One call can keep homeowners out of – or in – hot water

Leominster Plumbing Inspector James Imprescia, left, and Todd Schuster of Schuster Pluming & Heating inspect a high-efficiency condensing gas boiler that Schuster installed in a Leominster home. SUN/JOHN LOVE

LEOMINSTER - Like many homeowners, Karen Wittmeir was looking for ways to save money when she decided to upgrade a bathroom in her home recently.

So she went online and searched for what she wanted at a good price, eventually purchasing a tub, shower, spa and steamer. She hired a plumber to install the units while she was away on vacation.

When the plumber arrived for the installation, he immediately noticed the fixtures were not approved for use by the state. He had to call her with the bad news.

"Needless to say, I was burning up the phone during our vacation," said Wittmeir, whose "frustration level skyrocketed."

"It was crazy," she said.

With more than $3,000 of nonreturnable fixtures stored in her garage, the only way to complete the installation, she learned from Leominster Plumbing Inspector James Imprescia, was to request a variance from the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

Imprescia said Wittmeir's story can teach a valuable lesson to homeowners: When starting a home-improvement project, especially one involving plumbing or new appliances, understanding what's required according to state building codes can keep you out of hot water - and save you money in the long run.

"I'm here to protect the consumer and improve the health of the nation," Imprescia said.

He said Wittmeir's situation could have been avoided with one call or visit to his office.

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One call can keep homeowners out of - or in - hot water