New bathroom - PVA and tiling

[kp7722]

Hi guys,

Sorry for the double post (I've posted in tiling too) but it's rather urgent and I'm in need of some pretty quick advice...

I've got a a couple of guys in at the minute, who were recommended to me by a neighbour, that are doing my bathroom. So far they have completely stripped the bathroom and have the new bath in, ply down on the floor for tiling, and patched up the walls. Aqua panel has been fitted around the shower end of the bath. I'm really pleased with their work so far.

On the wall they have written their "to do" list. Everything is ticked off apart from "PVA". Reading these forums, I've read all the posts about not using PVA before tiling. I presume this is what they're about to do (tomorrow). I don't want to undermine them, so how do i approach them about it? Suggestions welcome.

They've done plenty of bathrooms around here, over the past 10 or so years and I've seen the quality of the work and it's very good. Is this something I should be worried about?

Paul.

 

[Madrab]

KP, this is really a tiling question and therefore should really be in ...guess where... The Tiling Forum

 

[kp7722]

I know, mate, but it's more of a question about how to approach the plumber about his methods. As I said, I've posted this in the tilers section but that's, generally, a less busy forum and I'm in need of a pretty urgent response. I was hoping a plumber/tiler in here could help...

 

[Madrab]

Apols KP, I should learn to read the whole post

It's one of those, do I - don't I scenarios I guess. If he's a plumber and professing to be a tiler too then if you think it's wrong, by the feedback you get, then insist that it isn't used! At the end of the day you're paying for it. Just be subtle about telling him it if you don't want it done to avoid stepping on his toes if you're worried.
I've also heard about the PVA yes/no argument as when the water based adhesive goes up it in effect sticks to and waters down the PVA and not the substrate, it then loosens over time.
Sorry though I have to be on the fence with this one as I don't know enough about it to give advice.