Ricardo - 718) 499-1153 - true craftsman & not incredibly expensive.

Posted by: Arkady at November 19, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Iron Works

I did the plexi w/ cushion of air between too & it helped a lot.

Posted by: Arkady at November 19, 2008 9:20 AM in response to Draft through Skylights

Winston Plumber - 718 755 2802
Really excellent

Posted by: Arkady at November 19, 2008 9:04 AM in response to Huge leak from boiler, boiler plumber recommendation, please!

I keep 2 gallon jugs in the bathroom & fill about 1 & a half each day while waiting for the hot water. I use the collected water to water plants or even fill the reservoir on the toilet after a flush. Minimal conservation but it makes me feel good.

Posted by: Arkady at November 18, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Look on the Forum archives - there were several recommendations recently.

Posted by: Arkady at November 18, 2008 4:18 PM in response to Radiator Cover

A lot depends on luck & who you deal with at the department. I had a couple of friends who got one in no time but then another couple evidently alienated someone & it took them 10 years & lots of expensive legal help & alterations - both interior & exterior.

Posted by: Arkady at November 18, 2008 4:17 PM in response to Length of time to change SRO designation

There are legit alternative companies. I've saved over the years. Have gotten complacent & don't have comparisons near at hand. Go onto CondEd's website & they tell you what is available where you live.

Posted by: Arkady at November 17, 2008 1:18 PM in response to Energy Suppliers and Time of Day

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is now in the planning stages.
The Library will include:
The Hurricane Katrina Room , which is still under construction.
The Alberto Gonzales Room, where you won't be able to remember anything.
The Texas Air National Guard Room, where you don't even have to show up.
The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don't let you in.
The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don't let you out.
The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has been able to find.
The National Debt room which is huge and has no ceiling.
The 'Tax Cut' Room with entry only to the wealthy.
The 'Economy Room' which is in the toilet.
The Iraq War Room. After you complete your first tour, they make you to go back for a second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth tour.
The Dick Cheney Room, in the famous undisclosed location,complete with shotgun gallery.
The Environmental Conservation Room, still empty.
The Supreme Court's Gift Shop, where you can buy an election.
The Airport Men's Room, where you can meet some of your favorite Republican Senators.
The 'Decider Room' complete with dart board, magic 8-ball, Ouija board, dice, coins, and straws.
The museum will also have an electron microscope to help you locate the President's accomplishments.

Posted by: Arkady at November 17, 2008 9:53 AM in response to Obama's First Interview: Oh my God!

I'm in the Slope on pricey, up-market Lincoln Pl. between 6th & 7th & we had a crack house here that took over 5 years to eradicate even though we had a super-cop living on the block! The laws that are friendly to tenants make it incredibly difficult for law enforcement to act. The only way our house was shut down was when the house finally was sold to a new owner.

Posted by: Arkady at November 17, 2008 9:19 AM in response to Notorious Crackhouse at 474 Greene Avenue Up In Flames

I'm reminded of the story about the 4 blind men trying to figure out what an elephant is - you right-wing, conspiracy mongers are wearing blinders. I thought the interview was really heartening - showing level-headed, intelligent people w/ life histories that have instilled cautious pragmatism.

Posted by: Arkady at November 17, 2008 9:12 AM in response to Obama's First Interview: Oh my God!

There's a place on 5th Av around 1st or Carroll - just walk along 5th - it's on the west side.

Posted by: Arkady at November 14, 2008 1:23 PM in response to Stained Glass to-order

We had a hard time on our block even w/ the CPOP help. We had to keep diaries of when we saw what kind of activity - from noisy gatherings, cars pulling up at all hours, copper pipe being carried out of a construction site, etc. I'd keep phoning the precinct but in the interim, you & neighbors might start keeping diaries to bolster your claims.

