Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

While copper is good, you might also look into flexible PEX lines if
it will make installation easier.

And even if we assume that you're 40 feet above the water inlet, that
will represent only about a 17 psi pressure drop from elevation
change. It's not a huge issue unless water pressure is already weak.

Are you doing the work yourself?

On Nov 4, 11:50*am, mike wrote:
While copper is good, you might also look into flexible PEX lines if
it will make installation easier.

And even if we assume that you're 40 feet above the water inlet, that
will represent only about a 17 psi pressure drop from elevation
change. *It's not a huge issue unless water pressure is already weak.

Are you doing the work yourself?

Does the rest of the building have the same original pipes that are on
the 4th floor? Why do you assume the disconnected sections are now
bad if the original is not bad?

On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:
Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

Location of building? LA? NYC? Chicago?

Too many unkowns & questions to handle via NG conversation....... too
much typing.

this is "phone call" topic, at 'til its narrrowed down

restoration is easily possible (even on a DIY basis) on a temporary
trial (with appropirate valving") just o "give it a try".
Could be be done in a few hours to a day's worth of "qucik & dirty"

cheers
Bob

On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:
Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.

On Nov 4, 10:09*am, Molly Brown wrote:
On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:





Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Also if you have tenants or plan on having tenants they can sue you
for not abiding by the EPA lead laws.

On Nov 4, 1:09*pm, Molly Brown wrote:
On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:





Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it’s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.

On Nov 4, 1:21*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Nov 4, 1:09*pm, Molly Brown wrote:





On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it’s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The OP said this:

"The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded
and rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential. "

That and the fact that the place was built in 1922 suggest that the
existing pipe is probably galvanized steel. But you have a point, we
don't know for sure what kind of pipe it is. It's impossible to be of
much help on this kind of thing, as there are way too many variables
involved.

PEX run from the existing baths might be a solution, but we don't know
the pipe sizes and if they can support a second bath.

On Nov 4, 11:36*am, "Ray" wrote:
Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

buffalo ny:
hire a local architect for a consultation, and hire him to determine:
1. legal "use" permit including zoning compliance from your town for
the change in use in your licensed multiple dwelling or whatever is
its present legal use. it is possible that fourth floor was
decommissioned for a legal use change in 1950 for compliance with
minimum building code /fire/health requirements as a six unit multiple
dwelling of only the first three three stories in height and you have
no legal permitted use for habitable space at that level today or in
the future within reasonable cost within your budget. if this is a
wood frame building you may have upcoming fire separation improvement
requirements. (think fire rated drywall.)
2. plumbing permit from a master plumber and his estimate for
updating the plumbing. make sure of the water pressure and volume and
main water line is 1" or bigger and has succicient city pressure to
get to that altitude.
3. safe fire egress stairwells or fire escapes needed to comply with
current code.
4. architect will oversee contractors and plumbing after submitting
plans for approval. if you don't have plans in your hand, start
praying that a copy exists: go to town hall and start digging as they
were filed in 1922. architects have to sign them out and make working
copies for you and your architect.
5. if co-op means you live in an upper and want to blast thru the
third floor ceiling to make a connecting loft with a stairway into
level 4, make sure your architect knows your complete goal as there
are load and support issues.
6. if a roof deck, pool, or garden is part of your dream, make sure
approvals and plans include it and plumbing and electricity and
drainage and deck materials as well since you're already improving the
fourth level don't just stop there while you have the government and
architect and contractors all in motion.
7. if there is no way to get this approved or the cost is too much,
have architect draw an outside 3d view of your dream roof garden and
the building for the future owner to drool over as a beautiful dream
in his future.
-b

"Molly Brown" wrote
If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors.
- Show quoted text -

Also if you have tenants or plan on having tenants they can sue you
for not abiding by the EPA lead laws.

Rent to illegal aliens and al you need is a cold water tap and a bucket.

Most, maybe all, of the original pipes on the first three floors have been
replaced with copper.

"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
...

On Nov 4, 11:50 am, mike wrote:
While copper is good, you might also look into flexible PEX lines if
it will make installation easier.

And even if we assume that you're 40 feet above the water inlet, that
will represent only about a 17 psi pressure drop from elevation
change. It's not a huge issue unless water pressure is already weak.

Are you doing the work yourself?

Does the rest of the building have the same original pipes that are on
the 4th floor? Why do you assume the disconnected sections are now
bad if the original is not bad?

