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| We have a steam heating system and years ago an access panel was installed for other plumbing. Unbeknownst to us (we just purchased the home) a screw from the install penetrated one of our pipes. We needed to remove the panel, and we must have "broken the seal"; now the pipe leaks steam when our boiler is on - not good.
Is it possible to plug the hole in some way without having to remove and replace the pipe? I'm not sure if it's cast iron - could be lead? Was that common material for heating system pipes in the early 20th century? Our house was built in 1924, fwiw.
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| "I'm not sure if it's cast iron - could be lead?" Lead was used for supply pipes and DWV lines, but not steam lines. A good plumber should be able to drill the hole larger and tap it for a plug. A less skilled plumber will try to cut out the section and replace it with two nipples and a union. |
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- Posted by lazypup (lazypup@yahoo.com) on Fri, Oct 8, 10 at 23:59
| It is more likely that it is seamless black iron pipe. Go to a heating contractor supply house and they have a special "Pipe Repair Clamp" made for this purpose. The repair clamps have two pieces that are formed into a hollow channel to surround the pipe. One side of the clamp is held together in the same manner as a butt hinge and there is a flat neoprene gasket material on the inside of the hollow channel. The clamp is opened like a clam shell, slipped over the leak then folded closed and held in place by two small bolts on the open side. |
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| I would not put a pipe repair clamp on a steam line. 212F steam is going to harden up the gasket material in short order. |
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- Posted by badgergrrl (My Page) on Sun, Oct 10, 10 at 0:42
| what about pipe repair wrap? One made by Fernco was suggested. Would that be a good solution if we didn't want to cut out and replace the pipe at this time? |
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- Posted by lazypup (lazypup@yahoo.com) on Sun, Oct 10, 10 at 4:55
| The pipe repair clamps sold at home supply centers are not suitable, neither is the wrap. Go to a real heating contractor supply store and they have repair clamps that are rated for high pressure steam that are ASTM certified for up to 400degF. |
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| " Would that be a good solution if we didn't want to cut out and replace the pipe at this time?" Drill and tap the hole and install a machine screw or plug. |
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