Steam Boiler Pipe Repair

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Steam Boiler Pipe Repair

Рет қаралды 33,564

Күн бұрын

Boiler Pipe Repair was a must for this job. The new homeowners purchased this home unaware that the previous homeowner and his friends took a crack at installing a steam boiler. Needless to say, they failed miserably.
I was a little shocked that the home inspector didn't pick up on the steam boiler pipe repair that was done, but then again I don't think home inspectors are trained in proper steam boiler installation. This is my follow-up to a video I posted a few weeks ago titled "Bad Plumbing". bit.ly/3jdrDD1
I cleaned up some p.e.x. tubing that was installed in this same home, and in this video I correct all the screwed up mistakes by the previous homeowner and make a proper Steam Boiler Pipe Repair so the new homeowner can enjoy a noise-free, quiet steam heating system.
Regards & Happy Plumbing
Bob
*The links below are affiliate links through with I receive a small commission at no additional costs to you. This helps offset my costs in producing these videos which I hope will save you MONEY! Happy Plumbing!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Lost Art of Steam Heat by Dan Holohan
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Diablo 9" Carbide Tip Sawzall Blade
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Lenox 8" Bi Metal 10TPI Sawzall Blade
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BlueBlock Pipe Sealant
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Blue Monster Teflon Tape
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________________________________________________________________________________________________
Milwaukee Tools Used:
Milwaukee M-18 Fuel Hackzall (bare tool)
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Milwaukee M-12 Fuel 1/2" Hammer Drill (bare tool)
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Milwaukee M-12 Hex Screwdriver Kit
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Milwaukee M-12 Job Light
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Milwaukee M-18 Fuel Pipe Threader
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Ridgid 18" Pipe Wrench (Straight)
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Ridgid 18" Pipe Wrench (Offset) Aluminum
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Ridgid 24" Pipe Wrench (Offset) Aluminum
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Пікірлер: 115

@briandjordjevic9969 3 жыл бұрын

I like your style 😎

@briandjordjevic9969 3 жыл бұрын

@Philip Tristian nice

@medicalnegligence 3 жыл бұрын

Really nice work. I’m realizing that the “master” plumber who installed my steam boiler made so many mistakes. Low height copper pipe header, never skimmed boiler, short cycling, DOA pressuretrol, clogged pigtail, leaking backflow preventer, and leaking main air vents to name a few issues right out of the box after install. I’ve since educated myself steam systems and mitigated all these issues. Your videos are extremely helpful.

@paulklink3071 Жыл бұрын

Love your style that is the old school way and the best way

@nickperdo6699 3 жыл бұрын

Bob, you're the man. On my second year as a licensed plumber, hoping to be half as good as you before i retire🤣

@stevenstadterman9725 Жыл бұрын

GR8T JOB..WAS WORKIN ON A 1.28 MILLION BURHAM TODAY-COMPLETE MESS, HAD A GAS LEAK FR WATER DRIPPING ON 1 1/4" -THIS BABY HAS 2 GAS CIRCUITS-THE OTHER CIRCUIT HAD WATER LEAK FR HARTFORD LEAK ON 1 1/4" REGULATOR...VERY LITTLE GAS FLOW !!..SPENT 4 HRS GETTING ONE SIDE OPERATIONAL WHEEEEEW !!!

@robertbernardo2030 2 жыл бұрын

I see this More and more we are from the Lost Art of Plumbing School, its a pleasure to see a Master Plumber with TOOLS IN HAND, OUR WORLD, ART WORK.

@StoneysWorkshop 3 жыл бұрын

Bob, I wanted to thank you. I used your technique of cutting out pipe. I had a washer with a 2” galvanized drain and a 1” hex reducer, had to do the cut technique to get the 2”x 1” hex reducer out. (this is on a 25yr old cage rack washer) I learned it from your video of removing broken nipples from a radiator.

@Taino871 Жыл бұрын

16” off the top! Awesome!

