How to Repair a Steam Pipe

How to Replace a Galvanized Water Pipe
Written By
Dario Saandvik
Dario Saandvik
Published: Mar 27, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Turn off the furnace, and allow the radiator system to cool completely.

Step 2

Cut out the leaking part of the pipe with the pipe cutter, and use cutting oil to protect the blades.

Step 3

Measure and cut a length of new pipe 1 inch shorter than the piece you removed, to allow for 1 inch of threading at each of the unions.

Step 4

Burr the ends of the new pipe to make them less sharp.

Step 5

Place the length of pipe in the vise, and use a pipe-threading tool on each end of the pipe. Turn the threading tool until it has threaded its entire length on the outside the pipe. Cutting oil will help make this process easier and will protect the threading tool.

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Step 6

Burr each of the ends of the gap in the old pipe.

Step 7

Thread each of the ends of the gap in the old pipe, holding onto the old pipe with a pipe wrench to prevent too much twisting as you turn the threading tool.

Step 8

Wipe off the end of each newly threaded pipe with a rag to remove the sharp metal filings.

Step 9

Wrap the new thread on each end of the new length of pipe in Teflon tape, and attach an iron union on each end fitting with a matching thread. Screw the union onto the pipe.

Step 10

Wrap each end of the new thread on the old pipe with Teflon tape, and screw the new pipe into place, one end at a time, using one pipe wrench to hold the old pipe, and one to screw the new pipe into place by holding onto the union. You may need to flex the old pipe a little bit to get the new section into place; this is normal.

Photo Credits

pipe fitting image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com

Dario Saandvik

After working as an editorial assistant for the University of Chicago Press, Dario Saandvik began writing in 2009. He specializes in gardening, home maintenance and computer software. Saandvik has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the…

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