Posted by: Arkady at November 13, 2008 2:03 PM in response to How do I get rid of Crachheads in front of my apartment

I'd phone the Building Dept. first & get a violation against the owner who would have to remediate the condition. The law is obscure about vegetation issues & you'd be better off letting the guy come after you if you can get the hazard fixed w/o having to pay atty fees.

Posted by: Arkady at November 13, 2008 1:58 PM in response to Lawyer for Property Dispute?

I can't cite code but I understand that any ceiling that is underneath a space used (not necessarily occupied) by people has to be finished - not just sheet-rocked but even taped. The only place that needn't be done is under a roof.

Posted by: Arkady at November 12, 2008 11:18 AM in response to Code reqs. for finished ceiling required over furnace area?

I've wondered what idiots outside the red-necked south actually voted for McCain - now I know it's people who are not only knee-jerk but jerks.

Posted by: Arkady at November 11, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

No input on the perps but I suggest you get graffiti remover & brush it off a.s.a.p. - the longer it sits the harder it is to get rid of.

Posted by: Arkady at November 11, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Someone tagged the side of my house.

I think that guy on 9th St stinks - shoddy work & expensive. I like the guy on 5th between ?Carroll & Garfield?

Posted by: Arkady at November 11, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Celebrating the Shoe Repair Shop

Can you describe them a bit? Do they look like house flies? If not, they could be gnats. You can leave out a cup of flat beer & they'll fly into it & drown.

Posted by: Arkady at November 11, 2008 10:10 AM in response to teeny tiny little fly infestation in my apt! help!

I've had several anonymous complaints made by a hostile neighbor & have had them all tossed out either by an appointment w/ an inspector or at a court hearing. You don't need a lawyer (I'm not at all conversant w/ law). What you need is a well organized file of relevant materials & supporting letters. Include anything you can think of that adds to your claims about the legitimacy - especially photos of equipment that might be cited as part of the problem. Have duplictaes of each document so you can keep a copy as you hand each to the adjudicator. I always put my papers into a file w/ little tabs so I can find the right paper easily & I also write on the cover what documents are in there. I try to arrange that list & the papers in what I think is a logically compelling order.

Posted by: Arkady at November 6, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Violation Notice from DEP

I had a "french drain" or "soak-away" put in before laying pavers. This consisted of a deep trench (6 feet)across the width of the yard, w/ a perforated pipe laid along the bottom covered w/ landscape fabric. Then progressively smaller rocks & pea grit layered on to the level of the garden & pavers laid on top. It has worked wonderfully well for 15 years.

Posted by: Arkady at November 5, 2008 11:33 AM in response to Landscaping and drainage for back yard

I'd look at the code if I were you. I had a building pointed this past summer - again, no exposure on the street. I thought it was o.k. to do it but an Inspector who came for something else last week told me I ought to've had a permit. It's a 2 storey bldg. (Mind you, he may have been wrong - a couple of other things he said didn't gibe w/ what I've heard from other inspectors.)

Posted by: Arkady at November 3, 2008 12:40 PM in response to Do I need a DOB permit for this?

5th Av. between 12th & 18th Sts has vendors selling those things for $2.00 each ($10 for 5) Also, in Manhattan, Lex Av between 53rd & 56th - can't remember exactly but saw them last week - on the west side of the Av.

Posted by: Arkady at November 3, 2008 12:37 PM in response to Brooklyn NY sweatshirts etc

Jacov Dumanis 917 257 7049

Posted by: Arkady at November 3, 2008 12:33 PM in response to New Roof on My Brownstone

It usually takes a little over half an hour for it to reach Union.

Posted by: Arkady at October 31, 2008 3:18 PM in response to question about the park slope parade tonight...

How much was it per sq foot?

Posted by: Arkady at October 29, 2008 5:01 PM in response to I LOVED my roofer

I've never had the problem - Internet Explorer on a PC.

Posted by: Arkady at October 29, 2008 9:41 AM in response to Adobe Flash Popup

It was definitely lightning & thunder. My cats happened to be looking out the window & really high-tailed it away. Amazing how it came w/ no warning.

