding all that weight is the lip around the tub.
As Michael said, all they really need to do is add some lumber under the feet for support
Poor excuse for a mortar bed. Foam compresses. Silly builder being stubborn. If I were the buyer, I would nag, whine, call, email, text over and over again. Then I’d do it some more on social media just out of principle.
If that’s the case his next best hope would be to hire another contractor to do it right and take the installer to small claims court with pictures and the MFG installation instructions.
I am appalled continually by the use of expanding spray foams being used as it was a magical material with hundreds of uses/purposes. These lazy idiots under built the flooring platform and used spray foam to cover up their mistake. Everything about it screams ridiculous. Even when you pour concrete you use forms to make a shape. Fire them both. New broom sweeps clean. Get out of my house!
