Old Home Basements: Removing Steam Boiler Pipes

We have been slowly working towards finishing our basement.  However, unlike most unfinished basement spaces found in new homes, we have some unique challenges to overcome in order to complete the job.

The first order of business has been to remove the old steam boiler pipes that once heated the home.  The old heating system was installed in 1910 and consisted of approximately 100 feet of pipe which fed radiators on the main level and second level.  The pipes were suspended from the ceiling with steel rods braced by wood spans placed periodically in the floor joists.  

But this was no ordinary pipe.  These pipes were 8" in diameter and 3/8th inch thick steel.  Cutting these pipes out required a saws-all and lots of blades.  I wore through about 20 blades and burned out one saws-all, on loan from my father-in-law of course, during the process.

After the pipes were down, the fun part was taking it to the recycler's to recover some of our cost.  It turns out that the pipes totaled 1,260 pounds.  What took me and helper 30 minutes to load in the trailer took the guy with the giant magnet just 10 seconds to remove.  We were able to recover about $100 at Bloom Recycers in Ogden.  The "green" theme of their website is kind of humorous when you compare it to the post-apocalyptic grittiness of the actual work site.  Nevertheless, a valuable service is provided .

The next exciting chore will be to remove the boiler.  We have contacted a welder to discuss the job since it will require a cutting torch.

If you live in an old home and need tips on repairs, improvements, and vendors, CONTACT ME, and I would be glad to point you in the right direction.