Steam pipe return has Leak starting

RTW

I believe its called the dog leg pipe return to boiler. I just sanded some rust and found a hole the size of ones finger tip with soft black goo like substance inside that seeped some moisture. My guess is I can I cover it with epoxy, but what would the experts recommend? The connections are Cast Iron and I'm guessing the pipe itself is Malleable Steel that needs attention. Perhaps it was repaired way long ago. The rest of the pipe looks perfectly fine

KC_Jones

The goo is sludge from corrosion of the pipe. The real fix is replacing the pipe for a couple reasons, one of which is that sludge can clog the pipe so it really needs flushed out as that can prevent the water return to the boiler.

Secondly, with that sludge oozing out the chances of any epoxy type repair working are slim to none. It's like trying to epoxy a water leak while the water is flowing, not going to work very well.

ethicalpaul

Sounds like the clogged pipe is holding back the water for you. Replace the pipe with steel or copper

Jamie Hall

And "goo" can't be counted on to hold for long. There are some self-adhesive silicone tapes made expressly for this type of temporary repair, though, such as this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape/dp/B0CF5568XB/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RPRV3ZR9VEUV&keywords=water+leak+sealing+tape&qid=1699978181&sprefix=leak+sealing,aps,917&sr=8-4&th=1

It works, but replace the pipe as soon as you reasonably can -- I've never known a leak to get smaller with time...

RTW

OK replacement puipe is the answer - after heating season that may require draining the boiler! I just painted on Rubber Paint over the finger tip size hole for now that's not yet leaking, but moist. In the past, I have used this same rubber paint on the new black pipe return under the water line that I replaced buried underneath the bilco door entrance and 4 feet in length ( another project that was pro-active with no leaks at the time). The brass spigot for the dog leg is just 12 inches away just before it enters the boiler. Ive run it before and nothing sludge like ever came out in recent memory so sludge must be there from long ago. Regards, Bob

ethicalpaul

I like Jamie's tape way better than a painted-on solution for a temp repair, but good luck regardless!

EBEBRATT-Ed

@RTW
A gear clamp or two (hose clamp like a car radiator) and some rubber gasket material will probably buy you some time.

Mad Dog_2

I call the Goo, "Splooge"  picked it up along the way....Splooge..Mad Dog 🐕 

ethicalpaul

Just don't look it up on Urban Dictionary, MD!

Mad Dog_2

Oh no.....Geez..Mad Dog 🐕 

ChrisJ

Mad Dog_2 said:

Oh no.....Geez..Mad Dog 🐕 

I've been wondering for a while now why you kept using that word...........

Mad Dog_2

Oh My Gosh...I had no idea!  Disgusting! Sorry 😞 guys..Eewww. Sister Hannah would whack me with the yardstick for this!  And, as usual, I deserved it!  Ha ha 😂 🤣 😆. Mad Dog 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

Here Ye..Hear Ye...I have created a New Word (to replace my unwitting use of THAT other word!)  for the Dark Chocolate 🍫 Thick, purulent Pudding that rests in the wet returns and Mud Legs 🦵 of the boiler....
"SPLUNCK."  Mad Dog 🐕 

dabrakeman

I had a similar leak in Feb 2013. Used and epoxy wrap (RectorSeal Pipe Repair kit from HD ) and it held until spring when I had the whole 8' section of that horizontal drip leg pipe replaced.

RTW

UPDATE: I wrapped the minor drip leak with silicone tape as advised on the dog leg lower return to boiler and it seems fine. I will monitor it and decide whether replacing it is necessary after the heating season. My guess is some external object in the past must have struck this heavy duty pipe at about floor level that made a hole the size of the tip of ones finger, then patched ( and recently began to drip). The rest of the pipe is fine, as are all other black pipes in system, and I have good well water. Regards, Bob

RTW

*mud leg I mean

pecmsg

I will monitor it and decide whether replacing it is necessary

Its necessary.

Mad Dog_2

What if it let's go when you ain't home???
Mad Dog 🐕 

ChrisJ

Mad Dog_2 said:

What if it let's go when you ain't home???
Mad Dog 🐕 

That's a bad day.

realliveplumber

especially if the LWCO isnt working....