Leaking Steam Pipe
#1
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Leaking Steam Pipe
Hi,
The steam (black pipe) in my basement develped a small hole in it creating a leak in my basement. I've temporarily patched it in order to stop the leak so that I can now remove it and replace it. I'd like to know if there is anything special I need to do before I remove the old pipe? Do I need to shut the heat off in the house before begining? What about water? Is there going to be a significant amount of water in the pipe when its removed? Is there a way to drain the water before removing the pipe?
Thanks.
Laurie
The steam (black pipe) in my basement develped a small hole in it creating a leak in my basement. I've temporarily patched it in order to stop the leak so that I can now remove it and replace it. I'd like to know if there is anything special I need to do before I remove the old pipe? Do I need to shut the heat off in the house before begining? What about water? Is there going to be a significant amount of water in the pipe when its removed? Is there a way to drain the water before removing the pipe?
Thanks.
Laurie
#2
Laurie...I'm moving this to the Boilers section, since you seem to have steam heat. The Plumbers may indeed know the answers, but lets give the Boiler Pro's their shot.
My opinion is YES, you will need to shut down and possible drain the system. You could be injured or cause damage otherwise.
My opinion is YES, you will need to shut down and possible drain the system. You could be injured or cause damage otherwise.
#4
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There are several steps to replace a leaking pipe and if you have never worked with steel pipe then it is going to be difficult to describe all the details over the Internet.
It would help immensely if you could post some pictures of your system, especially where the leak is in relation to the boiler. To post pictures you need to first upload the pictures to a photo hosting site such as photobucket.com or villagephotos.com. and then post the public URLs for the pictures (or album) here. More pictures are always better than fewer. Please have CLEAR pictures and have both close up pictures and ones from a far enough distance that we can see how the various parts are interconnected.
It would help immensely if you could post some pictures of your system, especially where the leak is in relation to the boiler. To post pictures you need to first upload the pictures to a photo hosting site such as photobucket.com or villagephotos.com. and then post the public URLs for the pictures (or album) here. More pictures are always better than fewer. Please have CLEAR pictures and have both close up pictures and ones from a far enough distance that we can see how the various parts are interconnected.
#5
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Replacing the pipe will likely require two 24" pipe wrenches and maybe a couple of cheaters, which are dangerous to use. Plus two strong arms.
Another question is why the pipe corroded? Possibly another problem with your system, air, etc.