Posted by: Arkady at October 28, 2008 2:40 PM in response to Explosion at 8:50am?

Digital thermostats don't use mercury switches. If the wiring is old it may not include a ground. You can just make one out of a small piece of wire & ground it to the housing. Most new thermostats come w/ a little booklet telling you what the old color code was & how to adapt it to the new.

Posted by: Arkady at October 27, 2008 5:06 PM in response to House is too hot.

A friend of mine took her kid & they were early. Kids were shown a horror film while waiting. Not the most well-judged pre-test activity - just adding to stress, apprehension & anxiety.

Posted by: Arkady at October 27, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Specialized high school test at Brooklyn Tech

Winston Plummer is excellent. 718 755 2802

Posted by: Arkady at October 24, 2008 4:11 PM in response to Moving washer/dryer

Ricardo iron works should be able to do it.
718 499-1153

Posted by: Arkady at October 23, 2008 11:45 AM in response to Metal Worker / Welder to Re-attach Basement Entry Gate

If you're interested in the details of all the laws that have an impact, you might try talking to Schnall & Schnall - a firm of expediters on Atlantic Av. They seem to know everything about codes, permits, etc.

Posted by: Arkady at October 22, 2008 9:21 AM in response to When Do Lawyers get Involved?

When I had that kind of problem many years ago, I paid for the people both above & below me (who were elderly & poor) to have the exterminator & my next door neighbors did the same. It worked wonderfully well.

Posted by: Arkady at October 21, 2008 3:34 PM in response to i'm so sick of these roaches

I have a similar problem & it's cost a bundle. I trim the ivy but have had to have the building pointed several times. A lawyer I know suggested I send a registered letter to the neighbor citing a little-known law that vegetation growing on his property but doing damage on mine makes him liable for any repairs I need. I can't find the citation right now but I've acted on it & intend to pursue it since I've had years of being ignored.

Posted by: Arkady at October 20, 2008 2:23 PM in response to Convince Neighbor to Fix Dangerous Abutment

I'm trying to make it at around 7 - anonymously...

Posted by: Arkady at October 15, 2008 10:24 AM in response to End of the World (Or Maybe Not) Party

I think having the drain pipe on the adjacent building is standard. All the houses in our backyard have neighbors' downspouts.

Posted by: Arkady at October 14, 2008 12:28 PM in response to Drain Pipe in backyard

My wall is 3 stories high & over 300 feet long so my price wouldn't work for you. VinRoy will give free estimates though. The walls were also covered in ivy so he hadn't seen the extent of the work & stumbled on the need for the new downspout but only upped the price a little bit.

Posted by: Arkady at October 13, 2008 5:40 PM in response to back wall cement work

On our street people signal that they're giving out treats by leaving stoop lights on. The Children's Parade on 7th Av. is usually utterly charming - families dressed in themes, kids wide-eyed at being out late, gemutlich feeling all around.

Posted by: Arkady at October 13, 2008 10:32 AM in response to what is halloween like in brownstone brooklyn?!

I repair my own lamps & am in the midst of doing one now. Strangely, I can't find a light socket with threads for screwing on a lamp shade! I've tried every hardware store in the Slope & the big boxes to no avail. Tarzian has said they'll try to order one but Leopoldi says they're no longer available.

Posted by: Arkady at October 13, 2008 10:23 AM in response to Who does lamp repair?

VinRoy Barronette of Park Slope Brownstone did exactly that for me. He was neat & tidy, expeditious & reasonably priced. 646 623 5867

Posted by: Arkady at October 13, 2008 10:17 AM in response to back wall cement work

A neighbor of mine just had her front one done & was very satisfied w/ the work by Ricardo Iron Works - a custom cover that gives easy access while being both secure & water proof.
Ricardo - 718 499-1153

Posted by: Arkady at October 6, 2008 10:20 AM in response to Rear Cellar Door

I agree w/ JoeBushwick. If drainage is a problem, I'd go lower than 8 inches & put in a few layers of pea grit under the sand. I also put landscape fabric under the pea grit for mine. A neighbor w/ worse drainage put a perforated pipe under the pea grit because she has a lot of clay. Even a very slight pitch away from the house goes a long way towards keeping the basement dry.