@nelsonechevarria7009 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Mr.Sessa.I use lenox saw blades and for the threads I use a three inch lenox saw blade.I also use a vise grip once I knock the threaded piece that remains in the fitting loose so as not to accidentally drop the threaded pipe piece.I agree with you 110% regarding cracking cast iron fittings (black pipe) to remove the fittings because cracking cast iron fittings rather than cutting the fittings out often does more harm than good and is also more difficult to do.Thank you for the video and God bless you and yours Mr.Sessa.

@Trainman0401 3 жыл бұрын

My dad taught me the same approach to remove an old pipe without using a hammer. It’s been working for me for over 40 years. Your pipe work on the boiler is a work of art.👍👍

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff

@treke08 3 жыл бұрын

I like seeing the collar on the union going in the right direction. This separates the pros from the non-pros.

@vvegas9221 2 жыл бұрын

I did start-up work along side a gas co tech from time to time in new construction blogs. that was the first thing they would ck after the air pressure filled leak test. collars on the top of the union or I had to flip them around to pass inspection.

@elioselectric468 3 жыл бұрын

Like you said its amazing what people will actually pay for and accept as a finished job.

@tmactheplumber4966 Жыл бұрын

I was taught to make two cuts then cape. I've never seen one cut, pretty impressive. It's difficult to even find a set of capeing tools today.

@tmactheplumber4966 Жыл бұрын

Awesome fix, by the way !

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

I'll make two cuts occasionally, depends on my mood...LOL! Glad you enjoyed it, Bob.

@acrservicesmathewr7565 2 жыл бұрын

I like that idea. I leave about a 1/4 inch stub when i cut the pipe. That way you can bang it in without risking denting the threads. Nice work

@dell177 3 жыл бұрын

Your work shows you understand steam and work to make sure the customer gets a boiler that will work as it should. I second your recomendation of Dan's book, he foes a great of explaining hoe steam works. Keep up the good work

@macmorgan6685 3 жыл бұрын

I recently used the same process on a motorcycle fork slider but used a hand-held hacksaw blade instead of sawsall. Worked in the oil industry years ago and saw a lot problem with steam boilers. Smoke pipe routing looks a bit suspect. Good photos,

@atlasfueloilinc.2421 Жыл бұрын

2 cuts 3/4 apart knock out the 3/4 tap each side to remove with caping chisel. 2 cuts easier then 1 cut. I fixed 2 jobs last year that had banging in pipes by boiling out with arm and hammer baking soda. No re piping or rad replacement as recommended by previous company.

@louietheplumber3609 3 жыл бұрын

Very professional Bob

@Lucas-lov-plumbing 3 жыл бұрын

Good job, need to remove that hot side pex because it's too close to the exhaust. In nj you are allowed to use pex but when piping w/h you need to be about 1' away from exhaust. H & C lines

@zeroheat5787 3 жыл бұрын

Learned the trade from men of your caliber. Caping with precision like a surgeon. It’s becoming a list art. Nice slice on that merchant coupling. Earned a sub. Sad I haven’t found your channel sooner. Have a prosperous 21.

@tonym6920 3 жыл бұрын

What a nightmare, you really know your stuff Bob, great job! 👍👍

@williamdyckman9704 3 жыл бұрын

Bob, nice neat work you have done !!

@brendandrury2177 2 жыл бұрын

Good video lessons and descriptions.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@Hearthman1159 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice near piping. A lot of thought into serviceability, esp. with those drain cocks for blowing it down and clearing the mud leg. I do have some issues with the venting. First of all, it needs a chimney liner. When you find crap in the cleanout that means material is missing from the clay lining. The vent connector carries a 6" clearance to combustibles. The combustible wall appears to be pyrolyzed at the breaching. According to the sizing charts, you need to increase the vent connector off the water heater to 4" for that vent rise. Otherwise, good stuff as usual Bob. Thx.

@Kay-zi7tt 3 жыл бұрын

It's nice to see craftsman ship.

