Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by solame

Is it fine if Consuming Tank Water?

solame — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 17:21:04 +0800

We are a family of 4 living in a renovated 18 years old sub-sale terrace link house. Renovated the house before move in back in 2012, same time changed 100% piping in the house using poly-pipe. After living happily for 4 years, we found out that the reno/piping contractor actually made in a way that, tank (in the roof) is supplying water to our kitchen taps

I know as standard, kitchen is using fresh main water. For my case, proven it is not. I do not know if i should live with it.

Solution 1
Engage a "piping master", modify kitchen supply pipe.
Cost: Not known yet cos yet to have a quotation from any contractor.

Solution 2
Buy a kitchen water purifier. Upgrade quality of the drinking water.
Cost: Ranging from few hundrreds to few thousands.

Appreciate your kind input.

Double Storey Link House Front Extension Queries

solame — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 09:43:45 +0800

I have posted the same question in another thread by still pending response. Opened a new thread here hope to get immediate attention. My car porch roof is leaking today, due to a not-so-heavy rain =( The contractor has tear down their part of car porch roof (that we are sharing), covering the "exposed area" with a piece of canvas. My flooring near main door is all wet (since mid night??) and i supposed they are spoiling/popping out very soon

Subject: double storey intermediate link house (20'x70'). Under MBSA jurisdiction.
Re: Extension of front /car porch area

My immediate neighbour started their reno last Saturday. The contractor briefly told us what he is "order-to-do":

A. Ground Floor
Extend front door/living hall area
The new column together with the new wall/door will be 10' from gate.

B. 1st floor
Extend Master bed room.
Yes, the new floor plan will have 2 "medium size" bedrooms instead of one big bedroom.. This also means that, the rooms are above the newly extended GF living hall/main door area.

I am very concernn because this consider major reno works. And it involves "my column" (our sharing column).
The contractor says he will not "touch" the existing column but to add new one to support the additional loads of the new structures. Not doing "machine piling". Will manually tie the new column next to the existing one.

Question 1: The new column will stand alone?? How is its support? I think new one needs to be tied to the old one, yes? Hence, sure will affect my house structure, yes?

Question 2: The contractor mentioned he is pending MBSA's approval. I doubt if he has submitted the proposed new floor plan, this reno will still get an approval.
I have briefly browsed through the MBSA's extension guide lines. Found that:
a. New wall to gate must be at least 20' distance
b. new column to gate needs at least 10' distance
c. 1st flr can be extended as balcony purpose only, not ROOMs.

Their reno plan actually not following the rules!
Am I correct?

Question 3: Let's say, they submitted a "follow-the-guidelines" plan and got their permit for reno, but in the facts, they are doing a "not-follow-rules" reno, what can i do now? What will MBSA do?

Question 4: If the final renoworks are the "not-follow-rules" version, how do i make sure "my column" is still safe/not weakened? Can i request my neighbour to give me a architect's dwg?

I could be acted selfishly by causing hickcups in neighbour's reno process. But this is affecting me, my family and my home. I am trying very hard to protect these all.

Hope you stilll generously comment here. Pls correct me if i am wrong. I wish you tell me "no dude, such reno is a minor one and nothing to hoohaa about".

Yours sincerely,
Solame

How to detect pipe leakage in the house?

solame — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:22:36 +0800

Renovated our double storey house 3 years ago. 100 % new poly piped with pump after tank. All this while, we enjoying free water from Syabas cos first 20m3 is subsidised by the Selangor government.

Up until June 2016, it is my first time paying water bill. Water bill/usage is hiking:

June 2016: 30 m3
July 2016: 40 m3

In view that no major changes in our household usage, the usage hike is abnormal to us. We foresee the bill is going up and up later if we do not rectify this. Although the bill amount is not expensive, we still must not waste our clean water.

There is no sight of water marks on the ceilings and walls (all pipes are concealed). So we eliminated possibility of tank and wall (pipe) leak. Checked washing machine water inlet, it is normal. WC and all taps are 100 % no leak.

1. We think it could be underground pipe leaks, i.e. before tank (after meter). It is underneath the car porch.
No water mark from the ground too.. How can we verify this?

2. What other possibility if it is not leaking underground? If our guess is wrong?

3. We have a while thought. If neighbour has their (link) house renovated, possible to affect our piping? e.g. "ter-" drill into our wall pipes??

If we cannot identify anything, last resolution if to re-pipe the piping after meter, not conceal this time.

Sifu sifu here, pls share your thoughts generously.

Many thanks in advance!

Baby Sitter / Baby care Needed @ Kota Kemuning

solame — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:28:08 +0800

*Day care centre also acceptable*
Prefer: Loving / Non-smoking / No pet
Starting August 2013 (Baby will be 2 mth old by that time)

If you know one, pls recommend. TQVM!~

Poly Pipe vs ABS Pipe

solame — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:50:32 +0800

My 13 years old house currently under reno.
We want to replace all incoming water piping, i.e. including kitchen taps, bathroom taps and showers etc.
Initially told contractor to use poly pipe (black) and now he proposed ABS (blue).
Few of my friend did the same with their house with black pipe, this is our first time come across optional ABS.
Anybody has any comment for pipe material that is more suitable for household use?
Or, what is the pros and cons for poly pipe and ABS?