Steam pipe leaks - how to cap /seal

richardhiggins

There are two steam pipes running through my apartment which have minor leaks - looking for advice on how to fix these and whether I can do this myself vs call a professional. I have two issues/questions 1) The first is a valve where a radiator used to be, it was moved by the previous owner and capped in the way shown in the first photo (I'm in a NYC co-op, building is pre-war steam heat system with gas boiler, i'm on the 4th of 5 floors). This valve is always closed but leaks slowly yet constantly over winter, i need to empty the bowl about once a week - is there a better solution than this? 2) Second issue is with a different pipe, there is a join in the pipe which has recently started spurting steam and water, infrequently but usually when it gets very hot or system is starting up. I suspect that the system is being run at an excessively high pressure, but is there anything i can seal this join in my apartment that would hold the pressure? I presume regular silicon sealant wouldn't be effective. Any ideas?

Jamie Hall

Tiresome, eh? The second one -- the joint -- is a union. You may be able to get it to tighten up and not leak. The big nut threads on to the other piece; from the pictures I can't tell which side it threads onto. If you can figure out, the procedure is to take two wrenches -- one hold the piece it threads onto, the other on the big nut, and see if you can tighten it. Good luck...

The valve. Can you see where it is leaking from?

Abracadabra

lol @ the mission cap on the steam valve. remove valve and install a proper cap or replace the washer on the steam valve or replace the valve.