Summer pipe work

JackVinner

All - At the end of the winter heating season I saw the tell tale signs of a steam pipe leak in one of the bathrooms. After removing the floor, I discovered that the joint between the bathroom radiator and the pipe heading back to the boiler basically became detached. See picture with a plastic bag in the pipe (4159.jpg). Now that I have the floor open up, I'm seeing a pipe that looks like it has been threaded together (6206.jpg). My question is should I replace the horizontal pipe that is threaded (splice in the middle) which sits in dirt (I'll insulate of course) or is that just fine to leave as is. I'd hate to fix the obvious put the floor back on and then have it leak at the next weak point. Thoughts?

JUGHNE

Assuming this is the same system referred to in your other posts and that this is a one pipe connection to each rad....there does exist a 2 pipe counterflow type of system.
The pipe with the union in is probably not original to the system and then the tee below the riser tee in the picture looks to be a welded nipple on the steam pipe.
This has maybe been repaired before?
I see welded joints on the pictures of your boiler.

While the welded connections are not necessary a problem, they indicate there has been an issue/problem there before. (recently in dog/steam years timeline---5-20 years maybe?)
I believe you said this in a counter flow supply main, if the slope is not adequate then water could be standing and rusting the bottom of the pipe. ( you did have "panting" at radiators which is indicative of water pooling).
Seeing how you may have to get a pipe/steam fitter anyway, IIWM, I would take an awl and try to drive it into the lower portion of the piping with a SMALL hammer. You should not be able to drive an awl thru a good pipe IMO.

You may have a slope problem that leaves water standing in the supply pipes. May not cause hammer but may lead to rusted piping.

newagedawn

you just answered your own question, if you dont feel like ripping up the floor again or renting a hobbit to squeeze under the floor to fix a leak, then yes re pipe it, it wont be easy but when its done you can rest easy knowing its fixed right

JackVinner

Thanks yes same building with 1 pipe to each radiator. The break actually explains why the unit above one radiator was cold. the air went through the wall as opposed to up the steam pipe. Since I answered my own question on replacing why I have the floor open are there any cons to replacing the pipe with Schedule 80 pipe as opposed to Schedule 40 which is standard?

gerry gill

Replace everything you can prior to putting a floor back in.