Is it normal to leave an opening behind a shower column (see the video)

[Mini Me]

So I have a shower column that I am going to install, I am planning the plumbing for now hence my question
In this video (click on the link to see the exact moment) the installer is leaving an opening in the wall where the humidity could infiltrate ..is that normal ?

 

[Terry]

I normally figure on some threaded connections outside of the tile, but either way works for me. I believe there is space for the hoses (supply lines) in the unit itself.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

I would do more to cover that gap than the video shows. I, like Terry, have to warranty our professionally installed work and the potential of water damage increases the larger a hole is left. The top of those units are wide open. As noted, its not normal to have water get back there, but people do abnormal things. Water does abnormal things. We stubbed out with threaded nipples then installed 90's in the shower unit. Wasn't simple, but a higher quality job than illustrated IMO.

 

[Mini Me]

I would do more to cover that gap than the video shows. I, like Terry, have to warranty our professionally installed work and the potential of water damage increases the larger a hole is left. The top of those units are wide open. As noted, its not normal to have water get back there, but people do abnormal things. Water does abnormal things. We stubbed out with threaded nipples then installed 90's in the shower unit. Wasn't simple, but a higher quality job than illustrated IMO.

Yeah I an inclined to do something similar
There shower column is 3" deep I hope there is enough room to install a 1/2" PEX 90 there
I could use one of these (1/2-in Dia. Brass PEX Barb x MPT Adapter Fitting)

my shower has the 90s built in

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

The plumber who did our install wasn't the brightest guy so he didn't think of where to place his stubouts so that he could easily hook them up later.. lesson learned was to see where the hoses want to lay naturally when hooking up to the plumbing stubs.

 

[Mini Me]

yeah kind of what I am doing see my other thread about trying to stub out using copper and sharkbites 1/2" to 3/8" MNPT
As suggested there I will have the stubs parallel and then the MNPTs looking horizontally outside