Moving floor to ceiling radiator pipes

thfurnitureguy_4

Yes, you do make an excellent points. In eather case I believe the plumbing part of the problem is easyer than the legal one. It has taken 2 months to get cooperation from my tennents to move one radiator over 3' to make room for a fridge in a vacent appartment. People do not like disruption to there space.

Carolyn

How can I move a floor to ceiling radiator pipe?

I live in a 1920's 3 story condo with radiator heat. During kitchen renovation I removed a small wall. The contractor discovered that the heating pipe for the unit above me run through this wall. I'd like to relocate the pipes about 3 feet to run up the side wall. Do you know if this is possible and what's involved? My contractor won't do this, so if you have any suggestions on who to call I'd appreciate it.

thanks!

Bob W._3

Did you try the Find a Professional link on the upper left menu?

Brad White_16

Legal issues

You may find some legal formalities involved in that you will be affecting a system not your own. Probably not a big deal but you should check with your Condo master deed, legal advisor and insurance carrier as a matter of due diligence. It's the old, "you touched it, you own it" syndrome. The tenant above in all liklihood has an "easement by prescription" because the pipe has been there in service prior to the master deed and is necessary for their enjoyment. Not meant to be legal advice (I had just a year of law school and could not lie to my parents about what I did for a living .

Just something to consider as you do the necessary work.

Bob W._3

If the pipe is also feeding radiators in other units it could well be a limited common element. If it is in her unit only it is probably hers to deal with. I say probably because one should always check the Declaration and other governing documents when living in a common interest community. It is all dependent on her state's laws and the governing documents. I make part of my living setting up CIC's; would never live in one becasue of all the restricitons:)

Brad White_16

Another good point, Bob

True it could be a common element. My experience has been that even if it passes through the units "floor space" the net unit ends at the face of studs or centerline of demising walls. But as you said, the deeds rule and do indeed vary state to state. Good call.
Thanks!

Brad

thfurnitureguy_4

To answer the plumbing part of the question Yes. the problem is to keep the pitch of the pipes heading down hill so you don't cause condensate to pool and pipes to bang. Usually you will need to access the pipe in the room below you, elbow it along the celing to where you want it and up through the celing of the room below you. Now up the wall in its new location, than back to the spot where it was to go up through the celing to the next floor. It mostlikely feeds a radiator in the apt above you. As you see it involves cooperation and a change of aperance for your neighbor below you and an interuption in service for the one above. Its nothing a good plumber, painter, drywall guy,a lawyer and a sack of money can't solve. LOL best of luck.

Bob W._3

Should probably add that she should just take it to the Board of the condo. No need to go further if they are reasonable.

Brad White_16

Assuming it is steam

you are right, that is a point very well taken. The posting did say "radiator heat" which can mean anything to the lay person, whether steam or hot water.

The posting also said "pipe" in the singular so that too could mean one-pipe steam adding to your point. Never easy, is it?

Brad White_16

Condo Boards

should all be so reasonable! But you are right. One stop shopping; it is a simple request.