Steam Boiler Leaking Water

Рет қаралды 5,855

Жыл бұрын

This new homeowner inherited a steam boiler leaking water and called me in to check things out. I ran the boiler under pressure and discovered the pipe (nipple) exiting the right side of the boiler leaking.
To the novice, it looks like a simple repair, just replace that short nipple, and the job is done correctly? Not so fast! In order to get that nipple out I had to dismantle part of the Hartford loop and steam return line. And you know that nipple wasn't going to just screw out! Enter my trusty Milwaukee 18-volt Sawzall.
This is not a long video so for the pros and homeowners out there in KZfaq land, this is how I get these seemingly difficult jobs done with very little pain. Hope you enjoy it!
Regards,
Bob
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Пікірлер: 76

@carlosalmany2880 Жыл бұрын

Mm I like how you explained thank you

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@user-ev1bf7od6t 8 ай бұрын

Bob Thanks for all your good help over the years . Please settle this argument I like to drain a little water every week with my steam boiler to get the black water out . My super says leave it alone and don’t touch it until the winter is over. He says , you do not have to clean water on these new gas boilers. It’s a Weil McLean Your thoughts , please Thank you

@BobsPlumbingVideos 8 ай бұрын

Not true, my experience is that by not draining down in the off season causes the drains to clog. Ultimately haver to remove , unclog and reinstall the drains. Most homeowners won't do this, which is good for business!! Regards, Bob.

@dr.yenado9348 Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@dr.yenado9348 Жыл бұрын

Wish you worked in Boston!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thank You, but I'm about ready to but put out to the pasture!😂

@thankswillie Жыл бұрын

glad to see you back

@chrisxleung Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob. Appreciate you going through all the steps for us. Your professionalism is definitely preferred over some of the other KZfaq plumber channels.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that! You're welcome.

@kevin7151 Жыл бұрын

Bob, very detailed and informative video. You do stellar work, particularly on steam systems and appreciate your willingness to share your vast knowledge with us homeowners. Have a great weekend.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks! Much Appreciated.

@bigd3104 Жыл бұрын

A fan of Blue Monster tape. Really good stuff!

@Ticonderoga12 Жыл бұрын

This guy is a smooth operator,

@TheSlipperyNoodle Жыл бұрын

Nice fix.

@wdj935 Жыл бұрын

Bob. Thank you for your videos. Your videos have helped me with my steam radiators more than once.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Great job!

@modeman69 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for video

@BobsPlumbingVideos 7 ай бұрын

Thank You!!

@williamdyckman9704 Жыл бұрын

Bob, very meticulous work, you have so much experience and appreciate you sharing it !

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Many thanks! Bob

@tonymanero5544 10 ай бұрын

I wouldn’t know how you disassembled the various pieces to get to the nipple. The T connector to the rotted nipple and backend; you sawed off the nipple but I guess also sawed off the continuing back nipple too.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 10 ай бұрын

Correct!

@johnyurick8785 Жыл бұрын

Looks great Bob !!!!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@tonym6920 Жыл бұрын

Great job Bob! 👍👍

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@lololine Жыл бұрын

This is a great video!!!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Much appreciated! Bob.

@johnyurick8785 Жыл бұрын

Easy for you to say Bob🤣🤣🤣🤣………… nice work 😎

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@modeman69 7 ай бұрын

Hey Bob awesome video….. I have a question we have an old peerless boiler from the ‘60s …. We have a 47-2, Mechanical Water Feeder w/ #2 Switch installed…. I usually drain a little water to get the. La k water out…… there a lower water valve to drain also …. Am I okay by draining from the feeder on a weekly basis especially now going into winter?

@mikev.1034 Жыл бұрын

👍👍

@jcaleca60 Жыл бұрын

Black pipe over time rots out . Did a lot of returns coming back to the boiler in black pipe Just before the heartford loop Lot of guys are using copper Because they feel it's hot water But I like the old black pipe On a steam system Is all black pipe That looks like an old Brooklyn boiler I go to Bruce plumbing supply in bentonhurst Did many like that Too old now Laugh out loud

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

I got those parts from Bruce on 16th ave!

@jcaleca60 Жыл бұрын

@BobsPlumbingVideos I do the same. I have him make up the nipples for me, lol 😆

@michaelfreeman8458 5 ай бұрын

Copper is poor choice for steam?

@domenicpetruso7751 Жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, I noticed you left about a quarter inch of the old nipple before slicing and caping. In a past video, you cut flush with the cast fitting before slicing and caping. Any particular reason for the the difference? Your videos are awesome for the handyman landlord. Thank you.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

No particular reason, I think the Reciprocating saw body was hitting the boiler jacket so I couldn’t get a flush cut. Truth be told better to have some excess to chisel on.