@MoltenFungus Жыл бұрын

First.. awesome video. Totally no nonsense. Just had a Weil McClain boiler installed. It's a dry return and two loop mains on 120 year old 2 story home with basement. 2 questions. Insulation. There never was any on the mains, the plumber didn't suggest but everything I'm reading is that it's a must. Also, the diameter of the pipe on the 2nd loop, which feeds my 2nd floor is smaller than the loop that feeds the first floor. Is that correct? I'm guessing higher pressure with the smaller pipe but I'm struggling with the concept since steam isn't really the same conceptually as air pressure.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Insulation a must on steam! Speeds up transfer time, delivers dry steam (best case) Would have to know the load on the 2nd floor to give you an accurate answer. Get this book, it'll open your eyes as to how a steam system operates. It's my "Steam Bible" amzn.to/3j7higI

@johnniecarter3013 3 жыл бұрын

Did you look up the manufacturer’s instructions?

@jeffreyjohn2037 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like one of the steam mains is pitching back to the boiler. The supply mains should pitch towards the wet returns.

@cyrilvelkoff5928 2 жыл бұрын

great clean looking work

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@robertcookjr6100 3 жыл бұрын

Nice clean work

@malachy1847 2 жыл бұрын

You must have been Really mad when you arrived seeing the likes of an 90 Elbow connected up directly on Top of that Boiler... where as your Pipe Geometry was really excellent, with long run of vertical pipe up the discharge line off the boiler before your First 90Degree Elbow...was told by an old school Pipe fitter, to go Ten Times pipe diameter before putting or fitting in a Bend...and make it a Swept Slow Bent, or consider a 45 degree another straight pipe then another 45 bend...to go to the Horizontal ...Great Upload...

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Wasn't necessarily mad , but was like "who does this shit"!

@cmc9311 3 жыл бұрын

Can you please do a video on safe decommissioning a steam boiler system in a home? And removal of pipes? Not the radiators- but literally everything else.

@nitebirdscuffle4213 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great......Blue Block is bulletproof, has to be cut apart......getting ready to install my Weil Eg65......I decided to go with weld on Key Tite the green stuff for nostalgia sake =)

@rogerwilliams2042 3 жыл бұрын

Mr Bob you are a Grand Master ! You do very good clean neat work I’m impressed that you lug all those tools by yourself! Wow you’re a Beast!!!!! Good job !! Where are you located?

@scottk0623 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job Bob, I am in Eastern Connecticut and service and install a lot of steam. As you showed I also have corrected many ,many incorrectly piped steam systems. I after 36 yrs still can’t understand why nobody can read the installation directions 🤷‍♂️. Good for us I guess. Thanks for a great job.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing that most installers don't even think of looking at the instructions. They're provided for a reason! Regards, Bob.

@boby115 3 жыл бұрын

Bob, great job on that drain back problem. I do have concerns on boiler and water heater venting. #1 it looks like wood paneling on the right hand side of those vents and I hope you know the minimum clearance is 6 inchs to combustible materials ( a good repair for this clearance problem is to tack up Hardieboard or durarock ( non combustibles). You could also revent with B venting with a 1 inch clearance).#2 looks like that old masonry chimney is oversized for your water heater and boiler, most likely will not pass the seven times rule ( masonry chimneys should not be larger than seven times the smallest category 1 appliance vent pipe entering the masonry chimney, based on the outlet size of the drafthood). You did the correct thing by referring them to a chimney sweep, they will most likely be installing a flue liner.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

People do dumb things! There is a block wall behind that paneling and I suspect the previous homeowner had no clue! look at the way they piped the boiler? The clean out at the base of the chimney was 8" , but there was a 6"X6" clay liner going up. Still needs a cap up top and possibly a new liner. That's a job for the chimney sweep.

@householdhacks 3 жыл бұрын

a little cutting oil on your metal cutting blades will make them last much longer. won't have as much magnetic metal shavings sticking everywhere as well. I don't know if you have to worry about oil contamination on boilers though.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Good point! I try my best to avoid getting oil into the boiler. Creates problems.

