Steam condensate lines ??

tim smith

Hey all, looking for a vote on whether to repipe condensates under floor in L copper or iron. What is all your opinions. This is against a rat slab under hardwood floors and some under slab in apt bldg. Appreciate any input.
Tim

EBEBRATT-Ed

If it was my building I prefer black pipe but many use copper with good results as long as it doesn't se any steam.

Propress & Mega press $$$$$ but are approved for steam (hate that stuff)

tim smith

Im not a big fan of press too, longevity is what I am looking for so I do know that iron lasted north of 60 yrs I think, really wonder if copper will live any where near as long.

the_donut

I did a repipe in extra heavy black pipe. Figure it’ll outlast me as the lines replaced were probably from the 40’s. Did another section in 2” iron sleeved 1-1/4” copper. Line ran under concrete outside in 10 below weather so we shoved a copper pipe through to the dirt side in the cellar and dug down there. They both worked fine.

Just two guys and some map gas. Copper was quicker, but I feel better about the black pipe.

nicholas bonham-carter

Would there be any worry about electrolysis between the iron and copper pipe?—NBC

tim smith

NBC, any time we transition from steel to copper we use brass threaded fittings to help minimize the potential difference.
Thanks all for the input.

nicholas bonham-carter

It’s the copper line sleeved inside the iron pipe I was thinking about.—NBC

JUGHNE

I see on old building prints that for any steam or return lines under concrete they would call for "to be placed inside tile".
I assume clay tile which seems to be inert for metal.

ratio

The condensate return lines at my school (c. 1950's) were in clay drainange tile. Didn't stop them from developing holes. In fact, I had trouble getting them repaired—the plumber "couuldn't find them, all he found was an old drain". Had me scratching my head as well for a few seconds, until I remembered they were encased like that. I ended up having to go over & knock the first hole in it, he didn't want to do it!

JUGHNE

A 1930's school I service had a half basement for the boiler room. The returns came in through the wall about 2' off the floor. When the pipe failed the water poured out of the sleeve.
A good early indicator, otherwise the water might had undermined the building because of the auto feeder. These were dry returns going to a cond pump BTW.

JUGHNE

Would CPVC work as a protective sleeve for copper wet returns?
I see it is rated for 180 degrees at 100 PSI.

ratio

I woiuld think even PVC would work, as you're not under pressure with the sleeves, or you'd better not be!

tim smith

Thanks all,
Tim