Replace section of main steam pipe

Smitty_5

I have a 1 pipe steam heat system. Boiler is about 10 years old but steam pipes are original from 1930's. A section of my 2.5 inch main steam pipe has developed a hole. The section is about 11 feet long with T's on each end, no union. I would like to replace the sectoin myself but am at a loss how to replace this section with no play at either end.

nicholas bonham-carter

leaking main

why not post some pix here of your near boiler piping, so that you know if anything else should be redone at the same time.
have you found a local source for 2.5 in.pipe and fittings?
consider carefully the effects of force on the pipes.if one section is leaking surely others may have been weakened by rust!
i would wire-brush the leak point, and put a temporary external pipe clamp with rubber gasket on.this will allow you to get through the winter.
when it warms up, then cut out the pipe at the threads. make small cuts in through the remains of the threads in the fittings and chisel out the remains.
if you have never done this before,then this not the job to be done on the eve of winter.you may find that pipe under some sort of tension which will cause it to move when you make the cut.
in the spring you can stretch the job [maybe including a new drop header] out without anyone getting cold! --nbc

Unknown

I don't see why you couldn't just cut the pipe then use two pieces of pipe with a union. Maybe a matched flange might work better. Whether you'd have problems getting the pipe out of the tees depends a lot on how much space you have to work with. Without actually seeing the pipe it's really hard to advise you what to do as most methods depend on the working clearance available. Maybe one of the pros on here can give you a better idea.

I agree with the suggestion to wait till the spring for warmer weather. There is a product called J-B Weld which is a high temperature epoxy.(good to 500 degrees) With that and a sleeve you could probably get by the winter. It's very "mickey mouse" but beats freezing to death! J-B Weld can be got from most automotive parts stores. It comes in a kit of two small tubes at about $5 dollars per kit.

oil-2-4-6-gas

crack the fittings replace put in a section of pipe with a flange or union and nipple (--if its 30's vintage they probably used a hydraulic setting pipe dope which usually means you will twist the pipe before the pipe dope lets loose) / or cut and chop it out --add a section of pipe ----- there are many challenges that come into play --post some pictures

mark_120

look at using a victaulic ROUST A BOUT clamp the it is a two part clam vic clamp with out the groves the EPDM gaskets are rated for 400 deg F proof so they will work on low pressure steam real good.