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Are the supply lines lead, iron or copper. If copper then they are relatively new already. The leaks are largely due to valves like he says otherwise a leak in a line would be constant and you’d see/hear major water damage. Stacks made out of cast iron usually last forever. But yes, a stack replacement will cost a lot more. But a three storey house with 2 families or less can be PVC now.
Unless you plan to do this without permits, you’ll need an architect. I’d recommend Michael McCaww who has the storefront office on Stuyvesant Ave near MacDonough. He’s really great to work with and will negotiate all the permit stuff. Additionally it’s good to get an architects input when you are thinking about the major stuff because they usually think of things that you won’t regarding room positioning, etc
The inspector recommended replacing the water lines, the heating lines, and the waste lines for $25,000. Then he added that if it turns out we have to replace “the stack” the whole thing will come to $40,000. I’m not sure if those numbers include a new boiler and installation ($7,000 to $10,000).
He allowed that if we wanted to be conservative, we could try just replacing the water lines.
There is one other funny thing: The kitchen sink vent pipe, which goes through the wall up to the roof is blocked so it needs to be unblocked.
But when we turned on the water, the back porch toilet started leaking (just a joint I think) and the parlor floor toilet started leaking (at least a joint and maybe more) and the parlor floor bathroom sink bowl is leaking around the drain (inspector said the bowl was cracked but I didn’t see it).
So I suppose we could just try fixing those specific leaks, the vent, and all the valves and see what happens. It would probably be smart to change the boiler though. And maybe the heating pipes, since those can burst when you’re not home.
The one nice thing is that most of the plumbing is exposed and/or runs up the light shaft, so it’s easy to access.
Sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but replacing a couple of valves here and there doesn’t = 25-40K.
Does he think you need to replace the main and the branches?
It that’s the case, it’s an undertaking.
House Museum…sounds like it’s full of details.
Speaking Tube….oooohhh!!!
Look at the numbers:
Cosmetics aside; cause heck even the prime houses might not be cosmetically pleasing to the new owners; paint colors, finish on floor, etc.
You should really be looking at the inspector’s assessment of the mechanicals of the house. Can you live with some for a while? What would you need to do right away? Can you move in and then do some of the work? Etc. Etc. Etc.
If you love the house, offer less….the ball is in your court.
The economy is not improving, I think you probably have the upper hand at this point.
Good luck and have a house warming party and invite us all.
Who knows about those leaks. Maybe they were just little valves that need replacing. Or maybe the whole place is about to turn into Niagara Falls. I will say one thing: The water pressure was great, there was no rust, and some of the pipes in the basement level were fairly new copper in good condition.
I would prefer not to replace anything that isn’t actually broken.
However, I also realize it’s also cheaper to do it all at once.
(Note: We are not changing anything in the kitchens and baths, and there is no tile, so we don’t need to replace pipes now because we’re putting in fancy tile walls.)
Are the supply lines lead, iron or copper. If copper then they are relatively new already. The leaks are largely due to valves like he says otherwise a leak in a line would be constant and you’d see/hear major water damage. Stacks made out of cast iron usually last forever. But yes, a stack replacement will cost a lot more. But a three storey house with 2 families or less can be PVC now.
Unless you plan to do this without permits, you’ll need an architect. I’d recommend Michael McCaww who has the storefront office on Stuyvesant Ave near MacDonough. He’s really great to work with and will negotiate all the permit stuff. Additionally it’s good to get an architects input when you are thinking about the major stuff because they usually think of things that you won’t regarding room positioning, etc
The inspector recommended replacing the water lines, the heating lines, and the waste lines for $25,000. Then he added that if it turns out we have to replace “the stack” the whole thing will come to $40,000. I’m not sure if those numbers include a new boiler and installation ($7,000 to $10,000).
He allowed that if we wanted to be conservative, we could try just replacing the water lines.
There is one other funny thing: The kitchen sink vent pipe, which goes through the wall up to the roof is blocked so it needs to be unblocked.
But when we turned on the water, the back porch toilet started leaking (just a joint I think) and the parlor floor toilet started leaking (at least a joint and maybe more) and the parlor floor bathroom sink bowl is leaking around the drain (inspector said the bowl was cracked but I didn’t see it).
So I suppose we could just try fixing those specific leaks, the vent, and all the valves and see what happens. It would probably be smart to change the boiler though. And maybe the heating pipes, since those can burst when you’re not home.
The one nice thing is that most of the plumbing is exposed and/or runs up the light shaft, so it’s easy to access.
Sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but replacing a couple of valves here and there doesn’t = 25-40K.
Does he think you need to replace the main and the branches?
It that’s the case, it’s an undertaking.
Mopar, what did the inspector say you need to replace plumbing wise?
Give us the listing. We can start a bidding war!!! 🙂
House Museum…sounds like it’s full of details.
Speaking Tube….oooohhh!!!
Look at the numbers:
Cosmetics aside; cause heck even the prime houses might not be cosmetically pleasing to the new owners; paint colors, finish on floor, etc.
You should really be looking at the inspector’s assessment of the mechanicals of the house. Can you live with some for a while? What would you need to do right away? Can you move in and then do some of the work? Etc. Etc. Etc.
If you love the house, offer less….the ball is in your court.
The economy is not improving, I think you probably have the upper hand at this point.
Good luck and have a house warming party and invite us all.
Who knows about those leaks. Maybe they were just little valves that need replacing. Or maybe the whole place is about to turn into Niagara Falls. I will say one thing: The water pressure was great, there was no rust, and some of the pipes in the basement level were fairly new copper in good condition.
I would prefer not to replace anything that isn’t actually broken.
However, I also realize it’s also cheaper to do it all at once.
(Note: We are not changing anything in the kitchens and baths, and there is no tile, so we don’t need to replace pipes now because we’re putting in fancy tile walls.)
You guys are too funny. I enjoyed all of them. Some were brilliant. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be back.