Copper Steam Piping

Bobby D.

I need some feedback on this one.

My brother in law just bought a single pipe steam heated house.

He wants to move the main about five feet to be able to finish the basement.

The main is a 2" Black Pipe.

A plumber " he knows" told him that it would be a lot easier to replace the main with copper.

I thought that stream mains need to be black pipe due to heat loss, pressure, temperature, and who knows what ?

What are the pros thoughts on this, can you use copper for steam mains and risers ?

soot_seeker_2

No pros -- all cons

Copper makes horrible steam pipes. Too much expansion which twists joints and causes leaks.

Remember this advice. If you don't follow it, you'll wish you did.

Copper has no place in a steam system except, perhaps, in the wet returns -- and I can argue that also.

Long Beach Ed

Bobby D.

Thanks Long Beach Ed ! Great Advice !

I will let you know if he heeds it !