Insulate steam mains?

Unknown

Yes the steam mains shud be reinsulated.... However, when you say there's copper...... What problems are you having with the boiler/heating system beside lack of insulations? Can you post any pictures of the boiler/near pipings?

Glen_9

I have a gas fired steam bioler and the previous owner took off all the insulation around the steam mains. I read that the steam mains should be insulated is this true? All the old cast iron pipes have been replaced with copper.

Paul_11

insulation yes, copper no

Yes steam overhead piping should be insulated.
Are you saying that the steel steam pipes have been replaced by copper or do you just mean the return lines near the floor are copper?
Big difference in my reply to those. All steam lines should be steel. Condensate return lines below the water line, can IMHO be copper.

Respectfully,

Paul B. Shay
pshay@arealgoodplumber.com
LMP 1307
LMFS 654B
OUR MISSION: TO PROVIDE WORLD CLASS PLUMBING, HEATING, AND SPRINKLER SERVICE TO EACH AND EVERY CLIENT WE SERVE, FAR EXCEEDING THEIR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS!

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Glen_9

Yes the steam mains are 2 inch copper that the previous owner put in when he had the old oil burner replaced. The returns are 1 1/4 copper as well. I have no other problems with the system. All radiators on both floors heat evenly. Should I replace the copper mains with 2 inch steel?

Weezbo

Glen, i do not want you to take this wrong..

You Should Not replace the copper pipe.

better to have a pro come by and do what needs to be done.

what i mean by this is, steam is invisible, you might walk by a small pinner leak in a copper pipe or fitting and sear off an arm ...steam is a bit like electricity. insulating steam pipes is important however, system designe is also. copper might be so thin in a copper line or fitting to put your little finger through it with your finger nail.