Roots Clogging Main Drain Pipe


I have a neighbor with a huge tree in his yard (and the tree trunk is actually partially on my yard). The problem is this- I have been having problems with drainage out of the main 5″ waste water pipe out of my building. I am certain that this is caused by roots from the tree b/c this has happened before. I just had someone over to snake out the lines (again). He informed me that if the the tree is moving the pipes around… if it actually causes a pipe collapse… it would be very costly to fix this- he said it may even cost 18k! So this is what I want to do. How do I cut that damn tree down? Don’t get me wrong, I love trees but not if it is going to cost me 18k.

Categories: Plumbing
By pdmals | 12/15/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Plumber Recommendation?


Can someone recommend a plumber for a cracked waste water pipe? re-leveling a steam heating pipe? and look into another misc. issue? Has anyone used Belsito Plumbers? I am looking for a good (cheap) price. Thank you!

Categories: Plumbers
By pdmals | 12/08/2010 11:12 AM | Comment

Loud Tapping Pipes to Boiler


I have a gas boiler and some of the pipes are make an annoying tapping sound when the heat kicks up. The boiler is 2 years old. I think that a 20ft section of pipe in the cellar is pitched wrongly. How much money should it run me to address this issue? Thanks!

Categories: Plumbing
By pdmals | 12/08/2010 10:45 AM | Comment

Refinance SRO Brownstone


I’m looking to refinance an SRO Brownstone in Brooklyn. Also, I don’t have a tone of money. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there anything to look out for? Any advice would be appreciated.

Categories: Mortgage Broker
By pdmals | 06/08/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

DEP Damage to Facade


I came home the other day and saw a white box about 6 inches by 8 inches on my brownstone. I looked closer and saw that my small water meter reader device had been replaced with this (bigger) thing. DEP didn’t even ring my doorbell to let me know they were there. There was someone home at the time, so we would know. What really bugs me is that they just put this ugly device anywhere they felt and literally drilled it through my original historic brownstone facade, causing a lot of damage. My home was built in 1877 and this is these are the first holes drilled into the facade in 132 years. I can’t do anything to my facade because I am in a landmaked neighborhood and DEP does whatever they feel at any given time. I want them to move the decice so it isn’t in the worst spot ever but I don’t want them to cause more damage. I have spent years protecting my building’s features. Is there anyone else with this problem??? I will post pictures soon!

Categories: Utilities
By pdmals | 03/16/2010 4:40 PM | Comment

backyard garden


I am looking to do something unique with my backyard garden this Spring. I was wondering if there are particular a websites to get inspiration for urban gardens. Thank you for any info.

Categories: Garden
By pdmals | 02/23/2010 11:01 AM | Comment