From Steam to Water considering old pipes and higher pressure

[jim sack]

One sales guy says the additional pressure, from 2psi to 10psi, won't cause any problems, but he will run a pressure check to search for leaks. A couple sails guys say that it could be a catastrophe and old pipes, nearing their 100th year of service, should not be trusted. Help?

 

[Dana]

Most of the time it'll be just fine, even after 100 years. The most susceptible rust-through point is at the "Hartford loop" on the return line near the boiler, which has standing water in it, unlike the life steam or return lines.

Pressure testing the system with air to 5o-75 psi prior to filling the system would find the truly weak points.