Forum: Plumbing
October 29, 2009
Bathroom Remodeling - Shower
I want to replace a shower head that is directly over our bath. The problem is that it drips every time we use the bath which, as you can imagine is very irritating. Challenge: the fixture end of the bath was only a half-wall (tile); a metal and acrylic 'extension' was added to enclose.
I am looking at the shower heads mounted on bars (i believe they are called rail kits), but can't tell what mounting options we would have. Don't want to screw.Suggest me the idea to do that.
October 28, 2009
Cats in the House
My two cats until recently would stay out 20+ hrs/day but now have decided it's too cold and damp. Cat litter time.
Anyone uses flushable litter? What brand? And is it likely to clog old brownstone pipes (there's the 'stoner connection)?
Ideal Bathroom Fittings
I started looking on ebay, and found a beautiful Italian Designed ceramic sink by designer Mario Rossi. Can be placed on any base or wall mounted. This oval wash basin is very stylish and comfortable to use. It can be wall hung or surface mounted.
October 26, 2009
Claw Foot Tub Overflow
We have an old claw foot we would like to re-install, but have been told by a plumber that the overflow and outflow plumbing is old and hard to purchase. If anyone is getting rid of an old claw foot tub, it would be great if we could purchase the old plumbing from you. Thanks.
October 21, 2009
Wood Floor under Water Heater?
Is it a code violation, or a fire hazard, to have hardwood flooring underneath the boiler? I'm installing wood floors and have reached the water heater. I don't know if I should continue underneath it (and the metal stand it rests on) or stop at the edge. Thanks.
Brown Water?
I recently started giving my infant baths in the tub, and found that the drain stop didn't work. As a stop gap measure, I've been placing a washcloth or towel over the drain, then filling the bath. After the bath has drained, the water leaves a brown circle on the cloth over the (circular) drain. Anyone know what it is, and whether its problematic?
Constant Temp. Faucet
http://oduinn.com/images/2009/blogpost_tokyo_tap.png
Can I install one of these in US? Do they actually provide water at preset temperature?
October 20, 2009
Need Sewer Pipe Cleared
The rain pipe in my backyard comes down from the roof and goes into the sewer pipe and that pipe goes into my basement. The sewer pipe is clogged.
Can anyone give me a good recommendation and tell me about how much this will cost?
Steam Heat on Top Floor
Please help figure out my steam-heat system. If you, or someone you know of someone who can help solve this problem, please send them my way.
Situation:
3rd floor of a 3-story building gets little heat.
Steam heat.
Radiators on each floor.
Thermostat is on 1st floor.
Thermostat on first floor is set to 74 degrees, and the 1st and 2nd floors get to that temperature very quickly.
The 3rd floor only goes to 70 degrees after about an hour or more. The 1st floor needs to keep a door opened to let in cold air (even in the most freezing times of winter) to keep the thermostat thinking its cold inside so that the heat stays on so that the 3rd floor gets heat!
This is a waste of heat and money.
After some research, (I think that) the issues to (perhaps) consider include:
Should the risers be insulated?
How much water needs to be in the boiler?
Why would moving the thermostat to the 3rd floor help? It would still burn the same amount of gas to get the proper heat on the 3rd floor, right? Explain please why this would make proper sense.
Why are there two pressuretrols on my boiler? (are they both necessary or did someone else do a bad job on the installation?)
I've been told the pressure on the boiler should be low. But exactly what should the pressure be on a steam heat system (in PSI) and what should the differential be in PSI?
Should I remove a radiator or two from the first floor?
Thank you to all of you who have called thus far (I had this posted elsewhere). I have had perhaps half a dozen plumbers and heating 'experts' call me and tell me to just play with and change the valves on the radiators.
'Playing with the valves' is not the answer, however. The valves are clean, and of the correct sizing on each floor.
Nor is increasing the pressure on the pressuretrol(s). The pressure is low as it should be. Making it higher is not the solution as far as I know. The pressure has been increased before to no avail.
Thank you so much.
Dave
seven one eight - three one two - nine four seven one
October 16, 2009
Radiator Smell?
These past few winters I've noticed a smell coming out of the radiators is this common, or is this something to be concerned about?
October 15, 2009
Sewage Smell in Basement
I'm getting a sewage smell in the basement, near the clean-out/main street drain, and it's beginning to get on my nerves. I made an enclosed 'meter room' that also has the sewer stuff when I semi-finished the basement. So it's possible the smell always existed but diffused itself away. I don't think so tho.
Recently I had a company come and do a camera inspection of the sewage lines, since we have a tree in front. There were some roots, which were cleaned out, but nothing major. Company said everything was in good shape.
I wonder if there is not enuf flow? It strikes me that there are only the two of us, we put in dual-flush toilets, and did everything else to save water. Never had this problem when there were 6 contractors in the house.
October 14, 2009
Garbage Disposal Installation
1. Does NYC code require a air gap when installing a garbage disposal?
2. Does NYC code require the garbage disposal electrical wiring to be on a dedicated circuit?
Thx.
October 10, 2009
Brown Water Everywhere
I have brown water coming out from every shower and faucet in the house. What can be the cause? what can be done?
October 9, 2009
Steam Radiator Problem
I think it's a small problem but I've never had it before. It's an old radiator and the air valve won't screw in at all. Nothing wrong with the valve.
I'm assuming the thread is shot. What can be done? Wouldn't want to have to replace the radiator for something like this.
October 5, 2009
Gas Pipe Problems
Our electricians want us to bring in a plumber to shut off the gas that feeds the light fixtures AND saw off the pipes that hang down a few inches past the ceiling in every fixture.
Questions: We have at least nine to saw off if not more. Isn't this going to take forever and won't the plumber charge us an arm and a leg? Also, will we be destroying our ability to hang other types of light fixtures later?
Unfortunately, we don't have enough old fixtures to cover the pipe length.
Also, anyone recommend a plumber for this? We have to do it this week, which is crazy.
October 1, 2009
Boiler Question
Question for Master Plumber How do you prevent the wet return line from clogging with sediment? I have a burnham steam boiler.