Brooklyn brownstones: what their original plumbing means for tap water
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Importance of Clean Aerators Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective. Faucet aerators are small screens that can easily become clogged with mineral scale or sediment from the pipes. If you have low water pressure at just one sink, try unscrewing the aerator at the end of the faucet. Cleaning […]
Why older Manhattan co-ops struggle with internal pipe corrosion
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Aesthetic vs Health Concerns It is important to differentiate between visible water flaws and actual safety hazards to prevent unnecessary panic. The EPA defines secondary standards for things like taste, color, and odor, which do not usually signify a threat to health and are considered purely aesthetic issues. For example, cloudiness is […]
The science behind NYC reservoir turnover and seasonal taste changes
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Threat of Hidden Lead Service Lines Lead remains a serious concern for buildings constructed before the mid-twentieth century. While modern water treatment includes corrosion inhibitors to prevent lead from leaching into the supply, physical disturbances or pipe replacements can compromise this protection. If your building has a lead service line, it […]
How NYC’s building age affects tap water clarity from block to block
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Jurisdictional Lines: Landlord vs City When facing severe plumbing issues, precisely determining legal fault is paramount to securing an immediate repair. The city is typically responsible for the integrity of the water supply up to the water meter, which marks the property line. Everything beyond that meter, including the building’s internal risers, […]
Why the Bronx sees more discoloration after water main repairs
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Maintenance of Roof Water Tanks High-rise buildings often rely on rooftop storage tanks to maintain pressure for upper units. These wooden or steel vessels must be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent sediment buildup and bio-growth, according to local health codes. If you live on a top floor and experience musty […]
A simple guide to Queens neighborhoods and their water distribution zones
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Comparing New and Old Infrastructure The experience of tap water in a brand-new luxury development can be vastly different from that in a century-old brownstone. Newer buildings use modern materials like copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) for their internal distribution, which are resistant to corrosion and do not impart metallic flavors to […]
What causes sudden brown water in Brooklyn after hydrant use
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Jurisdictional Lines: Landlord vs City When facing severe plumbing issues, precisely determining legal fault is paramount to securing an immediate repair. The city is typically responsible for the integrity of the water supply up to the water meter, which marks the property line. Everything beyond that meter, including the building’s internal risers, […]
Why Manhattan tap water tastes different on the East Side vs. West Side
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Maintenance of Roof Water Tanks High-rise buildings often rely on rooftop storage tanks to maintain pressure for upper units. These wooden or steel vessels must be inspected and cleaned annually to prevent sediment buildup and bio-growth, according to local health codes. If you live on a top floor and experience musty […]