There is a hole in my heat return pipe, help!

Bob L
by Bob L
I have a pin hole getting larger in my cast iron steam heat return pipe!
Can I cut out replace that small area with PVC pipe.?
Thanks
  5 answers
  • William William on Feb 03, 2017

    No! PVC pipe will not hold in steam systems. If the hole is getting larger you have a bigger problem. Steam system pipes rust from inside out. That pipe needs to be replaced with steel pipe. Any other fix would only be temporary.

  • Irene Gronewald Irene Gronewald on Feb 03, 2017

    low temp glue gun...if it is a pin hole...stick pin in it super glue or low melt glue gun dabbed on...i mean it is tiny...there are duct tapes that are for pools while leaaking water...they would work i bet

  • William William on Feb 03, 2017

    You can try a two part epoxy putty like JB Weld, but still would be a temporary fix. 12 PSI and 212 steam temp, I'd like to see hot glue and/or duct tape hold. =:)

  • Claude Claude on Feb 04, 2017

    This is an old steam heating radiator UNDER PRESSURE. ( projectile missle) Please call in a professional.

  • Ljgordon Ljgordon on Feb 05, 2017

    I am not sure what it is called. You can find it at Lowes, HD, Menards, etc. You cut out the damaged section, up to about 3 inches. You slide this on one end of the pipe then over the other cut off end. once centered, a couple of wrenches tighten the joint on each pipe. I have used both plastic and metal to repair frozen pipes. With steam, I would use the metal. Be sure and cut off the water before cutting the pipe.