Leaking pipes

Constantin

.... so some pictures would help everyone. I'm a mere homeowner myself, but I can heartily recommend "We Got Steam Heat" and "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", both for sale in the books section on this site. With the help of these manuals, you may discover the true causes of the water hammer that is currently plagueing you system.

For instance, I would be interested to see the near-boiler piping to ensure that the boiler is installed properly. Ensuring a proper pitch, etc. on the piping is another very important detail to ensure, etc. From what I have read, steam piping can last a very long time (exceptions include underground returns and the like).

If I were in your shoes, I'd click on "Find a Professional" and see if there is a real steam pro in your area. I don't doubt that some steam systems need $20,000 worth of upgrades but I'd have a real master look at yours before committing that kind of money.

James Steen

How long do steam pipes last?

We have a five floor brownstone, built around 1890 with a two pipe steam system. We just installed a new WM boiler and have intolerable water hammer at both ends in the cellar. We have spent a lot to date, and have a proposal that "guarantees" to fix the problem for another $20,000. Our question is how long can we expect all of the inaccessible pipes in the top four floors to last. We have had at least four leaks of both water and steam in the cellar. Is it only the pipes at the lowest parts of the system that are going to leak or are we going to have leaks throughout the system? We are worried about spending more money on a system with 100+ year old pipes. Pinhole leaks in walls can cause a lot of damage before they are discovered and could then be a nightmare to find and replace. Should we scrap the whole system and do an aftermarket new system?

ed wallace

leaks

can you post pictures of the boiler installation what is the pressure control set at

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

Ken_8

I suspect

the boiler is running at over 3 lbs and water is "leaking" out of the main vent(s).

If your anywhere near north Jersey, give us a call. Unless the system was really abused, the pipes should still be in good shape - even after 100 years.

(732) 388-1794

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

Weezbo

anytime you marry something old to something new ....

something has to "Give".....mr bills first law of remodeling.

ED_29

Steam Boiler

After iniatial install,did anyone ever come back to blow down t he boiler or flush it out. Some people just skim the boiler.This is to remove the oils & rust from new boiler to prevent surging,which will cause banging in the system. ED!

Michal

most likely

most likely the condensate returns are rotted out or in the process of rotting. They are prone to corrosion since the condensate is corrosive in nature. If you are going to keep the house and redo these pipes use schedule 80 pipe on all returns and cast iron fittings, will last for a very long time. Schedule 80 pipe is standard on commercial steam returns. Do not use copper on these returns at all. Best bet, get a few professionals there to look at the system and get a few quotes. Yes you will keep getting leaks if you do not change the pipes, as far as the pipes in tje walls, hard to say without being there and testing/checking. but seems they are in bad shape. Water hammer can be fixed by pitching radiators slightly back towards return, But piping installed with improper pitch will do the same.