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cleaning copper and black pipe

MPJ347
MPJ347 Member Posts: 19
I installed a boiler last week with copper and black pipe with steam fittings. The basement was very humid and the black pipes got rusty, the copper looks very old now. Any thoughts what to use to clean the outside of the piping? Was thinking of using grit cloth for the copper and maybe WD40 on the black pipe. Any other thoughts?
Thanks

Comments

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,060
    If that happened in one week, what does the burner compartment, gas valve and ignition components look like?
    And a year or two from now? Probably no standing pilot to warm boiler and flue.

    Need some de-humidification down there......IMHO.
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    A bit of oxidation will protect the copper.

    We use d-limonene and steel wool to clean and degrease black pipe. After than, either paint it or (if you want the natural look) wipe down using a rag and some wax. Floor wax, car wax, furniture wax, whatever.
  • MPJ347
    MPJ347 Member Posts: 19
    I filled the system and boiler on the hottest most humid day of the week and the pipes were dripping with condensate. The burner has not been fired yet, waiting for it to be wired. The a/c unit has been turned earlier this week and all the humidity is gone. Thanks for the replys.