@anthonykotoff3041 3 жыл бұрын

What do you think about people who pipe their steam boilers with malleable fittings instead of steam fittings?

@sonicboomin 2 жыл бұрын

Once a week draining is excessive. Maybe if it had float LWCO. Adding fresh water that often will rot the crap out of boiler. I drain only when i see sight glass water dirty when boiler not running. Unfortunately its a double edge sword when it comes to draining steam boilers.

@yfdfireman2 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what a difference! That is some solid work and it should be a vast improvement over how it was piped before. I’m kinda curious why not just do a drop header since you had so much apart? It is purely a question not a critique, I’m just wondering if it would offer any advantage or if it would be a waste of,time and material?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

It's a very small house, only one riser coming out. Maybe a bigger boiler with two risers coming out, it's working like a charm!

@yfdfireman2 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos thank you for the knowledge. I’ve been reading up on steam and watching some videos as well. I’m also happy to hear you cured the problems with that house. Keep on fighting the good fight and you’ve also got another subscriber. Thanks again.

@eddiew.6485 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work as always, Bob…….you mentioned supplemental boiler water treatment. I presently am using Rhomar 903. Although costly, it gets the job done. What do you recommend? Thanks.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

For moderately dirty boilers I use Hercules® Boiler and Heating System Cleaner. But for severe priming and surging, my go to product is Scout boiler cleaner by Hercules. Thanks for checking out the video! Bob.

@terrylingo8491 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Bob. I thoroughly enjoy your KZfaq videos. I am a plumber in Florida and as you probably know most of our replace and repair jobs are very different from your situations. However, I still watching your repairs. I was wondering what size caping tool you use. Do you use larger tools for larger pipe sizes. Thanks in advance. Great videos.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

1/4" w/ double bevel, diamond, or half round depending on the job. Thank you for checking out the videos!

@pualruiz 3 жыл бұрын

Nice repipe but those burnhams is going to have a high section leak. I’ve replaced soooo many 10 year old burnhams in Brooklyn and queens.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! They know 👍

@jimmyp5487 2 жыл бұрын

Nice repair 🤘🤘🇺🇸🇺🇸 new sub here brother. Stay safe!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub, appreciated. Bob

@Firehawk841 3 жыл бұрын

That elbow on the boiler looks like its pitched up a bit then drops before it hits the straight run out to the chimney.

@devinF1piper 2 жыл бұрын

Is anybody asking what was adjacent to the return pipe that got dropped at around 12:35? Maybe the homeowner is happier off not knowing...

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

No?

@devinF1piper 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos I dare not speak the name of this insulating substance

@Taino871 Жыл бұрын

All I want to say is the old supply made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up! Ugghhh. Right off the top to elbow?…

@WApnj Жыл бұрын

Why no valve in the Hartford loop leg to isolate the boiler from the return??

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Recently installed brand new return line installed by others, didn't think it was necessary.

@WApnj Жыл бұрын

Considering this is a recent install there is too much cutting and not enough unscrewing....BTW. If you do nick the threadsits not a big deal.. the sealer does it's job...

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Whatever floats your boat my friend, cutting them out is easy and preserves my muscle for assembling the new.

@ThrillLifeTV 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, I'm trying to finie my basement but i have them low hanging pipes, what is the best way to lifted them pipes up so i can frame my basement? Plz reply back

@evomike2122 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob I love this video I just had a question about the water feeder why on the cold side. Isn't cold water bad for steam boilers?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Most manufacturers of water feeders recommend feeding cold water thru the control, although I often see them being fed with hot water. With manual feeds I always pipe them with hot water.

@evomike2122 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos thank you for answering my question. I did more research and I understood why . I really wanted to actually ask a true steam professional like yourself with a lot of knowledge. Thank you once again.

@paulvarone9910 3 жыл бұрын

can i send you pictures of my piping to see if it is done correctly ?

