I just had a pre-drywall inspection for my new construction home, and there's a problem I'd like some opinions on. The inspector noticed that the cold water supply line is zip-tied to a drain line on the 1st floor near the garage. He stated that this is not securely done and will likely face issues as the house settles, suggesting instead to use a proper bracket or support. However, my builder claims this setup meets code and won't fix it. Here's a link to the photos: [https://imgur.com/a/2WehME2]. Is this acceptable? How should I properly secure a water line next to a drain line?
3 Answers
As someone who’s dealt with this, I say trust the inspector. The builder's attitude is a red flag—if they're not willing to make a simple fix, think about what else they might be overlooking. The inspector has the final say, so if they won’t sign off, the builder has no choice but to address this. Keep pushing for what’s best for your investment.
Honestly, it's absurd for a contractor to refuse an easy fix like swapping a zip tie for a 50-cent bracket, especially when it’s pointed out by an inspector. This is a foundational issue that can lead to big problems later on. If they're making a fuss over such a small fix, you have to wonder about other potential issues too. Just ensure this is fixed; it's not just about compliance—it's about quality.
You should definitely listen to the inspector here. The builder seems to be cutting corners to save a bit of money or time. A zip tie isn't going to hold up over time, especially as the house settles. Using proper brackets isn't a big deal and would save you a ton of hassle down the road. I'd suggest pushing the builder to fix this issue before it becomes a serious problem.