Leaking pipes (not pipe fittings)

JP_15

My wife and I have 1926 house with a one pipe steam system with a newer (less than 10 year's old) gas boiler. Since we've lived in the house, the supply pipes spring leaks during heating season. These leaks are in the body of the pipes, never at the joints and typically occur on the underside. The system heats well, has minimal water hammer but does have a few noisy air vents (although these radiators do heat well). The pipes in the basement are not insulated, but I'm afraid to do that because of the continual leaks. At least this way I'm able to locate the problem and address it immediately. I fix the leaks with furnace cement or epoxy, a square of rubber sheeting and a hose clamp, but obviously that only addresses the immediate issue, not the cause.
What is causing this and how can it be fixed? As soon as I can fix it I'll insulate the pipes to improve their efficiency.
I'd also like to know if someone can recommend a steam heating specialist that will work in Rockland County, NY. I'm thinking that this summer I'd like to replace the leaking pipes and tune up the system to peak performance.

Kool Rod

Take a look at the top of the page at the button marked "Resources" and then choose "Find a Professional". There are some really top notch steam pros listed on there who can help you . It sounds as though you need to have some of your pipes replaced.


I would also encourage you to get Dan's book on residential steam heating: "We Got Steam Heat"

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-109

It's written for the homeowner. It's easy reading and full of information on steam systems, their operation and dealing with problems that can come up.

clammy

pipe eroision

JP there are many factors that can lead to the bottom of your steam main to erode and start to leak no insulation does not help .here's some possible cause beside the no insulation ,lack of proper pitch on your steam ,lack of proper pipe support causing sacks in your steam main leading to pooling of condensate ,improper near boiler piping which will produce wet steam which will end up condensating quicker in your mains which will increase the amount of condensate running down your steam main and may lead to quicker erioson in the bottom of your main .the water hammer may be a sign that water is pooling in under pitched steam main.Please when finding some to replace your mains that they use steel pipe not copper and that when they are done they skim your boiler in my thinking it is necessary and also get your main insulated using a minuin of 1 inch wall fiberglass pipe insulation peace and good luck clammy

steve_196

pipe erosion

Steam systems require the correct pH in the boiler water. You can test system water pH by purchasing litmus paper in the drugstore. I believe close to neutral is what your looking for. By the way, its pinholes that are appearing. Large commercial steam systems require testing and chemical addition to maintain correct pH.

bob young

liquid boiler sealer can cause pinholes.

Unknown

Only once

have I seen a home with multiple leaks in the overhead steam piping . The steam and condensate pipes were maybe 50 years old at the time . Since the return pipes were perfectly fine , I thought that excess makeup water or ph values were not the cause . My best guess was a bad batch of 2 inch steel pipe .

Ted Robinson

Burnham installation notes call for ph 7. to 9.

For our yearling boiler I am following the application note calling for ph on the high side of neutral. I have added a small quantity of washing soda to get a ph of about 9.

nicholas bonham-carter

leaking supplies

would the PH affect the supply pipes? i thought only the boiler sections would be affected, unless you have a wet-steam problem, or dampness in the basement air, during the off season. i suppose if there were inadequate venting, and over pressure, with longer running times the acid levels in the pipes would rise and cause pinholes to form along the condensate grooves.--nbc

Mac P&H

Demaio plumbing and heating, they are in suffern.