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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Ed, I consider you the "contractor's contractor." I'm a builder in Ohio with a question for you. A homeowner has recently hired me to finish their basement, and while prepping the job, we have discovered that the basement floor has radiant heat. The original plans called for a bathroom with a shower, but now I'm getting second thoughts about opening up the floor because of the radiant-heat lines in the concrete. Any suggestions? Butch (Ohio)
A: Butch, thanks for writing in. This is how contractors learn and stay out of trouble: by asking someone else in the business when they are unsure. I know radiant heat well, and the best way to avoid causing trouble with the system is to avoid cutting into the floor at all costs, especially if the radiant loop is embedded in concrete! I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just telling you from my experience to avoid the issue of breaking the concrete and possibly damaging the radiant piping. You may be opening up a big can of worms!
Suggest to the homeowner that if there is enough ceiling height you can build the bathroom up on a platform and run the drains on top of the concrete. Or, if the ceiling height is low, eliminate the shower and use a special toilet and sink with its own holding tank and platform. Either way you can still have a bathroom and avoid cutting into the concrete floor.
Once your customer realizes that they may save thousands of dollars on concrete and heating work, they should agree with your decision. It's funny how saving some money can make a tough decision very easy!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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