After digging my way through layers of cover ups (see also 04/23/2009 post), I have now most of the walls and ceiling in the basement open. What I found in the ceiling makes my head spin, particular in the area of the mechanical run at the bathroom and kitchen.

A mechanical run (or stack) is an area in the building where electrical, plumbing, heating and vent ducts run usually vertically through the building servicing the various floors.

I am no expert, but I know that I am looking at several generations of electrical wiring, plumbing and heating. With each upgrade the house received, the old system was abandoned and left in the walls and ceiling. I have given up hope that any of the electrical, plumbing or heating can be reused. With our zero-energy goal, we will need to switch to new, more efficient materials and technologies anyways.

I look forward removing the existing utility jungle and separating the items by material type for scrap, recycling or salvage materials.