Posted by: Arkady at October 3, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Patio - Cement or not?

Harry Lauder Walking Stick has lots of interest year 'round & is slow growing. There's one either side of the fountain in the Aroma Garden at the BBG if you don't know the tree.

Posted by: Arkady at October 2, 2008 11:23 AM in response to Backyard Tree Recommendation

Insurance rates & water rates have also gone up. Some analysts think that, with fewer people able to buy, rentals will be more desireable & therefore rents will increase.

Posted by: Arkady at October 1, 2008 1:33 PM in response to Standard rent increase??

For pointing I highly recommend VinRoy Barronette of Park Slope Brownstone (646 623 5897). He did a huge job for me & was fast & good & reasonably priced. Neighbors even wrote notes about how careful he was about their gardens edging the project.
For roofing I use Jacov - don't have company name - 917 257 7049. Again, good & reasonable.

Posted by: Arkady at September 30, 2008 1:59 PM in response to Pointing & Roof

When my 24-year-old fridge had a problem it was just the fan that circulates the cold air & I fixed it myself for about $15. for the replacement. Usually there are 2 fans - one for fridge & one for freezer. Also, have you done routine maintenance such as cleaning the coils where dust can build up? Sometimes even that can cure the problem. I've used AAA or ANS for repairs - they charge for giving an estimate, though.

Posted by: Arkady at September 29, 2008 10:52 AM in response to Refrigerator Repair

It sounds to me as if the duct were the problem. Another time I'd recommend using ANS for an evaluation of the problem - they may charge but they're legit.

Posted by: Arkady at September 24, 2008 4:15 PM in response to Bad Experience Clothes Dryer Repair

Depending on how adversarial your relationship w/ them is, I'd both send certified & hand deliver. On a separate kind of issue I had someone simply decline to accept &/or pick up a certified letter so I had to start at a new date to get a start for a deadline & it took the post office several weeks to return it to me after it hadn't been accepted so I lost a great deal of time.

Posted by: Arkady at September 24, 2008 4:11 PM in response to Tenant Lease (non-renewal)

Urban Arborist & Prospect Tree (Hollis) are both excellent. Dragonetti is really pricey.

Posted by: Arkady at September 24, 2008 4:04 PM in response to Tree Removal Recommendation

I'm a single person living alone. I do a couple of loads of laundry a week & some gardening water but I'm careful overall about water usage. My gallon use averages 52 to 75 per day (around $67 per quarter) depending a lot on whether I have houseguests.

I also pay water bills for a 2-unit apartment. I don't have the usage figures but quarterly payment is around $200. & there are 4 adults (w/ dishwasher & washing machines) in the building.

Posted by: Arkady at September 19, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Water/Sewer Bill. What is yours?

Since the shop isn't open yet, it's unlikely the photo is from it.

Posted by: Arkady at September 19, 2008 11:33 AM in response to Fort Greene Bookstore Has Support, Needs Space

Compare Barnes & Noble on Court St. w/ Book Court. If all you want is what everyone has I guess you'll go to B&N, but if you like an eclectic selection & the availability of mass market paperbacks instead of the same book in the high-priced spread, a small, independent wins every time.

Posted by: Arkady at September 19, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Fort Greene Bookstore Has Support, Needs Space

I used Park Slope Glass to make the historically accurate, wood, but up-to-date-technologically front windows & got factory-made ones for the rear.

Posted by: Arkady at September 18, 2008 3:41 PM in response to Help! Window Question

Heights Woodworking is surprisingly reasonable for those.

