Just had a home built, for the first time. We came and checked on the progress as often as we could, but obviously there is a punch list of things we didn't catch during construction. When we moved in, we noticed that in our bath, the tub and separate shower are secure to the wall and seem fine. In the guest baths, we noticed that the shower head seems secure, but the spout and lever all have some play in them. If I pull gently on the spout, it comes out far enough to stick my index finger behind it, approximately 1/4". Pulling on the spout makes the lever move, and vice versa. We have Delta DBT14496 kits with Delta DR10000pxws valve body.

So that's the issue...here's what the GC told us. He said that his plumber told him that is normal with those fixtures. That does not seem legit to me, but then again I'm not a plumber. It just seems like it was not properly secured to the studs prior to walling in, and now he doesn't want to admit there's an issue. Something has to be fixed, because there is enough play we're worried about water getting in the wall and causing mold.

Question is twofold:
1. Is this normal or substandard install?
2. Is the only fix to get behind the wall (either through tile or a back wall) and properly secure the plumbing?

Thanks in advance,
James

The spout and valve should not have any play. How they get strapped/secured depends on the framing inside the wall. Don't let the contractor/plumber off the hook without properly securing them.

not only is this a sub-standard install, but the plumber is a flat-out LIAR..
the wall will need to opened up to fix this properly.
i would demand that another plumber be hired (and the contractor pays) to see what else the lying plumber cut corners with...
i would also call the plumbing inspector and show him/her the loose pipe. remember, this loose pipe can let water into the wall behind it, damaging the house and leading to mold..
P/S, if you see the plumber. please tell him that a plumber who has been plumbing since the 60's said he is a LIAR...

And if he doesn't believe a plumber who has been plumbing since the 60s, tell him one from the 50s also says he is trying to "baffle you with B.S.".

In fact tell him that a number of plumbers from around the country said he is a liar!

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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"

since you are even asking, he has, in fact, baffled 'em with toric ka-ka

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

well, he might also have been trying to "dazzle them with their brilliance".

the real question here is " will the contractor use this plumber again?"..

maybe the contractor is the liar and not the plumber?

? #2 = yes

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

the contractor did not install the spout pipe incorrectly, why would he/she lie?

He is the 'point of contact' between the subcontractor/plumber and the owner. As such, it is his business to KNOW how things should be installed correctly. IF that were not the case, and he were naive, contractors could "get away" with all kinds of shenanigans. Therefore, if he says it is "correct", he should know better and he lied. It should have been noticed when the "punch list" was created.

? punch list ?

today, unfortunately, it merely consists of any customer complaints

the typical GC does NOT take the time to do a proper punch list

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