All Forum Posts by: Frank S.

I gave my tenants additional screens and this plastic tool ($6).  The screens should stop all hair, if not my handyman  charges $50 per drain.  The tub worked when they moved in and it should still work when they moved out, same applies to toilets. 

All you can afford. Toys are fun.

I'm looking for a licensed, bonded, wood porch contractor. The project is in the south side of Chicago.  I would appreciate references. 

Thanks, 

You could do it if an additional test tee is placed at the upper floor. Sometimes they allow the three story as one system, check with inspector. 

 Air pressure should be  13 psi or whatever the inspector wants. ( 30 ft head = 12.99 psi)

Congrats on the purchase!  

An air pressure test will help detect issues with the domestic water; however, the water lines will need to be disinfected/chlorinated. Legionella loves stagnation!   You can't really tell about the plumbing behind the walls, if you smell sewer gas ( hydrogen sulfide), it may mean a broken pipe or empty p-trap at sink or tub.  The toilet could've been plugged and this person couldn't get help. It's a sad story. 

Best of luck, 

@kevin 

DWV tests in Philadelphia are per IPC and local codes.  The water test is common everywhere in the country, you can also use air or smoke. See if the inspector allows smoke/air. It's faster.   Ask about the 24 hour, code indicates 15 minutes. 

The test plug and ball noted by @Jon Holdman are exactly what you will use.    If the tub is installed you will have to disconnect the tub shoe assembly and plug there. 

How many floors? There is a limit on static head pressure the DWV can take (30 feet).  If one or two stories, you plug everything and fill at the highest level, maybe the vent through the roof. 

Page 91 & 92. 

http://www.phila.gov/li/PDF/Plumbing%20Code%202004...).pdf

I am more concerned with the fact  your plumber hasn't done one.   Make sure you don't have leaks or the inspector may have to come back. 

Good luck @Kevin Branin, 

WOW!!! Now, that's a fixer upper! Tip of the hat.

I got a guy for you. I will send you an email. 

It's a great advantage to know how a building is put together, form the envelop to the trim.

I have done plumbing, electrical, and flooring. I will not do flooring again (ever) and I was able to find fairly priced electrical guys.  Plumbing is expensive in Chicago and I will have to bite the bullet for larger renovations.  I will not do drywall or demo.

It is fun to do this work, however, once you account for the opportunity loss (lost rents, reinvest, holding costs, family time) by doing your own work, the savings are not that great. All depends on what metrics you use:  local contractor prices and income from your W2 job. 

Have fun while doing it, @Andy Webb

How do you know the price is high? Did you get other bids?

I wouldn't bother asking for an itemized materials and labor for a big job. It will take a lot of time for a contractor to come up with all that for a large renovation - you indicated a building, right?  Ask for a brake down in trades, perhaps.

Get three bids and have them all to attend the same walk-through.  Get a clear scope of work, use the contractors to help you develop the scope of work. Then, compare costs, don't go for the cheapest guy unless you want change orders.