Forum: Plumbing
May 12, 2008
running plumbing in the air shaft
I am contemplating reconfiguring my multi unit building (not a brownstone). The new layout would mean a major move of kitchen/ bath plumbing. Is it legal to run plumbing lines through the air shaft?? Thanks for your help
May 6, 2008
Saving $$$ Shutting Off H/W Heaters
Does anyone have opinion on shutting off their H/W heaters while they are at work for most of the day or away for the weekend? How long does it take to get a 40-50 gallon tank up to temperature again? Is there a marketable savings?
May 5, 2008
Help! I need to replace shower body
How much does it cost to replace a shower body? and can anyone recommend a reliable plumber?
Thanks a bunch!
April 26, 2008
Bathroom in basement?
Anyone had that done? I'm looking to install one og those Saniflo tiolets that macerate and pump into the sewer line, then have a stall shower installed to drain to my pump. I know it's a little more difficult than installing one above ground, so I'm interested in the experiences of others. I could use any info, stories, contacts etc... Thanks in advance.
April 23, 2008
Recommendations for Plumbers?
Would love to hear your recommendations for a solid, reliable plumber for two pre-war rental properties we own.
Ideally, we'd like to hire a Master Plumber -maybe just starting to build his own business- who is interested in having a long-term, reliable client.
Generally, our projects are part large and structural in nature, others are less-involved fixes to plumbing within the rental units. Would be happy to provide more detail to a plumber who is interested in the work.
April 18, 2008
Looking for basement bathroom pros
Hi, I'm in Gowanus/Park slope looking for recommendations for plumbers that are experienced with installing basement bathrooms. I've got a basement with a W/D and slop sink hooked up to a sewer ejector pump that works great, but would like to remove slop sink and install a small pedestal sink, toilet and shower stall. Anyone else done that or have a any experiences or contacts to share? We just had a kid and are in dire need for those facilities. Thanks in advance
April 9, 2008
Time to replace my water heater?
I currently have a 40 Gallon Sears Kenmore water heater that was manufactured in 1996. It still works, but I am wondering if it's time to say goodbye. By the way, this should support 4 people with 2 bathrooms. What are your thoughts as to whether I should keep the old one going until it goes or preemptively replace it beforehand? In my basement, some water on the floor wouldn't spell the end of the world as the floor in the area is mostly dirt and the basement is typically pretty dry.
Given that I am not in an emergency situation, I figured it was time to look at my options. I'll throw out the possibility of tankless due to the venting requirements. I guess that leaves a traditional water heater of some sort or an indirect water heater in conjunction with my Burnham gas boiler. What is involved with converting my boiler to heat my hot water? If I decide to go the traditional water heater route, I wouldn't mind spending a little bit more for a more efficient (maybe smaller high recovery?) unit which will save some $ and have a smaller environmental footprint. I'm concerned about the environmental impact more than the cost, but cost is obviously a factor as well.
Thanks for any input.
April 5, 2008
creating bathtub overflow?
We have an original (100 year old) tub in our home that we'd like to use as our kids' bathtub. Unfortunately, it has no overflow drain, which makes me a little nervous. I'm the type who's likely to turn on the tub, go get the kid ready, and come back to a flooded bathroom.
So, I'm wondering if anyone knows if it's possible to create an overflow drain in an old tub -- perhaps using the faucet opening? And or, perhaps someone can recommend a plumber who is good at retrofitting vintage bathroom fixtures.
Thanks!
March 26, 2008
Sewer Line
We need to replace the sewer line from our house to the main sewer line in the street. Only company I know of that does this type of work is All Boro, hoping there might be some other recommendations out there and any guidance on what this type of work costs. From what we've been told about $10,000+. Thanks in advance.
March 11, 2008
Vinegar / baking soda vs. Drano?
Have been using Drano recently on a clogged tub, with less-than-great effect. Have read about using vinegar and baking soda, but is there a minimum amount of time I should let pass since I last used Drano, before using the au naturel method?