33 Fifth Avenue
Complete Domestic Water Piping Upgrade
After identifying low pressure, scalding showers, and corroded pipes, Rand designed a complete upgrade of the domestic water system at 33 Fifth Avenue (left). Copper tubing (center), much less resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel pipes, was installed throughout the building. Flush-tank toilets and other low-flow fixtures were installed in kitchens and bathrooms (right).
Property:
15-story, 55-apartment cooperative in Manhattan's Greenwich Village Historic District.
Project Overview:
Upgrade of the entire 80-year-old domestic water system. New copper tubing was installed throughout the building next to corroded galvanized steel and brass pipes, which were left in place. This "parallel" piping configuration minimized demolition and disruption to residents.
Engineer:
RAND Engineering & Architecture, PC
New York, NY
Contractors:
Stellmar Plumbing & Mechanical Corp. $934,000 construction cost
Property Manager:
Adam Zerka
Century Management Services
New York, NY
Scope of Work:
Rand's detailed plumbing survey identified low domestic water pressure, scalding showers, and corroded and uninsulated pipes. New installations included:
- Cold water supply, hot water supply, and hot water return overhead piping.
- Copper tubing risers and branch lines to apartments, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Water hammer arrestors to prevent banging pipes.
- High-performance/low-flow flush-tank toilets.
- Low-consumption kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
- Roof tank supply and return risers and roof tank pump headers.
- Supplemental booster pump system.
- Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer.
- Valves, fittings, hangers, gauges, insulation, and associated equipment.
- The existing piping system was maintained until all bathroom apartments and professional spaces were connected to the new replacement piping.