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Author:
KerryinTo (Non-US)
We had a steam room installed recently (really it is just a small glassed in shower with a steam generator unit that is located in the adjacent utility room). The steam room works fine, but we have noticed that steam escapes through the wall and into the utility room where the steam generator is located. I think that the steam escapes because there is a gap in the wall around the steam pipe and there is no flange.
Rather than take the whole thing apart to add a flange, can we just use some sort of putty around the pipe to block up that hole? If so - what type of putty would I look for at the hardware store and is it safe to use on a pipe that will be very hot.
Has anyone encountered escaping steam like this before? If so, how did you resolve it?
Thanks
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
I would make sure that the pipe and surrounding area is dry and fill the void with silicon caulking. Once it dries there will be no more steam leakage.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Is there a reason you are not calling the person, or company that installed it?
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Author:
KerryinTo (Non-US)
Super thanks - so the heat of the steam pipe won't be a problem for the silicon? Can we just use regular silicon sealer?
Edited 2 times.
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Author:
KerryinTo (Non-US)
We did call him - but he never came. Which, as we discovered when he did the job, is typical for him. To be honest, at this point I have lost confidence in his abilities anyway and would feel more comfortable with another plumber or contractor. But if I can resolve it safely myself I would prefer to do that.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Check the manufacturers website on the specific caulking, some caulks are not rated to withstand extended exposure to high temperatures.
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Pretty much all silicone caulks can easily tolerate 100 C temperatures.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I looked at a couple and they say not for used in environments over 200 degrees F and some aren't suitable for use below the water line. I would make sure that it is acceptable for both situations before I trusted it.
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Here are the specs for Dap Silicone - it shows max temp of 400 F.
[www.dap.com]
Here is GE.
[www.grainger.com]
I am a little surprised you came across silicone with a max temp rating of 200 F. Got any names?
As far as underwater use, that refers to usage like for aquariums where there is continous (24/7) immersion in water, which is not the case in steam showers.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
If one were to be overly concerned about the silicon, you could use the red high temperature silicon, it can withstand 650 F.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Lexel was one of them; none of my applications are in temperatures that high so I'm not worried.
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Here is the Lexel site.
[www.sashco.com]
As mentioned on the site, it is not silicone. So it is not surprising it has a low temperature rating.
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Author:
packy (MA)
KC, looked up lexel. sure sounds like good stuff. i might just try some.. thanks..
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I use it almost exclusively for most of the toilets that I set and for sink strainers, just prepare for cleanup before you start. It has a lot of adhesive qualities.
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