Moving Basement Steam Mains

Kjmass1

I'm curious if anyone has undertaken relocating some 1 pipe steam mains for a basement remodel. I'm sure it's expensive, but it is cheaper than lowering my slab floor so I'm all ears.

I have a main that's about 1' below my 80" ceiling. I can't have any obstructions less than 6'4" per code, so instead of crossing the room down the middle, I'd like to re-pipe tight to the walls. A couple questions-

Can my steam guy re-use/re-thread the 70 year old mains?
My take offs currently are 45 degrees then go vertical up in to the walls. Any reason these can't be more of a 90 degree vertical so it hugs the wall?
Can mains be encased in closed cell foam?
Can the condensate drain follow the same path back as the main just a foot below?
I do have a couple large main vents, I plan to frame out an access box for that.

Square footage is at a premium so I'd like to get everything as tight to the foundation walls as I can. Thanks.
Kevin

JohnNY

I've undone or re-piped several attempts at this done by others. Doing this over is many times worse than getting it right the first time. You'll get a good handful of solid answers here but you need a highly qualified steam installer to review this work and determine its feasibility.

Kjmass1

Was planning on New England Steamworks, seems like he is the go to around here.

Jamie Hall

Yup, If you can get Ryan to do this, you'll be fine. Sit back and let him work and relax.

JohnNY

Kjmass1 said:

Was planning on New England Steamworks, seems like he is the go to around here.

Solid plan.