Comments on: Plumbing and HVAC work in progress

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:00:39 +0000

Rich: Thanks. Yeah, I just checked. It’s indeed PEX-a.

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:38:19 +0000

Jeremy: To be honest, I may have misspoken. All I meant by “PVC” was “plastic” as opposed to metal. Not sure about the ABS vs. PVC thing… I’ll check next time I’m at the site.

By: 1BadBoy

1BadBoy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:17:53 +0000

Jeremy has a point based on things I have heard. In addition, there are 2 types of PCV pipe: SOLID WALL and CELLULAR CORE construction. I have *heard*, but have no first hand knowledge, that solid wall PVC is quieter than cellular core. Based on this information, it was stated that using the solid wall construction in the ceilings and walls for drain waste was advisable. Using cellular core below the floor or slab and for venting is a bit less expensive and just as good (again as I have heard).

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:34:50 +0000

Mike, I have just found your site, so I’m trying to get caught up. I was looking at the rough-in plumbing pictures, and noticed that all your waste and vent lines are ABS. I though you decided on PVC. Why the change? If you have waste lines running overhead or in walls of living spaces, you may regret the noise you hear through ABS pipe.

By: Danny Mavromatis

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:15:28 +0000

Michael says:

Looking at the link for your home automation system: It runs on Windows? And Flash? Seriously? Seems like having a custom Ferrari built but have them put in a Ford engine instead.

Michael, Myro Control 8″ Panels runs on Windows XP embedded which is what most home automation UI systems run on these days. It is even used in the medical field.

The core system (which Myro:Home communicates with) is a HAI OmniPro II and is a fully embedded platform which never crashes or need rebooting. As for Flash, it is used as a UI layer which again, if you look at the automation market it’s being used and serves nothing more than a rich way to interact with a control system.

Cheers!
Danny

By: Rich

Rich — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:06:19 +0000

Mike, Going with PEX is good; but did you make sure that the PEX material is labeled PEX–A? Be sure before you close up the walls.
Rich

By: 1BadBoy

1BadBoy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:23:34 +0000

I’m glad to hear that. You definitely don’t want to cut corners on that. The wasted water will pay for that pump in time. And it’s nice to get hot water nearly instantly!

I’m not familiar with my:ro for home automation, but I like the HAI systems. Which system did you pick and can you tell us why? I’m looking to do one of the HAI systems, but may not put it in up front. Will wire for what I can though (e.g. contact points at each door/window – I know, probably overkill, but I always trust wired connections which I cannot always say with wireless). In any event, I’m not sure myself which one makes the most sense. I’m wondering too about “hiding” light switches in closets type of things and using scene switches instead. I have some figuring out to do soon.

Thanks for the great site!

By: Mike D.

Mike D. — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:43:12 +0000

Kyle and Michael: I’ll definitely have a full post, or several, about the home automation stuff. Basically, my good friend designed a home automation system called Myro for his own home and he is now in the process of turning that into a business. He is stickler about quality, features, interface, and all of the other things I care about so I feel pretty good using the system he put in his own home. You’re right about the Windows aspect of it being scary but I think the OS does very little.

Kevan: That is indeed a nice looking toilet. Looks a little like the Toto I have in my condo right now. I’m all about the elongated seat.

1BadBoy: Turns out the recirc line was just a miscommunication. It’s in the plumbing bid… it just hasn’t been installed yet so we all forgot it was in the plans all along. Whew!

By: 1BadBoy

1BadBoy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:08:40 +0000

I’m really surprised about the recirculation pump. This is about standard these days for new construction. Makes me wonder what else they forgot. I would consider a floor drain at the washer/dryer area (for insurance against busted hoses). Don’t be surprised by the price. I have seen them from about $1,200 up to nearly $2K!

By: Kevan Emmott

Kevan Emmott — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:53 +0000

One thing to say: Kohler Santa Rosa Compact Elongated. Best toilet ever. ~$250.