@chrisxleung 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, Bob. I watch your channel for plumbing, but you mentioned the chimney issue. Do you have a recommended chimney company that services the Brooklyn area? I have a smoky odor in a 2nd flr room next to the old clay flue masonry chimney.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

email me-info@robertsessaplumbing.com

@chrisxleung 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Hi Bob, I sent you an email message, but it may be stuck in your spam folder...

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisxleung Professional Chimney Cleaning 781-857-0204, ask for Willie. Regards, Bob.

@chrisxleung 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Thank you!

@stormbytes 2 жыл бұрын

You should do a better job insulating the NBP and mains

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

The Homeowner wanted to do it!

@roberthoffmann9757 3 жыл бұрын

Very neat looking work! What size cutting edge on your cape chisel? Thank you!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

I use two chisels - 319 Osborne 1/4" double bevel & 317 Osborne 1/4" single bevel. Both made in the U.S.A.

@jeffreyjohn2037 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos @ 6:33, why cut the surface of the elbow band? I always keep about an eighth of a inch of pipe, making it easier to work on with a chisel.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffreyjohn2037 true! most times I do.

@AndrewP210 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job. Did you skim the boiler at start up?

@ScapeSmart 2 жыл бұрын

where are you located? Are you accepting works?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn NY, work alone and am semi-retired!

@ScapeSmart 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos thanks for your reply, I am in Northern New Jersey, are you working in NJ?

@Volusiaev 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job, Bob. BTW, What size cape chisel do you use?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

1/4” both single and double bevel.

@davidlampe4153 10 ай бұрын

Your customer needs to put insulation on the steam pipes, nice work otherwise. Crazy people are calling themselves plumbers but their work shows that they are clueless about steam heating!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 10 ай бұрын

I told him it must be insulated, he decided to do it himself. Since this video was posted everything is well insulated. Thank for watching!

@wesleyblackman2830 2 жыл бұрын

U sound experience. How can i get in contact with u since u in NY?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Semi-retired, in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn. info@robertsessaplumbing.com.

@JerseyMopar 3 жыл бұрын

I dont know how it even built and head of steam. They put a 90 right at the top of the boiler instead of making it atleast 15 inches before a 90.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

It was a mess!

@sparky3869 3 жыл бұрын

no to bad

@stormbytes 2 жыл бұрын

Omg how many times can this guy advertise his sawzall?!

@Bob.W. 3 жыл бұрын

Did you get back to get it running? How did it go?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

I did, and it performed incredibly well. One exception was a convector in the 2nd floor front bedroom. Check it out here -kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aqp7m8Kj0MfKXXk.html

@Bob.W. 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Thx. Great that you can still work cross legged. I admire your cut and chisel technique.

@bugattivi7110 3 жыл бұрын

Idk bob I feel like u should hire some guys man with the knowledge you have im going on my 4 years as a apprentice and it’s a waste for you too not share all that skill and knowledge you got too the next generation

@georgerodd1404 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you get that insulation ?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

My plumbing supply house, but Home Depot and Lowes carry it. Make sure you tell them what application you're using it for - Steel pipe or Copper, there's a size difference.

@camar01979 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@dixienormous9171 2 жыл бұрын

Someone donate a couple pipe wrenches and a turbo torch to this poor soul 🤦🏻‍♂️ smh

@mechanictaft4848 3 жыл бұрын

ummmm your WRONG you can use PEX!!!IN SINGLE FAMILY UP TO 2 STORY HOMES .ALSO IN EUROPE THEY HAVE BEEN USING PEX FOR OVER 60 YEARS NO PROBLEMS IVE BEEN USING SINCE LATE 90S ALL OVER THE COUNTRY NEVER ANY PROBLEMS .IM SO SORRY YOUR OLD SCHOOL CLOSED MINDED TOO BAD YOU SEEM TO KNOW SOME STUFF I HAD TO WAKE UP 20 YRS AGO AND HAVE OPEN MIND .JUST LIKE CANT TEACH OLD DOG NEW TRICKS