Removing a steam pipe

Jeff_17

Question:
I have a short (10 in. in length) pipe that feeds from the Hartford Loop back into my steam boiler that is rusting at the union and at the 90* elbow. Any recommendations as to how to get it out and replaced EASILY..and why did it rust in these spots? Hmmm....

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

Is it

going back in to the top of the boiler (equalizer) or bottom (return)?

Either way, there's no easy way to do it. If it's the return, it always has water in it and can be replaced with copper tubing. If it's the equalizer, it either has air or steam in it and needs to be replaced with black iron pipe.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Jeff_17

Removal from threads

The whole system is black iron, so I will replace it with that, but how can I EASILY get them apart from the threads!???

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

That's a job for...........

Superman, aka a qualified boiler man in your area.

It's not an easy job, even for those that do it every day. Get someone in that knows what they are doing.

If you tell us what part of the country you are in, maybe we can find someone for you.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Steamhead

Jeff, you may have

an acid condensate problem. This is often caused by poor venting of air from your system. Try the Find a Professional page of this site. If you're in California, get in touch with Alan, and if you're in the Baltimore area, contact me!

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Christian Egli

Rusting, but is it leaking?

If the pipe just looks rusted on the outside, it may not be leaking from the inside. It is still no good to let it rust but it light still last a very long time.

The rust on that short piece could have been made worse by some pipe wrench marks. Do you store salt far water softening anywhere near your boiler? Because that will make things rust in a hurry.

If there is no leak, perhaps just painting your pipe with enamel paint will do the trick. But if your pipe leaks, then take care of it before the next season.

Jeff_17

RUSTING and LEAKING!

It is rusting and leaking. I think I know why.....I store the bucket I drain the girl with under this pipe...and sometimes I neglect to dump the water from it....it evaporates....and now this!! UGH!

Christian Egli

Then a paint job really won't help you. It is good though, that you figured out why it rusted so you can prevent it in the future.

It will be a big job that calls for big tools. A professional might be a big help.

Good luck