House questions

[from Roshani K.]

I recently moved into the neighborhood. I have a few questions regarding houses in the neighborhood. Our house is from 1923.

Water
Has the city replaced the lead pipes in the neighborhood? Is the water safe to drink from the tap? Any suggestions of the best way to get the water tested? 

Electrical
The electrical wiring is frayed and is still on 100AMP. Do I need to contact Pepco or an electrical company to get the wiring updated? Any suggestions of companies and how much it will cost?

Basement flooring
We have checkered flooring in the basement and the home inspector said that it might be asbestos. Any suggestions of how to deal with this? Remove it or put ceramic or other type of flooring on top?

Plumbing
This house has galvanized pipes. Have you had your pipes replaced if so, please let me know which company you used and how much it cost.

Thank you for any suggestions & advice.

Comments

[RM]

I moved to the area recently (to Brightwood) and love it.. However, I'm facing a severe problem with roaches in my kitchen, which has a shared wall with my neighbor.

What do you guys do to solve this issue? Should I talk to my neighbor?

[Amy]

I recently replaced all the galvanized pipes in my house but not the main drain. It cost me $5000 with a company based in VA. Part of the reason it was so cheap was because it was after a fire and many of my ceilings were exposed but even when they had to open up walls and ceilings the damage was minimal. If you know how to patch dry wall it isn't so bad.

Also they didn't remove the old pipes rather laid the new ones next to the old. I didn't think it was a bad price and my pressure and drainage problems have been eliminated.

[bogfrog]

Roshani,

Even if you replace the pipes in your house, remember the tie-in to the main line in the front of the house. If this hasn't been replaced, it's lead. A water-purifier or filter would be a good idea for any children or pregnant women drinking and using the water.

Great advice in the prior message.

[Jennifer]

Call WASA Lead Program - they will deliver a test kit to you and send you the results.

[Joe Martin]

We had to have our galvanized pipes replaced recently, an unappealing but essential task. Our water pressure suffered from considerable mineral deposits. The job ended up costing about $9,000. The price varies according to the extent of the work needed. We were extremely happy with the results and workmanship - done by John C. Flood Plumbing, the DC office, on Kennedy Street NW. Note: There are widely contrasting opinions of the quality of the service and job costs provided by this company. Again, we were pleased, but always many opinions help, I suppose.

[Randy R]

Roshani,

Water
If you are concerned about your water quality, there are a lot of over the counter test kits that are very affordable and will give you a good idea of where you stand before paying big dollars for a licensed pro. Check: http://www.alerg.com/page/A/CTGY/TK

Electrical
Pepco will not do anything re: your wiring if the update is internal. This would need to be appraised and bid on by an electrician. If the problem is external and you want to upgrade from the old 100amp or "pipe bus" that is typical in DC, you need what is called a "heavy up" which will bring a new "drop" to your house and will upgrade you to 200amp power along with a new "square"[the panel]. Generally you are looking at $1300-2000 for a heavy up and need to have a licensed elec. apply to the city for the location and engineering..once approved, your electrician puts in the new panel and overhead hook up, then Pepco comes out and ties into it. It can be a process in terms of time.

Basement flooring
Again, you can test before moving ahead[see link above] but chances are that it is asbestos. If you want it out, you have to go through a fairly expensive abatement process to have it safely removed. Most homeowners hire an unlicensed crew and have them rip it out [sorry, but this is the financial truth of what I see in our neighborhood]. The easiest solution is to cover the tiles with a new flooring as asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes broken apart and airborne. If you dont disturb the tiles, you will be fine. If you do, make sure to competely ventilate the basement and wash down all surfaces.

Plumbing
L Copper is the best way to go, but depends on the extent. Again, testing for water quality will give you an idea of where you stand and a plumber can walk you through scope and costs for replacement.

I have gone through this process many times with clients here in DC. I am an Architect, living here in Petworth and my wife and I also went through the same process, remodeling our 1919 rowhouse. Feel free to contact me and welcome to the neighborhood.
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