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problem with old pipe
REM
Member Posts: 15
I have a 2 pipe steam heating system that is old. one of the return pipes sprung a leak. it is in the middle of the run. I put compression tape and some jb weld but after about a year I see a drip now that the heating season is in full swing. How do I do a good repair without replacing the whole length of pipe which is about 40 to 50 feet? my heat guy says it is gonna be a disaster to try and replace the whole run of pipe, tearing down dry wall and since the pipes are so old it may make more of a problem. I am at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions please?
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Comments
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Without seeing what you are up against, I would say a saws-all, a hand ratcheting pipe threader, a nipple threaded on both ends and two unions will take care of the job. I do it all the time. Unions are my friends.0
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The concern is the shaking or possible disturbing of the rest of the pip while this type of repair is being done. any thoughts of that?
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Ah... yes, you can splice the leaking section as outlined above. However, my experience has been that once a wet return has started to go -- and I take it that this is a wet return -- the whole thing is a leak waiting to happen. For what that's worth...Br. Jamie, osb
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England0 -
@REM
Go to a big box store or plumbing supply and get a pipe repair clamp and some gasket material or use some big hose clamps with gasket material and patch the leak.
Then find someone that know steam piping and have them fix it during the summer. I wouldn't rip it apart now if it's just a drip
Try "find a contractor" on this site.
For those of us that can repair steam piping it's not that hard to do.
Where are you located?2 -
Woodbridge Township, New JErsey0
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Thank you everyone for the help. Does it cause alot of shaking and vibration to thread the pipe?0
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I would note that with someone that knows what they are doing and can support and use backup wrenches properly even very corroded iron pipe is stronger than you would think it is.0
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Propress is a great tool and a good idea too0
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They used to make compression fittings for steel pipe that had rubber gaskets, not sure if they still make them. They make dresser fittings for utility work but that would probably be overkill.0
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To answer the question on vibration and shaking -- no, threading pipe doesn't make that much. Noise, yes! But vibration and shaking, no.Br. Jamie, osb
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England0 -
Just get one of those compression clamps that are like 8” long made of stainless they have 4 bolts to tighten it will be the quick easy fix. Not sure how long it will last at high temps but for a bandaid it’s your best bet.0
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That works. Get several while you're at the store, so you'll have them on hand for the next leak that develops. Which it will.sallaberry said:Just get one of those compression clamps that are like 8” long made of stainless they have 4 bolts to tighten it will be the quick easy fix. Not sure how long it will last at high temps but for a bandaid it’s your best bet.
Br. Jamie, osb
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England0 -
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We replace and repair old steam pipes all the time ,it’s no big deal and usually we don’t cause any other leaks we try to be gentle we know it’s old so we treat it with the respect and TLC it deserves . Give us a call we go towards the issue not away . Peace and good luck clammy
R.A. Calmbacher L.L.C. HVAC
NJ Master HVAC Lic.
Mahwah, NJ
Specializing in steam and hydronic heating1 -
Thank you for the input. Ill try the clamp method till the spring and call to get the pipe replaced.
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