Are there any other options for a small brick building?

[Onlooker]

I am a condo trustee in a 90 year old, 4 story brick building, with 4 units per floor, 2 on each side of the common hallway.

The kitchen plumbing is all 90 years old and embedded between thick brick firewalls. There is no access to it, except by removing kitchen cabinets and cutting through brick. The only other plumbing in the units, the bathroom plumbing, is about 30 feet away and there's no logical way to connect to it.

Given that the 2" iron drain pipe is leaking and the 1/2"supply lines can't have long to last, it seems the only option is to create a new chase in the hallway (which is about 10 feet from each kitchen sink) and run new pipes.

Just thought I'd ask if anyone has any other suggestions or advice should we decide to do this big plumbing job.

 

[WorthFlorida]

The condo is classed as a multi family structure and there are different codes for structures over a certain number of floors and units. Any work on this type of building will require an engineering firm to design a new system. You can have structural issues to contend with along with updated fire codes and the pipe type has to be specified. Hot water distribution, either a building supplied heaters or individual unit in each condo has to be addressed.

Bottom line is your local jurisdiction will probably require a permit application for this building from an licensed contractor with drawings by a licensed engineer. While you are at it, if there isn't a fire suppression system, you should look into it. What about your heating system? Is it hydronic and how old?

If your association deals with a management company, that is a good place to start seeking out a contractor and engineering firm.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

Id say a chase is a good option. Not knowing the layout it might mean 4 chases. might be able to go on outside building with chase.
Many things to think about as Worth florida has mentoined. Dont know why your heating system would have to be adressed while repairing kitchen waste and water. But If you havent consulted and done extensive work rescently it would be a good time to be informed of condition of all systems of building. My guess is the homeowners come into play and might be very interested in prevenetive maint. and others could care less and vote against any work. But I really dont know how it works.
Everything will have to be 100 percent legal and my guess is the paper work will cost more than running this work everyone will have a hand out. pretty interesting hope you come up with a good plan and affordable!

 

[Jeff H Young]

Sorry didnt answer your question.
Options. Possibly epoxy line the waste line. they even do that to water lines i belive. You said water lines werent a problem right now. Since this is a repair my guess is all the BS with fire suppresion, city , and who knows might not be an issue.
That said I dont belive this is as good as brand new everything , it might still be a viable option

 

[WorthFlorida]

I mentioned the heating system because if it is a hot water system the pipes could be as old. Local jurisdictions might require an upgrade of other systems, not saying it is required but just to be sure that you don’t get a surprise.

Check with your insurance company. Upgrading to all new plumbing system may result is a discount because the chance of water damage will be lessened. Usually each year the discount decreases as the system ages.

 

[Jeff H Young]

I mentioned the heating system because if it is a hot water system the pipes could be as old. Local jurisdictions might require an upgrade of other systems, not saying it is required but just to be sure that you don’t get a surprise.

Check with your insurance company. Upgrading to all new plumbing system may result is a discount because the chance of water damage will be lessened. Usually each year the discount decreases as the system ages.

Good Ideas! Agree even if they arent required to do all the extra work it might be a good time to look into a complete repipe waste and water Hvac and gas . plus the fire sprinklers. 90 year old building might want to get an electrical upgrade as well