Steam Question

Unknown

Cutting pipe out might open a can of worms, though.

I'd patch it till a warm day.

Noel

Wild Rover

Steam Boiler

Hello all, I currently do all hydronic installs and don't do any steam work so i purchased Dan's 3 book package to learn more about steam heating. While reading the 1st book last night i get a call to repair a leak in a steam system. I figure it's either a sign from above or a sign from Dan himself. My question is this: Is it a bad idea to shut down a steam system in the winter to repair a pinhole sized leak in a pipe. Am i right to think that if i shut down the system i will encounter more problems than it's worth? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

For what it's worth im pretty excited about learning more about this type of heating. I also read the wall on a daily basis and just try to soak it all in, Thanks to all.

Dan, you write a great book, Thanks

Kevin

Wild Rover

Thanks

I did put a patch on it this morning. I am just very weary, due to my inexperience with these systems, that i would get myself in too much trouble by shutting it down. Pretty cold here in Boston Area .

bob young

qualified mechanics

when you charge money for a repair you become responsible for the outcome. you are being paid to know your job. you owe that to the customer. would you like an amatuer practicing on your mercedes & guessing on procedure ? when you go to the job , do you take the reference books with you ? maybe you could team up with a steam guy to gain some practical experience before you jam yourself up. just one man's opinion. i stay away from stuff i cannot gaurantee one hundred percent.

Wild Rover

Bob, I agree with you regarding qualified persons working within their scope of knowledge. As a Licensed Master Plumber and Gasfitter i see many instances where this is clearly not the case and many times dangerous. How often does an HVAC tech perform gas work without a license? Probally more than we care to admit. I do not install Steam boilers but i believe that i am more than capable of replacing a 4" nipple without changing any of the near boiler piping and turning the situation dangerous.

I look forward to adding this type of work to my resume and being able to service these systems. I have also spoken to a veteran in the field about getting more hands on experience once i am more well read on the subject and maybe someday whan i acquire all the knowledge necessary to be a respected Steam heat installer i'll be able to buy that Mercedes.

bob young

master plumber

did not realize you are a master plumber ,kevin . my apologies , you can figure it out . the book makes it snap.