Countless miles of steam pipes run through homes, apartment buildings and skyscrapers in America’s old cities. Steam is an efficient manner of safely transporting large quantities of heat in a system that has few moving components, which may wear out and fail. Dangers exist, though, when steam systems are not properly maintained. Safety and efficacy lie in routine inspection and maintenance of your steam-based system, as well as careful managing of system components.
Aging Steam Systems
Several systems date from before World War II, meaning they’re subject to wear and corrosion. Unseen, pipe-thinning corrosion inside the boiler can result in a burst pipe or boiling chamber, causing an explosion or also a sudden blast of steaming hot vapor. Old boilers with faulty thermostatic controls will not automatically turn the boiler on and off as required, resulting in pressure buildup. At precisely the exact same vein, mineral-clogged boiler and radiator relief valves that fail to open can result in a dangerous buildup of pressure, putting further pressure on worn-out parts.
Health Issues
A few exposed steam pipes have plasterlike asbestos insulating material around them. You can occasionally see them right under the basement. According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos exposure is a risk factor associated with several respiratory ailments, including lung cancer. Accidental knocks to this insulating material can crush the material and free the asbestos fibers. The boiler, also, can be encapsulated from the crusty material. Radiators occasionally have layers of lead paint on them. Direct dust and lead paint chips pose a risk to family members. The Mayo Clinic advises that kids under age 6 are especially vulnerable to its effects on their physical and emotional improvement.
Household Factors
Systems that leak excessive amounts of steam or moist air may make the interior of the house excessively humid. While the humidity may merely succeed in bringing your wallpaper down, it might pose moisture-related problems. Environmental mold is a health danger, especially for young kids, the older and people with respiratory and allergies troubles. Persistent condensation on window glazing may cause wooden windows to decay and steel windows to rust.
Periodic Maintenance
Inspect your radiators, discharge valves, boiler and exposed steam pipes for broken and worn components, corrosion and escapes. Inspect the guide marks on the boiler’s sight glass to make sure the system has the ideal quantity of water. Notice relief valves that stop working or discharge excessive amounts of air or steam. Notice, additionally, worn or damaged asbestos insulation. Your boiler’s owner manual will have particular processes and scheduling tips. Keep the region around the boiler absolutely free of debris and dust, which can be fire hazards.
Expert Help
Owning a licensed Boston AC repair specialists contractor perform a regular check of the system every year. Periodic maintenance may include a system “blowdown,” or purge, to eliminate suspended solids and sludge from the water. Late summer or early autumn is a great time for a system inspection. If any components need adjustment or replacement, call in a professional. Only licensed hazardous materials inspectors can assess the existence and potential risks of lead paint and asbestos. Should you hire a person to remove the materials, look for licensed asbestos and lead abatement professionals who know how to safely handle and dispose of these. To prevent a potential conflict of interest, the business that does the inspection should not be the exact same one that does the abatement.