Boiler seal

john_58

Sorry that was a typo, Its a 6" line and yes they do freeze them. They have a large insulated jacket, wrap around the pipe and pump liquid nitrogen (I think) in to the jacket. Trick is the water must be cool and not moving. The company which does this work is a sub of the plumbing contractors. Costs about $800 to do the freezing alone. I think its worth not draining the system down.

john_58

My plumber/heating contr. is recommending using a boiler leak stop product(liquid) in our existing h/w gas heating. The system is 40 years old. Has anyone had experience with any similar products. New A/O Smith heaters, threaded steel/welded mains(black iron?), copper fin rads.
Any input is always appreciated.

Big Ed

Temporary Product

Leak stop products are used in a fit to buy time until leak can be repaired....

Also I believe Smith boilers use o-rings between boiler sections. May not be able to use most water treatment products with out effecting integeraty of o-rings....

bob young

dope for dopes

big mistake. boiler stop leak [ dope ] chemical products are only good for # 1 the manufacturer # 2 the plumber for homeowner = poison. might fix the leak and ruin everything else. never get that junk out of the system.

clammy

wasting valuable time

This is what your doing if your system is that old it would only be wise to replace it now even though stop leak might give you some time but when it does go don't worry it should be cold then you will be in trouble .do yourself and your family a favor get a price from a reputable hydronic service and installation company and replace your system update your boiler , pumps and thermostats you can get a nice direct vent modulting boiler and save some money on your ulitly bill also.Stop leak chemicals are garbage i would never use them in a steam system and in a hot water boiler you are only looking for big trouble and water damage .When these products are mention to me i usually just leave the job it unprofessinal and hack .Peace CLAMMY

john_58

Thanks everyone for input. There is a small leak on a fitted (threaded) 1 1/2" joint. The drip is very slow but there. I wanted to freeze the fitting and fix, but there is not enough room. The system is a 7 storey apt bldg with 8" mains. Don't really want to drain system down. I might still freeze the 8" main, install shut-off and fix small problem. The system otherwise works very well with few problems and lots of heat. My Plumber suggested stop leak product and it sounded too easy. Thanks again all!

bob young

greatest show in town

this is the kind of stuff i live for. let me know when you freeze that 8 " line 'cause i wanna come and observe. i will pay you to watch. you got the wrong plumber pal or he might be pulling your leg.

Ron Schroeder_3

all of the naysayers notwithstanding

I have successfully installed Radiator Specialties Boiler Solder Seal as a permanent repair in a heating system. It is in place fourteen years and counting. I say, if it works...

bob young

horse of a different color

by clarifying your method i stand corrected. with the proper professional equipment and knowhow ,you can freeze anything. i was under the impression you as a homeowner/manager would be attemting this using a jury-rigged makeshift procedure . 8 " or even 6 " pipe is serios business. and REAL expensive. $ 800.oo might be on the low side.