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Steam Heat Pipe Leak

Maynard
Maynard Member Posts: 74
in THE MAIN WALL
Pipe is best left alone until it is properly repaired.Small leaks usually stay small until someone try's to do a patch job. Call plumber next week to repair pipe.

Comments

  • Veronica
    Veronica Member Posts: 3
    Leak in Steam Heat Pipe Joint

    Before I call a plumber on Christmas Eve,I wanted to find out what danger exists: I have a small leak of steam & drops of water where pipe joins an elbow on a return to boiler.It's a very old pipe sys.(single) & boiler is brand new.I see that the pipe doesn't slope down correctly after this turn which probably started this? It's in ceiling of the basement & I noticed it because a ceiling tile was warped & moldy. I'm just afraid, will it burst? Can I buy something as a temporary fix, ( sealer, tape?? ) Thanks, house repairs are not my thing, could you tell!
  • Veronica
    Veronica Member Posts: 3


    Thanks! No danger though, right?
  • Bob W._3
    Bob W._3 Member Posts: 561


    Its just water and steam at a very low pressure. What is your pressuretrol set at? Should be .5 lb. cut in and 1.5 cut out max.
  • Tony Conner_2
    Tony Conner_2 Member Posts: 443
    If...

    ... somebody called me for a leak like this, over a holiday, I'd tell them to leave it alone until the supply houses re-open. You're almost guaranteed to be replacing a chunk of pipe, and some fittings. There's an excellent chance if wrenches are put on that old pipe that it will either flatten out or break off. And then, it's "let the games begin".

    If it was in my house, I'd put a pan or bucket under it, and leave it until next week. Bear in mind when I say this, that I actually HAVE the tools & material in my shop and truck (on hand) to do this kind of job - along with 3 grown sons to provide muscle power - and still I wouldn't get into it over a holiday like this.
  • Veronica
    Veronica Member Posts: 3


    Thank you all, it was kind of you to reply. I put a bucket on the floor & happy to walk away from it! My mind is at ease.







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