underground condensate lines leaking

tim smith

I am in agreement with all, I know the engineer and i called him and asked why don't we just repipe the returns at ceiling of basement for upper 3 floors and maybe if needed just put a heat exchanger in and possibly convert basement apts to water so we dont have to tear up floors of basement apts to replace bad condensate lines. This would minimize impact to tenants. thanks for all the replies, Tim. ps. sorry it took so long to get back to you guys.

tim smith

underground condensate lines leaking

Guy's, 32 unit bldg has rotten undergound condensate lines leaking. Major job to replace these, along with needs new boiler. What do ya all think. Mechanical engineer thinks replace all condensate lines using existing overhead steam mains for water supply lines and repipe return lines for water. What's all you all's opinion. Thanks Tim.

Al Letellier_9

steam lines

I shiver every time an engineer tries to take the easy way out and convert to water just because the condensate line are broken and leaking. Didn't they ever hear of pipe threading machines and condensate pumps. There is always a way to solve the problem. converting over can be a huge nightmare with leaking pipes and valves, and how do you control 32 units with a converted steam system. Carefully consider all the options before you leap....

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bob young

returns

in the big picture replacing returns is small change no matter what size or field conditions. to change from steam to h.w. because of rotted returns means you called the wrong company.

Steamhead (in transit)

Don't fall for it, Tim

That engineer obviously knows nothing about steam. To find someone who does, try the Find a Professional page of this site.

Tell us more about this system. Is it one-pipe or two-pipe? If the latter, does it have traps on the radiators?

Edward A. (Ed) Carery

32 Units

Sounds to me like that engineer is looking to perfctly and professionally design,,,,, a 32 unit sprinkler system.


Ed

Steamhead (in transit)

Good one, Ed

that would perfectly describe the botched conversions I've seen!

Steamhead (in transit)

You have wet returns now

changing them to dry returns (overhead, above boiler water level) can introduce more problems. Basement tenants might have to deal with some inconvenience but it's best to route the new pipes the same as the old.

tim smith

wet vs dry

steamhead, why would dry vs wet make a huge difference if I accounted for the steam returning.