Relocating pipe maybe on one pipe steam system

jeff1212

Hi i would like to thank everyone in advance for their input. We have a one pipe steam system and would like to utilize more of the basement if possible. We would like to turn the pipe and run along the wall and then back along the wall adding about 20ft of pipe thinking about cutting a tee in before the first turn and pitching the pipe upward about a 10 ft run then continuing to pitch back down i put up a couple drawing to get a visual of what i was thinking. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Steamhead

A "rise and drip", which would raise the height of the steam main without letting condensate accumulate, might be simpler. Where are you located?

jeff1212

steamhead thanks for the comment not sure i follow you thou rise and drip there is just a bunch of radiators along the way if i raised the main i think the drops would have to get raised too.i was hoping by cutting in a tee for the condensate make a turn pitch 10 ft of pipe upward (in hopes it would condensate back to the tee then i would have enough pitch to continue downward back to the main ( just trying to open up a small part of the base without opening up a major can of worms so to speak) just wondering if you think this would work properly . Thank You south jersey

jeff1212

steamhead got thinking about it (takes me a minute) you say raise and drip do you mean adding a tee and 90 and then pitching down from there Thank You

Steamhead

You have the basic idea, but it has to be done just so. Fortunately there are several good Jersey-based contractors who can handle the job- go here:

https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/state/NJ

jeff1212

steamhead
if you don't mind me asking one more question if i connect the main to the bull of the tee i can drop straight down for the condensate or am i better using the run and a 90 for the condensate not sure if it matters much. thanks again

Steamhead

Use the run and the 90 for the condensate. Bullheading a tee is a very bad idea.

jeff1212

Steamhead
First let me thank you for all your feedback greatly appreciated the main is 2"the return is going to be 11/4 " should i reduce that on the main or the drop thinking the drop so no condensation can build in there and is there a certain size nipple i should use from the tee to the 90. Thanks again

Steamhead

Keep it 2" until after it drops.

A good steam-heating contractor will know how to do this properly.

JUGHNE

Is a 2 x 1 1/4" reducer 90 good for this? I seem to recall some discussion on that for header to equalizer drop....versus full 90 then reducing coupling below in the vertical section. Thanks.

jeff1212

steamhead
Thanks for all the help

Steamhead

JUGHNE said:

Is a 2 x 1 1/4" reducer 90 good for this? I seem to recall some discussion on that for header to equalizer drop....versus full 90 then reducing coupling below in the vertical section. Thanks.

Either way should work fine.