ᐅ Walk-in Shower – Is Backflow from the Toilet Normal?

Created on: 9 Jun 2014 20:00
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NemoN
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NemoN
9 Jun 2014 20:00
Hello Forum,

In our new single-family house, we are having problems with the walk-in shower on the upper floor.

After some time, unpleasant deposits have formed under the shower trap (clearly coming from the toilet – which is connected to the same sewer line – a T-connection, meaning toilet and shower are right next to each other).

After I pointed this out to the plumbing company, they responded that some backflow from the toilet is normal (because of the walk-in shower) and that there is nothing to complain about. They recommend thoroughly cleaning it every two months!

I don’t have to accept this answer, do I? A test with “substitute liquid” clearly showed that the stuff from the toilet reaches the shower.

Regards,
NemoN

P.S. The house was designed and built by a general contractor. We have not signed any liability waivers.
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Bauexperte
10 Jun 2014 13:01
Hello,
NemoN schrieb:

Do I really have to accept this answer?
I'm not a plumbing expert, but no – you don’t have to accept it. If this were "normal," no one would choose the T-arrangement anymore. I would suspect that something went wrong during the rough-in installation.

Have you already moved in and accepted the handover? Have you informed your general contractor (GC) about this issue? If not, you should contact them in writing and request an inspection and correction; they owe you the warranty, even if it is passed on. If they do not respond, send a formal notice of defect with a deadline. Only if this also proves unsuccessful should you request a cost estimate from an external plumbing company. Then inform your GC about this estimate, and only if there is still no response, commission the external plumber. You can then pass these costs on to your GC.

However, I assume your GC is interested in having satisfied clients, so they will respond.

Regards, Bauexperte
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NemoN
11 Jun 2014 09:13
Hello building expert,

thank you very much for the advice. That’s how I will proceed!

Regards
NemoN