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I’m working on a single pipe residential steam system. The system had the typical problems seen in most residential systems – the main vent removed, pressuretrol cranked up to 5 psig, etc. A main vent and new radiator vents have been installed, cutout set to ~1.5 psig, and the system has been balanced for the most part.
Some of the risers are no longer sized properly for their load or must be relocated. Is it acceptable to use copper for these runs, assumming proper couplings to isolate the steel main and the copper risers? I haven’t had much luck in researching this issue.
Thanks in advance for any input.
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Mike, I recently had a new steam boiler put in. The plumber made all the connections to the existing lines with copper. So, copper is safe to use with steam heating. I'm not sure what grade he used, or what all he specifically replaced - I didn't pay that close attention. For your particular question, though, I might suggest contacting the boiler company for their recommendations.
You might also want to look at:
http://www.boilerroom.com/
http://www.uticaboilers.com/ (They are the maker of my boiler)
*b I Proud WBA LifahMike, I have steam heat in my home dating back to 1915-1920. It is a strange combination of pipes and radiators. The system is two-pipe and it is like a car; when it runs well, it makes you smile, but... Anyway, a rookie plumber recently turned me on to Dan Holohan, who is a steam (and hot water) specialist. He is a well known author and giver of seminars. I bought several of his excellent books (to try to solve the problems that 2 local old time master plumbers can't figure out) and after reading them it is made crystal clear that copper is NFG for steam pipes. My local plumbers (the old time ones who used to install these systems) tell me the same thing about the copper pipes used for risers in my system when it was remodeled in the 50s. They say "Those copper pipes are going to leak !" I have so far replaced one riser, one horizontal run, and I still have one horizontal to go- all steel pipe.(I used steel for replacement) Amazingly enough, the copper pipes are leak free after almost 50 years! Who do you beleive ?Definitely check out Dan Holohan's stuff. His books are well done and funny too.Good Luckus
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I'm working on a single pipe residential steam system. The system had the typical problems seen in most residential systems - the main vent removed, pressuretrol cranked up to 5 psig, etc. A main vent and new radiator vents have been installed, cutout set to ~1.5 psig, and the system has been balanced for the most part.
Some of the risers are no longer sized properly for their load or must be relocated. Is it acceptable to use copper for these runs, assumming proper couplings to isolate the steel main and the copper risers? I haven't had much luck in researching this issue.
Thanks in advance for any input.