All Forum Posts by: Jeremy Pace

Finally got word back from my plumber.

Option #1: $900 repair, replace several boiler internals (Expected to 'solve problem' for three years).

Option #2: $2000 replacement, just hit that reset (warrantied)

I'm leaning toward option #1, not simply because it's cheaper, but because it puts me on the clock to replace the boiler with something else (cough cough furnace).  If I but in a brand new boiler, I'm going to expect a minimum of 10 years of good service out of it.

I am having a second plumber come in and look at it today.  I don't know enough about 15-yr old (Steam, i believe) boilers to know whether or not I'm about to get rooked.

Richard, I'm categorically disinterested in DIY in this case, so rest easy.  Any work that's to be done will be carried out by a professional.

Once I hear back from the plumber, I'll post updates.

Thanks for the advice.  The boiler is currently off (based on the advice of a hired plumber), so there's no danger to anyone in the house.  I'm trying to figure out if there's any way to fix it before I go all in on a new boiler.  I'm fortunate enough to have a tiny window of time to try and perform some due diligence here.

General Question:
Several of my rentals have boilers across the spectrum of quality and age.  My oldest boiler is in a 5 BR 2 BA house.  It's been producing a LOT of carbon monoxide, so much that I feel like it's a hazard to go into the basement to work on it.

Does anyone have any ideas about how I can 1) reduce the amount of carbon monoxide produced or 2) better mitigate?

You could also look into Craig/Craig Property Management.  They manage just about 400 rental units all over the Pittsburgh Metro.  If you're interested, feel free to check out there site: http://www.craigcraig.com/
You may message me if interested, and you and I and Gary Craig will talk.

This will most certainly not deter section 8 renters. The inspectors that I've dealt with (Allegheny County, not COP) are all very reasonable, and if they have a concern, they will most certainly raise it. In my experience, they care they most about:

1) Door condition and door hardware

2) Smoke Detectors

3) That all 3 pronged electrical outlets me grounded

4) That the electrical panels are up to date

5) That no common area utility is paid for by a tenant (no hall lights on tenant electrical bills, etc.)

6) That all windows be able to be opened, and stay open (lift open 3-5 inches, and when you let go, it will stay in that position)

Hopefully this helps. If you have any other questions, you can always PM me.