Floor Drain? Something Else?


OK, here’s the situation. I live in an 8 unit co-op, each unit has its own hot water tank. The tanks are located in a common basement area. There are 2 ground-floor duplex apartments in the building, which take up the rest of the basement area, on either side of the water tank room. Last year one of the tanks sprung a leak and died in the middle of the night, and water leaked out of that room into the lower-level of one of the duplexes – mine. We didn’t realize until morning when all of the water had already emptied, and we had a lot of floor/carpet/water damage. The plumber who replaced the tank said that we should cut a drain in the floor of the water tank room and could connect it to the sewer pipe, which he said was just outside this room.

my question: what is the best way to prevent my apartment from flooding again the next time one of the tanks dies? Will a floor drain work? I’m thinking we’d have to somehow create a slope in the floor from under the tanks to the drain … otherwise water would just sit there. in addition, my apartment is slightly “downhill” from this room- so that is why all the water wound up in my apt.

Any other ideas? one of the co-op members suggested putting a water sensor on the floor of the water tank room, connected (somehow) to an automated shut-off for all water tanks. I know a sump pump is also an option but from the bit I have researched about them they are too costly for us, and require maintenance once or twice a year to maintain them properly.

thanks for your collective wisdom.

Categories: Waterproofing
By mscrochety | 08/11/2010 3:45 PM | Comment

Bug ID


Ok all you bug experts, help me out here. For about a month I’ve spotted bugs the size of an ant (a small black ant, not the tiny brown ones) in my home, they have no antennae, a black body with brown and yellow spots, and the body looks jointed like an ant. Easily killed – not as speedy as a roach. They seem to like wet places – are often around my kitchen sink, or where the dishwasher meets the counter, once or twice near the bathroom sink. I’m thinking perhaps a baby waterbug? We don’t have roaches but do have plenty of waterbug visitors. My apt. is a duplex ground floor and finished basement. Who are these critters and how do I get rid of them? thanks for your wisdom.

Categories: Quality of Life
By mscrochety | 01/02/2009 10:17 AM | Comment

Hideous RE Sign in Garden


What’s with the hideous real estate advertising sign on the wall of the garden on President between 5th and 4th? It really detracts from the beauty of the space… I pass that garden twice a day going to/from the subway. According to a sign posted outside, the garden people had no knowledge that the sign was coming ahead of time.

Categories: Quality of Life
By mscrochety | 06/18/2008 10:35 AM | Comment