So per the other thread, I have a gas steam boiler that heats the house in the winter. I noticed yesterday that there was some water on the basement floor. There is a slow trickle coming out of this clearly corroded pipe. That part is not surprising. I am wondering, what does this pipe actually go to? This line to the left is the steam return back to the boiler. But, this rusted line goes into the flooring. What does this line do? Is this draining or is there another function? I guess the real thing i am trying to figure out is if I need to open up the floor to fix this thing. Can I just replace the joint with an elbow and call it a day?
Only thing that makes any sense to me is that the leg going "into" the floor (does it?) is just a pipe support. Almost looks like that's just a threaded on cap sitting on the floor? I would think that would/should be replaced sooner rather than later...no matter what you will have to take all that apart (to the next union) to replace any of it...and I'd likely just replace the whole piece that you have to remove, because if its not leaking now, it will be by the time you get it (IF you get it) apart!
If it is just a support, then yes you could replace it with an elbow, but then you'd have to support the pipe another way, which shouldn't be that hard to figure out a way to do...they make all kinds of different pipe supports.
If that is a cap as a support, pretty crappy btw, I imagine it trapped all kinds of scale and whatever else dropped out.
Looks like just a support to me. And yes, that entire pipe will probably need to be replaced. I'd probably put an elbow on it, and have it supported by other means. If that's your return line to the boiler. This is actually a steam boiler and not a hot water boiler? At any rate, that part rusting out is no big shock. It sits there and acts as a dead leg. Water sitting in it and it's against the ground.
Thanks all, this is actually really good to know. I had visions of a jack hammer in the basement and a $10k bill. Ok, so it sounds like a replacement is in order, no problem. Is this something I can order pex for? I am slowly replacing all of my copper piping with pex and I am thinking I would do the same here. Anything I should look out for or avoid? Ps - yes this is a steam heat boiler, not a hot water boiler. I still need to do an intensive on how to clean and maintain the thing.
No PEX for steam boiler use. Too high of temp. If you had a hot water boiler, then PEX would be fine for some of the piping.
Leaks in Steam Condensate Return Piping Our photograph at left shows a leaky steam condensate return line close to the steam boiler. This steam condensate line leak has been dripping for more than a decade. Unlike a hydronic heating boiler system, because the pressure in the steam condensate return line is low, the leak was not noticed by the homeowner and it was ignored by the heating service technician. While not all of the piping is clearly visible in this image, you are also looking at part of a HARTFORD LOOP. Because steam condensate may be quite corrosive in steam heating systems commercial systems and some residential steam heat systems use additives or water conditioners to minimize those effects. Without the Hartford Loop properly sized and piped at the condensate return to the boiler, complete loss of boiler water could follow a leak in the condensate line. In turn, loss of boiler water can destroy the boiler or can lead to catastrophic BLEVE EXPLOSIONS Our opinion was that the piping in this steam condensate line section all should be replaced, but it was reasonable to wait until the end of the heating season rather than having to shut down the heater during freezing-cold weather. Watch out: never pick at corrosion on a heating pipe: we warned the homeowner not to poke or pick at the corrosion on this piping. Disturbing the condensate return pipe was likely to result in a sudden and much larger leak that could leak badly, resulting in basement water problems and increased steam boiler water consumption. Watch out: a leak in the condensate piping of a steam heating system can lead to very expensive damage including: Leaks into the building causing rot, inviting insect damage, or leading to a costly mold cleanup job Excessive water in-feed to the boiler, leading to increased rate of corrosion in the condensate piping or even the boiler itself, risking the development of additional leaks that can destroy the boiler The above is from Steam Heat Condensate Piping, Pumps, Return Lines I agree with brenndatomu . The cap is being used to support the pipe and from what I remember is not standard practice. My recollection is all returns on steam need to flow back to boiler with no collection points. Do you know what pressures your boiler and steam lines operate at? Residential steam operates at very low pressures Steam Boiler Pressure High pressures mean something is blocked or not working properly. Hope this helps I was a grunt for a summer with heating service guy that was the only one in the area that new steam systems and picked up a little knowledge. Start the pipe replacement process well before you need heat. Corroded threaded pipes often break at the threads.
Thanks PA. This a huge help. I have heard of a Hartford loop but didn't realize that is what i was looking at. Yes, i get the feeling the old man that was here before me took some shortcuts where he could. ... I will start working on this in the next few days. Or maybe we will just burn a little extra wood this year.
Don't know; I agree with what you have stated. Some sort of debri trap-similar to the drip leg setup on gas lines.
I've never "heard of" the term "Hartford Loop", but I'd guess it's just for keep the steam "dry". It would separate the condensate from the steam before it goes to the rest of the house. It would keep the pipes from thumping when steam meets condensation (liquid). IIRC, some old steam systems used only 1 sloped pipe (say, 2" ) and the steam would go up and the condensation would run back on the bottom. The steam would reheat the condensate and thats where you got the thump from. (Liquid turning back to steam) You don't see steam being used for homes now. I'd plan on a new heat pump system in your near future, if I were you.
In that first pic in the OP, it looks like they mixed galvanized pipe with black iron pipe and cast fittings. Thats usually a no-no. (Oh, if you didn't already guess, steam can be unbelievably dangerous..)
Around here we call them mud legs but all I have ever seen or used them on was gas lines. I would have thought that it would cause more harm than good on a return especially without a cock.
Condensate is usually pretty dirty with the typical black iron pipe used for steam...As far as the OP, i believe that was used more for support than dirt. Either way, the easiest fix there is removing the tee and nipple (to the left) and replacing it with a 90°, nipple, union, and another nipple
Exactly.... I worked for my Dad a few years when he owned a plumbing and boiler shop. He was certified for hot water and steam boilers, even large commercial steam boilers. That was a lazy way to support the return line. I know why they did it, but there shouldn't be areas of water pooling like they had with the tee and the nipple and cap.