Posted by: Arkady at September 18, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Looking to match Spindles

I understand that the law is helpful to some people who can get the police to help when there's serious disruption going on. It seems to me that people should talk to their Community Cops - for instance on marathon days, there are parties galore with loud sound systems, beer, etc. & the cops don't interfere. Patently it's up to the discretion of individual officers so maybe polite interaction w/ the given cop would get him (or her) to back off.
Or maybe the solution is to keep a supply of brown paper bags readily available.

Posted by: Arkady at September 16, 2008 11:13 AM in response to More Tickets for Stoop Drinkers

I think it could be a good idea. Maybe they could price it so that local people with small businesses could take advantage of it: even use it for announcing stoop sales.

Posted by: Arkady at September 15, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Your Ad Here? Should Trash Cans Take Ads?

I had a tile floor & would put on support stockings if I were going to be working for many hours. A resilient vinyl floor is way preferable. Cooking isn't the same on the legs & back as walking on pavement - you're standing a lot of the time, not moving. (It's also a lot more forgiving if you drop something.)
I agree, using the subfloor even temporarily will only result in having to do a new subfloor.

Posted by: Arkady at September 12, 2008 6:05 PM in response to A penny for your... kitchen floor??

Historical Restoration

Posted by: Arkady at September 12, 2008 5:59 PM in response to Need Stonemason recommendation

When I had a similar dilemma, I had BUG (Keyspan/Nat'l Grid) come look at the set-up. They determined whether I needed more venting, greater intake, etc. I, too, had what I thought was an alarming amount of sand at the bottom of the flue - although I didn't have the carbonizing you mention. Ultimately, I didn't need a lot of work done but it was comforting to have the disinterested advice of the gas company people who know all the building codes for the City & can tell you if you're in compliance &/or need any substantial work done. If the N.G. people didn't say you needed "whatever", you probably don't.

Posted by: Arkady at September 11, 2008 5:25 PM in response to A Tale of Two Chimney Assessments

I used a guy named Joe Bova who really knows the code & is quite reasonable. 917 697 1853. He has a beeper so that he doesn't have to respond to calls if he's in the middle of something too - 917 457 2291.

Posted by: Arkady at September 10, 2008 5:18 PM in response to Cost to Remove Asbestos

Instead of a diverter you might consider reworking the drain along the roof line. In heavy rains my open catch allows water to cascade over the edge. The water falls about 6 inches from the back wall so it doesn't undermine the masonry. If all the flow were efficiently fed into my downspout I'd have the same problem you do.

Posted by: Arkady at September 8, 2008 4:45 PM in response to Downspout Diverter

I, too, am a landlord & would discourage the withholding of rent - it's illegal & unfair: you have entered into a contract & should live up to your own standards of behavior. I also go along w/ the idea of taking it to Small Claims Court (who tend to be on the tenant's side.)

I almost always return all of the deposit even though it's tempting to deduct for picture holes & other minor damage. Most painters aren't going to charge for those fill-ins & they don't take much time so, again, I have to live w/ myself & couldn't justify nickle & diming someone who has been a good tenant.

I bet most small landlords are fair - in many cases we've established long-lasting relationships w/ tenants.

Posted by: Arkady at September 8, 2008 4:41 PM in response to Security Deposit

I've used & liked Park Slope Brownstone - owned by VinRoy Barronette (646 554 4513) - fully licensed. He's done a variety of projects for me & his work is excellent & his crews are careful. Recently he worked on a friend's building & a neighbor wrote to the owner of the building to comment on how good a job he'd done & how careful he was about cleaning up debris. His rates are reasonable too.

Posted by: Arkady at September 5, 2008 11:02 AM in response to I REALLY need a contractor specializing in FACADE REPAIR

I just learned this past summer that Landmarks holds sway over any modifications when a neighbor of mine had to get permission when she was in the middle of a project changing rear windows!

