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steam heat return
I had all the radiators on the first and 2nd floor of a 3 family replaced recently. Initially the plumbers had a difficult time adjusting the valve so that steam wouldn’t shoot out. Water started stream out as well and the boiler would shut down. A “steam specialist” was brought in and determined that return pipes were very clogged and needed replacing. They suggested replacing the back return(where the pimary problem was) for $600 or we could do the whole run-front and back for $1800. We chose to do just the back and once in there they decided that the whole thing didn’t absolutely need to be replaced and charged $400. It stopped leaking and didn’t make noise for about two weeks. Last night it sounded as if a wave machine dropped into the bedroom -no leaks but lots of wooshing noise. Should I have the rest of the return replaced-including the front for $1200 or am I wasting my money with plumbers who don’t know what they are doing? Thanks for your suggestions.
01/08/2009 12:28 PM
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Counter Fabrication
I am considering having High Quality Marble on 19th st in Brooklyn fabricate a granite kitchen counter and marble bath vanity. One friend said there work was unsatisfactory-but they came highly recommended by the stoneyard and another supplier. Anyone out there with good or bad experience wtih their work?
03/14/2008 12:13 PM
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Audio/Visual/Home Theater Installer Recommendation
We are doing a gut renovation and would like to use the opportunity to install an integrated stereo/TV system, including putting the wiring in the walls, ceiling speakers, and linking components, in several parts of the house. Does anyone have a recommendation for a reputable outfit that does these types of installations? Not looking to go too high-end, just decent, basic stuff that will be unobtrusive. Thanks.
03/01/2008 12:45 AM
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Is Ambient Heat Sufficient for a Bathroom?
We are doing a gut renovation of a brownstone and in the course of moving things around we’ve removed a steam riser that previously ran through our bathroom. We’re trying to determine whether the ambient heat from the house will be sufficient to keep the bathroom from being chlly. It’s an interior bathroom with no window and the house is usually pretty warm. We are installing Sun Touch electric radiant heat in the floor. Looking for input regarding whether an additional ceiling heating unit or electric towel warmer (doubling as a heaing element) would be advisable to supplement ambient heat?
03/01/2008 12:36 AM
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Steam Shower Vapor Barrier
We are installing a steam shower in our gut renovation of a 3 story brownstone. Wondering if anyone has experience with the Mr. Steam or Steamist units and the various vapor barrier installation options. Steamist recommends just 3 or 4ml plastic sheeting behind the cement board. Others recommend a kerdi vapor barrier on top of the cement board with tile on top of that. Would using marble or porcelain eliminate the need for the kerdi vapor barrier? Any thoughts are appreciated.
01/14/2008 2:15 PM
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Garbage Disposal
I’m considering installing a batch garbage disposal. I’ve heard arguments for and against regarding the environmental impact of food waste going into the sewer. Anyone informed on this issue?
11/02/2007 7:49 AM
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Tankless Hot Water Heater
Where does one get a good price for a tankless water heater-Bosch, Paloma, Rinnai, Takagi? We have the plumbers and others to install, file, etc.
10/22/2007 10:59 AM
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Window Replacement
We’re thinking of using Original Windows from Flushing to replace 12 windows in our brownstone with Marvin replacements. Would appreciate any feedback on their service.
10/09/2007 10:15 AM
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Window Installer
We are having 16 Pella or Marvin replacement windows installed. We’ve talked to Park Slope Glass and Window, Bay Ridge Windows,Windows we Are. Any feedback on these installers would be appreciated.
09/14/2007 1:03 PM
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Windows-New Construction vs. Replacement
Our contractor has advised us that replacement windows installed by most of the Window companies will not be securely attached to the building and therefore will most likely move and not work properly. He thinks that buying Marvins for replacement is foolhardy-like taking expensive cloth to a cheap tailor. He recommends going with a lower line of windows for replacement and a higher line for new construction. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.
09/06/2007 10:26 AM
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cara
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM