MP is correct, but if it's there and being used and you ar afraid of scalding, you can add a thermostatic mixing valve to the branch for the domestic hot water.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 16, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Water Temp Variation Question

Sorry for the late post on this and I'm sure someone has looked at the heater alread, but in case not.....don't forget about the dip tube!!!! Common symptom is hot water for a short while and then luke warm and then cold. As the new water enters from the top, it doesn't make it's way to the bottom for heating if the dip tube is broken off. The cold water comes in and goes right out. May not be, but something to look at.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 16, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Hot water problem. Help!

For American Standard, the best stock is Chimerine Plumbing Supply on Dekalb Ave....718-782-3400

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 16, 2009 10:58 AM in response to American Standard In Stock?

JB, I've installed a few of the wall mount steam radiators and so far they've worked out well. A lot depends on your application, how big the room is, piping configurations, etc..

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 6, 2009 5:58 PM in response to Modern Steam Radiators

Gates, do you also have central air? Also, please make sure when you take the thermostat off that you only have two wires and not four. Even though there are batteries, they could be a back up and your thermostat could be hard wired as well.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 6, 2009 5:54 PM in response to Furnace or Thermostat Issues

If you can't install a hot water recirculating line from the Top Floor down to the equipment, they make special equipment that can go under a sink with a circulator on the hot water source which can work in the same manner. eman & MP are right, put something in no matter what size risers!! Actually, code states that a building 4 stories or more in height or buildings with the developed lenght of hot water piping from the source to the farthest fixture needs to have a recirculating line. As far as the info. you gave me, an engineer would be better suited to calculate properly the size of the piping.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 6, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Pipe Sizing

Ed is correct, definitely use copper!! As far as sizing goes, a lot depends on how many fixtures the risers are supplying and what kind of flow rate they require. When we do renovations on 4 and 5 story Brownstones, we typically use at least 1" H & C. We will sometimes reduce the size after the first couple of floors depending on how many fixtures are on the upper floors and depending on the other criteria I mentioned above.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Pipe Sizing

CMU, very honorable and thank you for understanding!!! As a business Owner, I have a few other people that handle the day to day operations in the Company. If there's a problem, I like to be alerted to it so that I can handle it personally if I'm able. Unfortunatley, most people, if they have a problem, just stop using a Company and move on. I like to step in a try to resolve to keep the business, the good name and the faith of the customer. Hello to Liz!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

edkopel, thank you for mentioning that we are good plumbers, we do try to pride ourselves on that. I remember the toilet call on a Saturday and I'm sorry we couldn't help. We do have to pay a premium to our workers for Weekends and Overtime and we have to quantify that additional salary. Also, our hourly rates are based on a certain amount of working hours and once we go over that, we have to cover our additional overhead. If we raised our hourly rate to cover that additional salary and overhead then we would have complaints from regular customers during regular business hours that our rates are too high. This way we can stay competitive and still perform service for emergencies, but at an added cost. I hope that is understood.
As I know you are familiar with our Company, you can also vouch for the countless number of hours that we will spend with someone discussing their projects and offering suggestions, proposals and pricing. This time comes at NO CHARGE and also no guarantee of getting the work.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 11:18 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

Denton, very educated and well thought out answer.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 11:12 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

CMU, I searched and found only one service call since 2001 and that was done on 12/18/01 for a few leaking radiators and some air vent valve replacements. Our charge was $120.00 + Materials and Tax. I don't have anything after that, so the service must have been prior which is in our old systems. Sorry, I tried to find it to see what had happened.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

Mopar, Thank you for working everything out with us!! I don't want to see anyone angry or unhappy with our service or think that they are being ripped off. Our Father started this Company and instilled a lot of good values in us. I would like to think that we do everything we can to keep things honest.

CMU, you have a good memory...I looked back on our records and haven't seen any service with you since 2001. If you explain the situation where we royally overcharged you, maybe I can look into it. I think I personally came to your home because I recognize the name and address.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 9:46 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

Pig three...one thing about steam is that it travels at it's own rate...can't "speed it up". No need to vent at the top of the main if you have vents on the branches to the individual convectors, which of course you do. Just make sure you have good venting at the end of the mains in the Cellar and then you can change the vents at each convector to help balance.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at October 26, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Add an Air Vent? Round Two...

Is DEP or any other construction company doing any work in the area or on your street? Even if the water isn't turned on or off, just the heavy trucks or demo equipment could stir up sediment in the water mains.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at September 22, 2009 10:46 PM in response to Inquiry from my parents tenants

You should call Imperial Cleaning....very large crew, specializing in construction clean-ups and commercial work...also has a great residential division for regular cleaning. 631-491-7400

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at September 16, 2009 9:33 PM in response to Cleaning Service

We have several different types of fiber-optic cameras that maybe can help...also can do a water dye test if necessary. www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 30, 2009 10:01 AM in response to Water Damage Question

Thank you both for your high praise!! Erik

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 20, 2009 9:31 PM in response to Plumber I can trust

There is a Plumbing Supply that has used radiators in front of the store on Myrtle Ave down by Franklin Ave...not sure the exact address. Might be a good place to look. If interested, write back and I'll try to get the exact address for you.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 20, 2009 9:29 PM in response to Cast Iron Hot Water Radiators

They probably don't go to DOB to schedule. They most likely will either call into the call center and schedule a physical inspection, or request a self-certification appointment online. Either way, it's not real time, but should show up very shortly after the appointment is requested. Note that for an "self-cert" inspection, the lead time is a minimum of 48 hours. A physical inspection appointment can take longer depending on how backed-up the DOB inspectors are (sometimes over a week). Do you know how to look on the DOB site to check for the inspection appoinement?

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 19, 2009 10:41 PM in response to Gas Conversion Questions

Hey MP, at least he said to ask for insurance!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 17, 2009 5:32 PM in response to Wanted Plumber + Electrician

not an easy DIY job...what you're asking to do requires permitting by the NYC Dept. of Buildings. You are not allowed (yet) to penetrate for a dryer vent to the outside of a building without a filed plan, unless it is going through a roof. You can add the washing machine on an LAA form which is a less involved permit with DOB. If you are going to DIY and want to vent to a hatch, just make sure that the distance isn't too far for the dryer specs. If it is, you can add an inline inducer for more distance. As far as "splitting" a sewer line, I don't recommend that you try that...you can cause a lot of damage to the pipe if not done properly and create a big headache. Contact a professional and get a price to do the job correctly. It will be worth it in the long run.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 9, 2009 10:06 PM in response to Washer and Dryer in Basement

we fit both of those criteria...www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 9, 2009 10:02 PM in response to Wanted Plumber + Electrician

If the floor is coming up....DO IT!! It's something that you defintely don't want to be dealing with in the future, especially if you've just put down a new floor. Figure it into your budget and try to save somewhere else if that's what it takes. A collapsed sewer can cause sewage back-ups, floods and a lot more of a problem if you have to try and replace sections at a time underground. A video inspectin may help, but might not always be able to tell you how thin piping is. It can spot a crack or a hole, but the best way to see is to uncover a section of the piping while you are doing your work and have the piping looked at. An experienced Plumber should be able to tell you weather or not the piping is in need of replacement. After 80+ years underground, it probably is. Good Luck!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 7, 2009 10:41 PM in response to Sewer Line Replacement

MP, I think quikazoid meant to say "can" perform at a high level!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at August 3, 2009 10:35 PM in response to National Grid Boiler Estimates

There are a lot of new incentives for oil to gas conversions from Nationalgrid as well as rebates for high efficiency. Make sure you do your research before signing, the incentive program has recently changed. www.thinksmartthinkgreen.com can help.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 28, 2009 8:38 PM in response to Williamson or Burnham boilers

And you have to take into account HOW dissimilar the metals are. Certain metals touching each other will have a different reaction than other metals.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 28, 2009 8:34 PM in response to Why Heating Pipes Don't Rust?

you can check our website at www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com and there is a link to check air times in the area. The show aired earlier in the year, but they may be showing re-runs.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 28, 2009 8:29 PM in response to This Old House

How far uptown? We are currently working on a renovation on E. 66th. St.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:32 PM in response to Need Boiler Specialist Now

Natco Mechanical....718-252-7200 and ask for Michael.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:22 PM in response to A/C Installation (HELP!!)

The girl to the left at Park Slope Plumbing supply is Lisanne and she's GREAT!! You can't lose buying your fixtures from them!! When you go, tell her Erik from Aladdin gave you her name.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

Does this work also include future waste and water connections for a utility sink?

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:16 PM in response to Laundry Machine Plumbing

If it's a Basement and not a Cellar, a Kitchen is legal, but your best bet is to check with an architect. They can check the building dept. records and see if the Kitchen is shown at all on the plans or if there were any filings in the past for the installation. Is that the only Kitchen in the duplex, or is there one upstairs as well? If it's the only one and it wasn't installed legally, you can hire an architect and legalize it...as long as you are able to have a Kitchen on that level.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:11 PM in response to Cellar Kitchen Compliant?

You can contact us: www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com
Cost can vary based on the size of your sprinkler service.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 6:08 PM in response to Water Meter Installation

This is us at: www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 6:05 PM in response to hydronic floor in extension

MP, NICE!!! I would love to see "Tinker"'s insurance policy!! I wonder if he carries the mininum $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 coverages that Licensed Master Plumbers are required to carry by the NYC Dept. of Buildings? The replacement of any non-fire suppression branch piping after a riser shut off valve is required to be filed on a monthly report called an OP-128 by a LICENSED PLUMBER ONLY!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:58 PM in response to Water valve replacement cost?

Brownstone Management, Robin Miller, 347-578-4731

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:29 PM in response to Management for a 3-Fam Townhouse

www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:26 PM in response to In need of a plumber...

If you would like, you can call our office and we can come by to quote...718-783-4621

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:22 PM in response to through-the-wall air conditioner

Haven't used either, we like to recommend Main Man - 718-342-7900...very responsive, middle of the range pricing, excellent work.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:18 PM in response to plumbing

Hard to say without visually seeing the house, but for Plumbing, you can figure around $35K - $40K

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:14 PM in response to ball park on reno.

You can reconfigure the piping and relocate the radiator if needed. Is this steam or hot water? Steam requires a little more care with pitch of the piping being a factor (more in a one pipe steam system), but can definitely be done. You may have to open the floor though, so be aware.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 20, 2009 4:14 PM in response to can radiator be repositioned?

I meant to say sanitary VENT piping....sorry

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 20, 2009 4:12 PM in response to ball park on reno.

Are you replacing all water, waste, gas and sanitary piping for the entire house from the Cellar up and including the branches to the fixtures? Is the entire house being gutted or just opened where needed? How many full Bathrooms, Half Bathrooms, Kitchens, etc.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 20, 2009 4:11 PM in response to ball park on reno.

PVC is now legal up to five stories and yes, liners are ILLEGAL!! Are they saying that they'll replace the line to the street with a larger line to accept a larger volume of water? The problem with the ejector pump is where do you eject the water if the waste line is already filled. Not sure of the cost, but what about a drywell buried in the backyard to accept the water from the rain leaders? It may be a lot less than the $25,000 for the other option. I know you'll need plans and permits, but could be a possibility.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 20, 2009 4:06 PM in response to Water Main/sewer line

It sounds like the unitrol needs to be replaced if your diagnosis is correct. What is happening when you shower? Does the water come out cold at first and then get hotter or the opposite? We can take a look at it for you and replace the unitrol if necessary. www.aladdinplumbingcorp.com

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 11, 2009 9:56 PM in response to Water Heater trouble

Most leaks can be re-created if tested properly. An engineer's report will most likely tell you nothing, a Plumber's report (if done properly) will tell you more. And yes, opening the Super's ceiling (most likely sheetrock) would be better than your Bathroom walls. If you had a renovation done a couple of years ago, it could be a grouting problem around the tub or on the floor next to the tub. The leak may only happen once in a while depending on the shower curtain and where water hits while showering. Run proper tests FIRST and then make openings. Once the leak is discovered, then you can determine who is responsible for the bill.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 10, 2009 2:13 PM in response to leak mess

