Why codes matter — can you dig it?
Question No. 1
I read your column faithfully and it has helped us on many occasions.
Our pool deck is suffering from damaged concrete to the extent that steel is showing through, so we are having it redone.
During demolition of the old concrete, plastic electrical piping has been damaged.
Is the contractor that is doing the demo responsible for replacing this pipe?
He says he’s not responsible due to the fact that this was not installed to code, says that it is supposed to be minimum 6 inches deep.
Is he correct, and will we now have to pull permits to get this electrical up to code?
Thank you,
—Jean T.
Answer No. 1 Jean T,
Your contractor is correct in what he’s telling you. One purpose of codes is so that a situation such as this, or worse, doesn’t end up happening. Had the pipe been installed at 6-inch depth, the pipe likely could survive the demo without damage. Had a contractor been saw cutting and by chance the circuit was on, it could have been catastrophic at this shallow depth.
There are many other factors to be considered with pools and electrical, such as bonding for the handrails and any other metal. This is referring to the grounding of those items, so they don’t cause electrical shock.
Without proper installation, electrical shock can happen and be deadly. Permits are a must. This will ensure that a contractor is making repairs and installation of new electrical all in proper form to code, therefore ensuring safety.
This is not something you should skip; it could cost lives. Be sure that your contractor is insured and has a current and active license with no claims. Do not pay in full until the job is not only complete, but also you have the permit signed off by the city inspector.
The final inspection is a must, this is the city’s stamp of approval that the job was done with safe practice and to code, and you can have this on record.
Once this is done and only at that time, should any final payment to your contractor be made. Permits are often the source of frustration for both homeowners and contractors due to jobs being time sensitive, but I am in favor of them always — and especially in cases where safety is such an issue.
Best of luck on this repair, —Robert
Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal.
Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.