Thanks to all for the thoughtful and helpful answers.



"Ray" wrote in message ...

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

On Nov 4, 3:13*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Nov 4, 1:56*pm, wrote:



On Nov 4, 1:21*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:09*pm, Molly Brown wrote:

On Nov 4, 8:36*am, "Ray" wrote:

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it’s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The OP said this:

"The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded
and rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential. "

That and the fact that the place was built in 1922 suggest that the
existing pipe is probably galvanized steel. * But you have a point, we
don't know for sure what kind of pipe it is. *It's impossible to be of
much help on this kind of thing, as there are way too many variables
involved.

PEX run from the existing baths might be a solution, but we don't know
the pipe sizes and if they can support a second bath.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"but we don't know *the pipe sizes and if they can support a
second bath."

I prefer that all of my baths be supported by floor joists of the
proper size.

IMHO, supporting a bath with the pipes is just asking for trouble.

I believe trad used "support" in the sense of making sure there was
enough water available. That's how I read it, anyway.

cavedweller wrote the following:
On Nov 4, 3:13 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:56 pm, wrote:




On Nov 4, 1:21 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:09 pm, Molly Brown wrote:

On Nov 4, 8:36 am, "Ray" wrote:

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it’s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you’re not extending off a ½” line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn’t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a ¾” line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn’t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it’s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The OP said this:

"The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded
and rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential. "

That and the fact that the place was built in 1922 suggest that the
existing pipe is probably galvanized steel. But you have a point, we
don't know for sure what kind of pipe it is. It's impossible to be of
much help on this kind of thing, as there are way too many variables
involved.

PEX run from the existing baths might be a solution, but we don't know
the pipe sizes and if they can support a second bath.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"but we don't know the pipe sizes and if they can support a
second bath."

I prefer that all of my baths be supported by floor joists of the
proper size.

IMHO, supporting a bath with the pipes is just asking for trouble.


I believe trad used "support" in the sense of making sure there was
enough water available. That's how I read it, anyway.

I believe DerbyDad03 left off the smiley.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

On Nov 5, 10:22*am, "Ray" wrote:
Most, maybe all, of the original pipes on the first three floors have been
replaced with copper.

"jamesgangnc" *wrote in message

...

On Nov 4, 11:50 am, mike wrote:

While copper is good, you might also look into flexible PEX lines if
it will make installation easier.

And even if we assume that you're 40 feet above the water inlet, that
will represent only about a 17 psi pressure drop from elevation
change. *It's not a huge issue unless water pressure is already weak.

Are you doing the work yourself?

Does the rest of the building have the same original pipes that are on
the 4th floor? *Why do you assume the disconnected sections are now
bad if the original is not bad?

Then I woul dgo ahead and replace the 4th floor with copper as well.
Or cpvc.

On Nov 5, 3:31*pm, willshak wrote:
cavedweller wrote the following:



On Nov 4, 3:13 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:56 pm, wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:21 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:09 pm, Molly Brown wrote:

On Nov 4, 8:36 am, "Ray" wrote:

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it�s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you�re not extending off a �� line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn�t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a �� line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn�t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it�s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The OP said this:

"The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded
and rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential. "

That and the fact that the place was built in 1922 suggest that the
existing pipe is probably galvanized steel. * But you have a point, we
don't know for sure what kind of pipe it is. *It's impossible to be of
much help on this kind of thing, as there are way too many variables
involved.

PEX run from the existing baths might be a solution, but we don't know
the pipe sizes and if they can support a second bath.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"but we don't know *the pipe sizes and if they can support a
second bath."

I prefer that all of my baths be supported by floor joists of the
proper size.

IMHO, supporting a bath with the pipes is just asking for trouble.

I believe trad used "support" in the sense of making sure there was
enough water available. *That's how I read it, anyway. *

I believe DerbyDad03 left off the smiley.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

DerbyDad03 didn't think he needed a smiley in this instance.

He should have known better.

On Fri, 5 Nov 2010 13:44:30 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:
DerbyDad03 didn't think he needed a smiley in this instance.
He should have known better.

He knew better. When you go fishing, do you attach a sign saying
"bait" next the hook?

Edward

On Nov 5, 3:31*pm, willshak wrote:
cavedweller wrote the following:

On Nov 4, 3:13 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:56 pm, wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:21 pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Nov 4, 1:09 pm, Molly Brown wrote:

On Nov 4, 8:36 am, "Ray" wrote:

Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.

