Asbestos wrapped pipes

jimvans

Hi all,

About to begin a renovation on the finished basement in my 1931 Tudor. Our steam pipes in our one pipe system are wrapped in asbestos, and we thought we could just leave well enough alone. After pulling back some of the ceiling, I noticed large sections of pipe wrapped in duct tape. I'm doubtful that this is a legitimate way to encapsulate asbestos, but removing the tape is definitely out of the question unless I have a professional to remove all of it.

Ultimately, my question is, is the duct tape suitable in this application, and will that pass an inspection? Or are there other forms of encapsulation that you might recommend?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Jim

STEVEusaPA

Well you already started down the rabbit hole. If you removed some of the ceiling, are you sure you didn't already kick up some asbestos dust? The fact they are wrapped with duct tape tells me someone already disturbed the pipes, and released some particles.
If it were my house, and my health, I would bring in an asbestos company for an evaluation.

JUGHNE

From my understanding, as long as asbestos is contained and not capable to produce flying fibers or dust then it is OK.
I have seen wraps of tin foil and even something resembling Saran Wrap. The pro way looked to be gauze with plaster of Paris applied, just like the broken arm plaster casts used to be.

Are you sure there is asbestos under the duct tape? If you squeeze it does it feel as solid as the other asbestos? If it is soft or spongy it may be fiberglas with duct tape wrap.....DIY job.

Just don't disturb any of it.

PS: it depends upon who is inspecting and the ultimate goal.

Fred

Shy of having it professionally removed, the gauze/cheese cloth and plaster of paris approach Jughne mentioned is probably the best approach. I ve that asbestos insulation on my steam pipes too. It's pretty solid and had a couple coats of paint applied to it probably 50 years ago. Probably lead based paint. You just can't win.

Dave0176

Paint it you'll be fine, it was and still is a miracle product just don't snort it or eat it. People fear it like the plague ,but the media put the fear into people.