Just wanted to double check some info I got from a pro plumbing supply house in town - not a big box store. They told me that the braided connector seen below is code legal for an in-wall installation. I couldn't believe that, really. I'm not a plumber, but have learned a bunch via this forum, and that just didn't sound right.



I was going to use PEX to make up the connection between the two individual valves we're installing to replace a vintage, 11" on center, tub faucet. The salesman suggested this instead and said he would trust it over PEX any day. Having had a braided connection spontaneously fail under our kitchen sink a few months ago, I don't share the same feeling, and of course the decision on what to use is mine. But I really wanted to find out if using a connection like this is even code-legal.

There is an access panel behind the tub, if that makes a difference. The access, however is in the back of an attic closet on the 2nd floor.

As always, thanks for the great insight and thoughts I always get on this forum!

You are right, I believe that the braided supplies have a tag with disclaimer stating not to install in inaccessible areas. Go with the PEX.

it may, or may not, be 'code compliant'

to use it in a concealed location, imo, would be bordering on insanity

the 'stainless steel' is merely an external braid over a vinyl tube ~ the seal on the ends is merely a rubber washer/gasket ~ these connectors have a 10 year maximum life and should be replaced regularly

this is just plain common sense

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



Edited 1 times.

That's pretty much what I thought. Hence my surprise to hear it coming from a salesman at a supply house for real plumbers.

keyword being: salesman



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Why aren't you connecting them together with brass nipples? That is how I made my 11" valves back in the old days. Of course, now I buy California Brass 11" valves.

If there is an access panel, I don't think it's a concealed space. When you install the hoses in a kitchen sink cabinet, they're not considered to be in a concealed space. The pump and heater of a whirlpool tub can be located behind a tub access panel. Those hoses wouldn't be my first choice for connecting the valves, but I don't think it's against code.

code or not is not the point

'best practice' IS

or even 'good practice'

'under the sink' is routinely accessed and therefor visible

the access panel of a 'roman tub' ?

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

quote; the access panel of a 'roman tub' ?

Is that a guess or intuition, because I did not see anything about a "Roman tub", just a "vintage tub" with a 3 valve wall faucet, which would usually NOT be a Roman tub.

Quote

There is an access panel behind the tub, if that makes a difference. The access, however is in the back of an attic closet on the 2nd floor.

I used 'roman tub' as an example / question to show that an access panel is a far cry from an often accessed and therefor visible cabinet under a sink.

hj, nice try at busting them though



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638