Posted by: Arkady at September 2, 2008 4:19 PM in response to Backyard Terrace building

In the same way that the city can give you a ticket for having rubbish in your front area, it is considered public space (gate or no gate.) Your ownership starts at the building line.

Posted by: Arkady at August 29, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Is Your Stoop Private Property?

For years it struck me that modern architecture looked the way it did because the Erector Set generation were coming of age & buildings reflected that style. Now we've got the Lego & aluminum foil generation doing their things. I wish someone would make building set toys that feature classical architectural modules for the current group of kids.

Posted by: Arkady at August 28, 2008 10:25 AM in response to Modernism in the City/Gehry in Brooklyn

Ortov Electric on Union St. between 4th & 3rd has a lot of misc. LeeDan parts - I'd ask there first.

Posted by: Arkady at August 26, 2008 5:02 PM in response to Intercom backplate

I adore my pool - having one was a major reason I bought a house. It is truly a delight & well worth the effort it takes. Hope you get one too.

Posted by: Arkady at August 25, 2008 8:02 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Instant Pond

No, sorry. I looked it up about 30 years ago & again just before I built the pool. Nowadays it's probably available on line - maybe Building Dept. link. When I've mentioned it to people who know those kinds of things, they've agreed it is so. Rules may be different for "above ground".

Posted by: Arkady at August 25, 2008 3:50 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Instant Pond

The kit was around $2000. but that was 15 years ago. Petro chemicals have gone up so the liner will cost more. Go on line to SunlandPools.com to see their line. Then also compare w/ prices at Poseidon Pools here in Brooklyn. I had to put in a new filter this year & it was cheaper from Poseidon than from Sunland which hasn't usually been the case.
Deck prices, too, will have changed but maybe not as much - there's more demand now so greater competition.
The law when I installed mine was that in NYC a pool can only be 2' in the ground & 2 feet above if it's within 25 feet of any cables - not just power - the ones above mine are phone & video lines.
So the box for my pool is built in 8x4 foot panels of marine ply set into a sand-lined hole. There are buttresses around the perimeter - plans for which came w/ the kit.
If you're into active swimming, you can position a one-horse power motor to make a current. I didn't think I'd want that & got a half-horse & put seats at each corner. I found it was boring & now "swim" against a belt for my waist attached to a line that I anchor on the deck.
There is labor w/ upkeep as w/ any pool & it's a bother having to take the filter, pump & heater in every winter but it's well worth the effort.

Posted by: Arkady at August 25, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Instant Pond

It's creeping thyme & moss among the pavers & various sedums, etc. among the rocks of the planters. My soil has a high lime content which I'm told is a big help. I also try to keep it moist when we've had a lot of sun & pavers are bedded in sand over clay.
By the way, the 1st sentence should have read, "...her tales of bird feeders..."

Posted by: Arkady at August 25, 2008 1:05 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Instant Pond

Why not try to settle on the company you'll eventually hire to do the work & ask them what they'd recommend? I've been watching a similar project on my block - done by Historic Restorations - & they've done a beautiful, very painstaking job of it. They seem to be the kind of people who would give you the advice you need.

Posted by: Arkady at August 21, 2008 2:47 PM in response to stoop advice

Park Slope Brownstone is excellent. They do rough work as well as finished facades. 646 554 4513.

Posted by: Arkady at August 12, 2008 10:19 AM in response to need exterior mason recs

A site mentioned in The Times about the pedestrian-friendly aspects of a neighborhood is interesting: walkscore.com

Posted by: Arkady at August 11, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Smart Streets Make Property Values Soar

If you Google for hanging screens there are a lot of them at different prices that attach with adhesive strips or hanging hardware (Solutions.com has some.) As to koi ponds, fish eat mosquito larvae: the big problem is standing water in flower pot bottoms, tires, & other small puddles. Lowe's & Home Depot sell tablets & powders that you can leave in likely catch places or birdbaths to kill larvae before they mature - they're safe around children & pets.

Posted by: Arkady at August 7, 2008 3:56 PM in response to screen doors to garden??