If you hire a license contractor that knows what he or she is doing
then the new EPA lead laws are going to cost you a bundle because it�s
going to involve making holes in the walls both on the third and
fourth floors. You might want to do the demolition yourself to save
money but make sure you know where to demolish before you do.
You can extend the pipes as long as you�re not extending off a �� line
which would be too small to branch out from. If you do then more than
one person using the water isn�t going to get enough pressure.
Branching off of a �� line is probably going to be O.K. but I wouldn�t
bet my life on it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the OP said "The old pipes all remain in place" why do you assume
that "it�s going to involve making holes in the walls both on the
third and fourth floors."?

If the pipes are still serviceable then all that may be involved is to
cut/sweat off the cap and use a junction to connect any extensions
that are needed.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The OP said this:

"The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded
and rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential. "

That and the fact that the place was built in 1922 suggest that the
existing pipe is probably galvanized steel. * But you have a point, we
don't know for sure what kind of pipe it is. *It's impossible to be of
much help on this kind of thing, as there are way too many variables
involved.

PEX run from the existing baths might be a solution, but we don't know
the pipe sizes and if they can support a second bath.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"but we don't know *the pipe sizes and if they can support a
second bath."

I prefer that all of my baths be supported by floor joists of the
proper size.

IMHO, supporting a bath with the pipes is just asking for trouble.

I believe trad used "support" in the sense of making sure there was
enough water available. *That's how I read it, anyway. *

I believe DerbyDad03 left off the smiley.



Ayup......whooosshhh.

On Nov 6, 10:20*am, Edward Reid
wrote:
On Fri, 5 Nov 2010 13:44:30 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03

wrote:
DerbyDad03 didn't think he needed a smiley in this instance.
He should have known better.

He knew better. When you go fishing, do you attach a sign saying
"bait" next the hook?

Edward

Does anybody check to see who posted what in this NG?

On Nov 4, 10:36*am, "Ray" wrote:
Let me say at the outset that I am well aware that I can get only an
educated guess in response to this posting, but I would welcome an educated
guess or even pure speculation.

We live in a six-unit coop apartment building built in 1922. It's a very
solid building which has been well-maintained and it in very good shape
considering its age.

The apartments are identical in layout, two on each floor.

The fourth floor consists of six rooms which were once occupied by *servant
girls. It was a dormitory arrangement, with a shared bathroom at one end of
the hallway, and a shared kitchen at the other.

Around 1950 these rooms ceased to be used for habitation and were converted
to storage. At that same time, the hot and cold water pipes were cut and
plugged.

To get to my question: What's likely to be involved if we reconnect the
water supply? (To make the rooms habitable once again.)

The old pipes all remain in place, but I'm sure they are so corroded and
rusted inside that replacement with copper would be essential.

I emphasize that all of the bathrooms are stacked in the same vertical
configuration. I'm pretty sure that the old pipes have been replaced in the
apartments through the years.

So I guess the second question is, is it likely that we can simply extend
the pipes from the third-floor bathroom to the fourth-floor bath?

To repeat, I'm aware that I'm asking for a diagnosis done with a blindfold.
I'm sure all sorts of issues, like water pressure etc., would come into
consideration. But we do know that at one time the plumbing worked on the
fourth floor, and we'd like to restore it if possible.


As others have said he

Q: How do you know that the other bathrooms do not still use
"original"
water supply piping?

A: You do not know and can not discover that until you open up some
walls in some of the units...

You seem so concerned about the water supply side of the equation,
but I would be more concerned with the drain side... Your building is
probably still using its original soil/vent stack -- if the 4th floor
drains
were capped off in 1950, then disturbing that stack will probably be
the most scary aspect of the "project" you have proposed...

I would look into what the permitted use of the 4th floor space is as
things stand now... I am betting it is listed as storage space not
fit for human habitation... Adding "creature" comforts like running
water to such space so people can hang out up there to use the
room(s) for something sounds like it will bring up egress issues...

Building constructed in 1922, you probably have asbestos insulation,
asbestos containing floor tiling or asbestos containing wall plaster
which will need to be abated before you can do any work on the
rooms...
Rooms last used in the 1950's, you are probably looking at abating
lead painted walls and woodwork to prevent any future liability for
what would become common space for all the building occupants
to use...

I would just leave that space alone as if you wake the sleeping dogs
that lie there you might be looking at a much costlier project than
just hooking up some pipes...

~~ Evan