Problems we see in older towers and walk-ups
- Gate valves on risers that will not close fully after decades
- Cast iron stacks with cracked hubs leaking into lower suites
- Hot water recirculation lines that run cold at the top floors
- Booster pumps short-cycling or failing to hold pressure
- Main sewer lines blocked by wipes from many suites at once
How a riser job is planned
- Walk the building with the superintendent and locate every isolation point
- Agree on a shut-down window and post notices for affected suites
- Shut down, drain the riser and replace the valves or section
- Refill slowly, bleed air at the top and check every suite affected
- Leave a written report with photos for the board or owner
Margin note: Exercising riser valves once a year keeps them from seizing. We can do this as a scheduled visit and note any valve that will not close.
Suite-level work
Inside individual suites we handle the same jobs as a house: drains, toilets, faucets, and leaks behind tub walls. The difference is who signs off. For condos we confirm with management whether a pipe is part of the unit or a common element before starting, so the right party is billed.
What helps us work faster
- Mechanical room and roof access arranged
- Building drawings or riser diagrams if you have them
- A list of suites with known leaks or low pressure
- A contact who can let us into suites during the shut-down