I've had estimates & used both Prospect & Urban - sometimes one is cheaper & sometimes the other. They're both very responsible & sensitive to the health of trees you want to have trimmed. Dragonetti, on the other hand, will charge a bundle & pay little attention to the overall ecology of a given tree.

Posted by: Arkady at August 4, 2008 5:09 PM in response to Tree removal

For masonry I've used Park Slope Brownstone - VinRoy Baronette. His crew are very careful workers & don't leave a mess & I particularly like the way he doesn't say he'll be there when he won't be able to make it. Good work, good prices - I've used him for several projects over the last 3 years. 646 554 4513
For roofing I've used an independent named Jacov who is excellent: speedy, reasonably priced & does good work: 917 257 7049

Posted by: Arkady at August 4, 2008 5:00 PM in response to Roof and brick pointing work--contractor recommendations

Ok. I get it. So the only think causing "head" is the difference in pressure in the cold/hot systems plus any resistance on the lines in the way of bends and t's.

I think this answers my question... Since it's only a 2.5 bathroom I'll do the smallest model and return it if it doesn't work.

Has nobody else done this before? It gives instant hot water and it just a retrofit of existing systems...

Posted by: justinm at November 18, 2008 6:31 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Lemme ask a stupid question here... why not install a thermostatic shower head? That won't help with the faucets but it may with the shower. Not sure what it takes to install one tho.

Posted by: denton at November 18, 2008 7:14 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Just trying to help you cut your losses, Sparky, I know a lot of ignoramuses who are so INVESTED in the Official Version

Posted by: simplicimus at November 18, 2008 7:16 PM in response to Obama's First Interview: Oh my God!

As has been suggested, one of the real obstacles to a conversion is the Certificate of No Harassment required for an SRO. Can be tricky and potentially very time consuming.

El salar, there is a Harlem homeowners yahoo group that is very informative and should be a great resource for something like this. Haven't checked in recently but do a search and you should find it no problem.

Posted by: housebywe at November 18, 2008 7:42 PM in response to Length of time to change SRO designation

Here it is.. http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/harlemhome/

Posted by: housebywe at November 18, 2008 7:43 PM in response to Length of time to change SRO designation

True recirculation does waste energy...I thought you were considering a gizmo that dumps water from the hot to cold lines only when you push a button to require it.

This is a pump easily plumbed in (you could almost do it yourself) which runs as long as the hot water line has cold water, then stops. Now, you still have to wait, but you're wasting no water nor energy.

The cheapest one is Chilipepper (abt 200); looks toy-ish but has gotten good reviews; somewhat noisy; remote control for II bathroom.
http://www.chilipepperapp.com/howit.htm

Posted by: cmu at November 18, 2008 8:19 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Cmu, many units, such as the Grundfos mentioned earlier, have a built-in aquastat that do pretty much the same thing as the description on the Chilipepper unit: shut the pump down on temperature rise.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at November 18, 2008 9:04 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Master Plumber... am I right to assume that the smallest grunfos will probably work with my house? Is there a significant possibility that it won't?

CMU -- Master plumber is right the grundfos can either run on an aquastat or a timer or both, effectively only doing it during waking hours and only enough to heat the line.

I've heard there are other activation options, such as a motion sensor, but I don't want to get that high-tech...

Posted by: justinm at November 18, 2008 9:40 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Again, you don't need much flow for recirculation, justinm.
I'm sure you don't need anything other than the smallest Grundfos, which I think is the UP-15 series.
Seriously, don't over think this.
These things are made to work in the application you're describing.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at November 18, 2008 9:47 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower

Ah, I see. So the minor difference is that the chillipepper never wastes energy since you have to turn it on explicitly with a switch (j: nothing hi-tech there) but the Grundfos will restart and refill the hot riser from time to time if its timer is on?

Posted by: cmu at November 18, 2008 11:27 PM in response to Hot water for sinks/shower