Steam pipes - most of the elbows are very crusty - will they leak soon? What can I do?

[HarveyCat]

The thread look ok - but the elbows all look crusty - will they leak soon? What can I do? What about the ones burried in the walls and ceilings?

 

[Robert Wilson]

My guess is that it is remnants of some old insulation that used to encase the elbows mixed in with some surface rust. I would not worry.

 

[HarveyCat]

Great to know, Should I re-insulate the pipes?

 

[havasu]

Looks like old water leakage with some calcification on those pipes. I would not ignore it, and maybe a wire brush and a closer look may be worth it.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I'd bet 50 bucks at least that first picture of the elbow is left over from mudded asbestos fitting. If you wire brush it wet it down first. And yes I would insulate if you have access. You want to keep your steam as steam as long as possible for efficiency.

 

[HarveyCat]

I think you nailed it - i think one elbow remains - looks like old asbestos or something - I will wear mask - wet it down well and be careful when I clean it up. I will cover these pipes again - I will get some correctly sized fiberglass to cover these. Thanks!