Clean new pipe and fittings first?

Brian_74

I'm getting ready to add a vent menorah (or antler or candelabra). Since the pipe and fittings will have some protective oil on them, I was thinking that I should clean them first so that the oil doesn't get into the vent or go back to the boiler. Good idea? Unnecessary?

Unknown

Clean Them

Clean them before installing them. It's a lot easier to do it this way than having the steam clean them and then you having to skim the boiler, possibly multiple times.

- Rod

SteamHeat

Materials?

Is a good wipe down with a clean rag sufficient, or should rubbing alcohol or other solvent be used ?

The more I read, the more I learn from you guys. Thanks.

Brian_74

Thanks, Rod.

That was my thinking, too. With your help, I think I'm gradually thinking more like someone who has a clue about this steam/vapor stuff.



Brian

Unknown

Cleaning Pipe

It depends on how oily they are. if there is a heavy covering so they look like they're coated with  cosmoline then I use a commercial degreaser first.  Simple Green and a roll of paper towel is a good start. and then if they are small fittings, I put some good dishwashing soap, like Joy,  in a bucket with hot water and further wash the parts  Clean them and rinse them, a couple of times. You have to remember it doesn't take much oil to screw up the surface tension of your boiler water so you get wet steam.  Scrubbing pipe parts down with soapy water and hosing them off is a lot less hassle than skimming and even then you may have to skim. You WILL have to skim much more if you don't wash the parts!

- Rod

SteamHeat

Dilution?

Are you using the Simple Green undiluted ?

Or do you dilute it with water in some ratio?

Thanks.

Unknown

Cleaning Pipe

Undiluted I guess. The stuff I use comes in a spray bottle like Windex. I spray it on a rag, on the part and wipe the part and then wipe it off with paper towels, This is just if there is heavy dirt/grease.  Then or if the grease is light I wash if in a 5 gal bucket of hot water with plenty of Joy or another good liquid soap. Finished by a rinse with the hose. Repeat as necessary to get the parts clean, Make sure you thoroughly rinse it, It can be a pain to do with a long pipe but a lot less pain than constant skimming, If the inside is dirty I use a piece of electrical wire and a rag like you were cleaning a bore of a shotgun.

- Rod

SteamHeat

Bree Van de Kamp Would Be Pleased :-)

Excellent instructions.  Now I just need dishwashing gloves. :-)

Jim Pompetti

Cleaning

I use Arm & Hammer solution to clean pipe B4 installing