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October 21, 2008
Like a lead......... pipe?
Hello Gurus of Housing,
Our house has the original lead water main (between sidewalk and basement) and we would like to get this replaced as soon as possible.
I understand this process requires a plumber with a special license. Has anyone had this done, do you have a DEP authorized plumber that you would recommend?
We tried Gateway, but they do not service my area. We are located in 11210.
Thanks a ton,
Brooklyn 11210
Comments
I recommend Ino & Sons. They are great and have replaced wastelines in my home and at a friend's place. You can reach the owner Mr. Innocent at 917-407-4653. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.
Posted by: cmontgom at October 21, 2008 5:01 PM
Are you doing this because there's a problem or because you're lead-paranoid? If the latter, remember there were probably dozens of previous residents of your house who are not babbling in an insane asylum due to lead poisoning. The danger of a lead in-pipe are way overstated.
Posted by: cmu at October 21, 2008 7:37 PM
Thanks for the recommendation and CMU for trying to insert some sanity into our reno.
We've had the water tested twice with the DEP tests and had it come back both times over double the recommendations by NYS.
Its a long, long story, but we've also been trying to start a family for a while, and my husband is worried about me and heavy metals exposure. So he is convinced the pipe needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later (not sure if I agree).
B11218
Posted by: Brooklyn11218 at October 21, 2008 7:44 PM
Well, if you have actual numbers, precaution may be necessary. It is a little surprising, tho' because, assuming the interior plumbing's been redone (as in my place) the lead pipe is about 15-20' and probably 1-1/2". So leaching *should* be minimal. As a heads up, maybe there's lead pipe elsewhere? Also, if you run the cold water 15-20 secs and then test is there a difference? Good lick with both issues!
Posted by: cmu at October 21, 2008 7:49 PM
"luck" !!
Posted by: cmu at October 21, 2008 7:51 PM
I used Mainman 9 years ago to replace my lead water main. Efficient, competitively priced, showed up when they said they would. If I need the sewer done I would have them back but so far it hasn't been necesary.
Posted by: jfss at October 21, 2008 9:20 PM
You should be pleasantly surpised with the new water pressure with a new 1 1/4" main. It's possible your lead main was at one time 3/4", but now is smaller.
We got the best price from Rocko at Plumbingworx on Degraw St, of Columbia St. It is normal for a contractor to include some disclaimer to cover them in case there is an obstruction in the street. If the main is on your side of the street (see which side of street has hydrants) the price is less (less digging and less copper). No matter what licensed plumber does the job, the city still has to come out to place the new tap into the main. That expense is included in your fee to the plumber.
Including fixing the squares in your sidewalk you should expect to pay 2500-3000. Ruggiero, for instance will quote 6000. I love those guys.
Posted by: brucef at October 22, 2008 1:30 AM
DUCT WORK normal for a contractor to include some disclaimer to cover them in case there is an obstruction in the street. If the main is on your side of the street (see which side of street has hydrants) the price is less (less digging and less copper.http://estore.silversheet.net/DUCT WORK
Posted by: patrai808 at October 22, 2008 2:29 AM
I also recommend Main Man. Fast and no hassle. Had my lead main replaced when I was doing renovation.
Posted by: Juno106 at October 22, 2008 10:40 AM
If you can afford to replace it then do so. Aside from the health risk (lead will always leech into your water, whether it kills you or not) a lead main is just a failure waiting to happen.
Mine failed in the middle of winter so I had no water or heat for a while. I think I used Matthew Ruggiero Plumbing to fix it.
Posted by: Karka at October 22, 2008 5:36 PM
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