@jerseydevil3799 Жыл бұрын

Can you do a video of how a homeowner can service/tune-up their own residential steam boiler?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Check this one out! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gbGPn7ti0Jm1pnU.html

@bobwas4066 Жыл бұрын

another great video!! what size cape chisel did you use?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thank You! Much appreciated....amzn.to/3f281VJ

@michaelfreeman8458 5 ай бұрын

Should you skim the boiler after re-pipe work?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

Yes, you want to remove any residual oil from the surface of the water after cutting and threading new pipe!

@shieldcracker 10 ай бұрын

Bob couldnt you cut the valve inlet fpt socket first, then loosen/cut the union and proceed to unscrew the valve? This would eliminate the need to cut through the valve body.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 10 ай бұрын

Sure!

@FKS1994 Жыл бұрын

Hey Bob, really enjoy watching your videos. I have a steam boiler in the basement and the pipes to the radiators for the basement are underground. I believe there is a leak because the water from the scope glass becomes empty when not in use. Is it worth ripping up the tiling and cement to find the leak?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Are you referring to the "steam return" pipes? These would be the pipes that bring the steam condensate back to the boiler after each heating cycle? Generally speaking I abandon the buried pipes and reroute a new return above the ground. Many different ways to approach this depending on each individual situation.

@FKS1994 Жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Yes, it is the steam return pipes. Above the ground would make sense but it is a finished basement so it would look out of place. So frustrating!

@modeman69 7 ай бұрын

Yes, Bob is right…. Start a new connection

@doughellenbeck4026 Жыл бұрын

Does it matter if you put on dope than tape thanks

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

I personally will do the tape first followed by whatever compound you choose.

@bobvines00 Жыл бұрын

Bob, two questions: 1. Can you go into more detail on the why's & wherefore's of using the string-type lamp wick? To my inexperienced eyes, the Blue Block & Blue Monster pipe tape should have sealed the nipple in place, perhaps? 2. Have you done a video explaining to non-Pros about how tight or how much thread engagement of pipe threads is "correct"? I often think I may be over-tightening fittings around the house, especially when one or both halves of a joint is/are PVC or CPVC. I _think_ I've only split one fitting, but that wouldn't have happened if I knew what I was doing1 ;) Thumbs up!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion, I will put that together! Thank You Bob Vines.

@fort3463 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy your videos. It’s simple when you know how. How do you know how far to screw the tap in when treading are retracing treads. Thanks for your expertise Bob.

@fort3463 Жыл бұрын

Bob how do you know how far to tread a hole with the tap or when tracing treads. Thanks I appreciate your videos.@@BobsPlumbingVideos

@jimkline6285 Жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, any particular reason you went with blue block over another one of your favorites magaloc

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Extra , insurance against having to come back for a nuisance leak. Megaloc would have done the job as well, but I'm anal...😂

@joshcowart2446 Жыл бұрын

I’m disappointed. You’re such a good plumber, I can’t believe I’m watching you put teeth on that nice square pipe tap end. 😂

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

You and me both!

@michaelfreeman8458 5 ай бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Why not use open ended wrench or adjustable?

@glorygloryhallelujah Жыл бұрын

Is it true that if you see steam from the chimney stack that means there's a hole in the boiler?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

In general YES!

@Jack_of_1_Trade 8 ай бұрын

I have a rad that is not getting at heat. The shut off is cold the pipe is cold. Pitch is good. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

@BobsPlumbingVideos 8 ай бұрын

Is the valve at the floor open? Is the air valve working? Is the thermostat turned up above the room tempreature?

@Jack_of_1_Trade 8 ай бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Valve is new Shut off works Thermostat sucks! I’m thinking to move towards the back of the house where is coldest. There is a rad that is further In distance, but breaks off before the cold rad.

@Jack_of_1_Trade 8 ай бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Rookie move. Vent valve was closed and clogged. Replaced and now it’s getting good heat. 🤯

@jackwood9530 Жыл бұрын

stainless ,brass or schedule 80?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Viable alternatives!

@williamdyckman9704 Жыл бұрын

Forgot to ask, would you ever use heat to remove?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

I see that done all the time, but I was taught to cape them out and I'd be afraid to compromise the bushing that was screwed into the boiler, not mention damaging the boiler jacket.

@yulandasoscia2211 Жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, great vid! My colleague Barbara sent you an email about some business inquiries. Could you get back to us when you are available?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Which e-mail?

@yulandasoscia2211 Жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Hey, Bob, I am from TopTes producing gas leak detectors. My colleague Barbara just sent a new email asking for collaboration. Please tell us what you think! 😄