Contractor to call would be Mike Streaman of MRS Construction..718-832-5958. We've worked on dozens of projects like this one with him and have constructed Bathrooms of this size with a wet floor and they come out amazing!! You would definitely need an architect to do this right and have all the filings in place....a 30"-32" shower can be tight!! Don't worry about being on the Top Floor, if done correctly you will have no more chance of a leak than a custom built shower...it's built the same way!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 5, 2009 10:50 PM in response to advice on adding a bathrroom

Doug, you are correct and the liner is Illegal!! As for the main house trap, it's probably a good idea to change it for better access to the sewer in the future. This would be even more important if you're only changing a small section. If you have a problem in the future with a blockage, a new house trap will give you good access to the sewer main. The cost of a new trap shouldn't add too much to the overall job.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 5, 2009 10:42 PM in response to Sewer repair questions

With the walls open, you should be able to fit a 60" tub, were you measuring from finish wall to finish wall?...if 60" definitely won't fit, there are a handful of 54" tubs that you can get.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 5, 2009 10:37 PM in response to Where to find small bathtub?

Is the clawfoot tub already installed or is this a new installation?

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at June 3, 2009 10:08 PM in response to plumber that does finishing work

pretty funny... me as alter ego.. i just personally do not get the aesthetic of convectors, but go figure... i had a client who wanted the "classic soho loft look" of a huge grid of 1 inch pipes as a radiator..never argue aesthetics...

Posted by: eman1234 at October 27, 2009 6:43 PM in response to Add an Air Vent? Round Two...

You mean like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatewayplumbing/4051743460/

I've done a few of them.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at October 27, 2009 9:55 PM in response to Add an Air Vent? Round Two...

Maybe we should do that one day, MP. It is always nice to enlarge the network of professionals.

-SM

Posted by: SteamMan at October 27, 2009 10:04 PM in response to Add an Air Vent? Round Two...

You need "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" by Dan Holohan. You will see venting explained very well.

Posted by: elias at October 29, 2009 2:11 AM in response to Add an Air Vent? Round Two...

Hi !!
I had my renovation work done last month..I got satisfying results.Initially I was worried because I don't wanted to take chance in my home renovation..as I love my home..
One of my friend suggested one contractor from http://www.patuxentrenovations.com..they were nice and provided satisfying results especially they did awesome work in my kitchen.All I did is I told them about my expected design,and they designed everything according to my design and choice.
So that was my first and good experience.

Regards,
Nelson

Posted by: ericwalter at October 29, 2009 8:49 AM in response to General Contractor Recommends

Hi !!
I had my renovation work done last month..I got satisfying results.Initially I was worried because I don't wanted to take chance in my home renovation..as I love my home..
One of my friend suggested one contractor from http://www.patuxentrenovations.com/
they were nice and provided satisfying results especially they did awesome work in my kitchen.All I did is I told them about my expected design,and they designed everything according to my design and choice.
So that was my first and good experience.

Regards,
Nelson

Posted by: ericwalter at October 29, 2009 8:54 AM in response to General Contractor Recommends

5 mins to solder a separated pipe joint, $295, but that's from memory.

Now, maybe that's a "normal", "emergency" charge, in that case, I will withdraw the "royally overcharged" and just say I should've done it myself, since the pipe was completely accessible.

Posted by: cmu at November 5, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

How about a "public option" for plumbing? After all, it's like healthcare for your house

Posted by: the chicken at November 5, 2009 11:07 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

CMU, I searched and found only one service call since 2001 and that was done on 12/18/01 for a few leaking radiators and some air vent valve replacements. Our charge was $120.00 + Materials and Tax. I don't have anything after that, so the service must have been prior which is in our old systems. Sorry, I tried to find it to see what had happened.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?

Denton, very educated and well thought out answer.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at November 5, 2009 11:12 AM in response to Cost of Plumbing for Washer?