Steam pipe pitch

mmc239

I don't think my steam pipe going back to my boiler is pitched enough to return water back to the boiler causing my water hammer in my steam baseboard. The is a chain used for a hanger that may have come loose. If I pull up on the chain will it give enough pitch? Pics included….

Hap_Hazzard

Return piping should drop 1" every 20 ft. Steam piping shoud drop 1" for every 40 ft.

That chain is fine for hanging light fixtures, not for steel pipe. I recommend you replace it and all those perf straps with real pipe hangers. This is called a clevis hanger. There are several other types, but perf strap isn't acceptable for schedule 40 pipe.

For 2" schedule 40 pipe, you should have a hanger every ten feet or less, every seven feet for 1" pipe, and the hanger rod should be at least ⅜". Make sure the mounts are secure and note the use of locking nuts.

mmc239

thank you. Will these hangers work?

Hap_Hazzard

Yes. That's a clevis hanger. You'll also need some ⅜" threaded rod—enough to reach from the joists to the pipe in each location—some ⅜" nuts and as many rod hangers as you have pipe hangers. These search results should show the various kinds that are available. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Plumbing-Accessories-Pipe-Hangers/Cast-Iron/N-5yc1vZbqjcZ1z0ub2t I use the cast iron ones, but if you use the L brackets, use a nut above and below the bracket. You'll also need some screws to secure the rod hangers. I use 2" deck screws.

Hap_Hazzard

Just to be clear, these are the types I use, depending on whether I'm hanging it from the bottom or the side of the joist:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-3-8-in-Galvanized-Pipe-Support-Ceiling-Plate-33560/301505467

https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Plumber-s-Choice-Side-Beam-Rod-Connector-in-Malleable-Iron-for-3-8-in-Threaded-Rod-38CNSBPL/309983845

mmc239

thank you