Use PEX to retrofit one pipe steam to water

Steve Garson

I am converting a one-pipe steam system to hot water. Since there is 1-1/4-inch steel pipe feeding each radiator on the second floor, I was wondering is it is practical to feed a 3/4 or 1/2-inch PEX tube down the steam pipe to avoid cutting up the house to install new feeds. The ID of the pipe is 1.38", so there should be adequate room. Since each side of the house has two radiators, I could connect the two on the same floor, use the PEX as the feed and return, and potentially save lots of labor.

Has anyone done this before? Is there any reason I shouldn't do this, assuming that the PEX is not abraided much in the process?

Al Letellier

Pex in steam pipe

Sure you could, Steve. I have used old steam pipes for all kinds of raceways, but consider this. I don't think I've ever seen a system where there weren't any offsets in the floors. It's rare to see a completely straight pipe, cellar to second or third floor. Make sure and scope things out carefully before you quote. You could get "steamed"!!!!!

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Kal Row

mega-ditto!!!!!