How to Patch a Rusty Steel Furnace Pipe That Is Leaking

Patching a steel furnace pipe that is leaking prevents water damage to the surrounding areas, such as a floor, ceiling or wall. Rusty pipes leak brown or orange colored water that tends to stain the surfaces it touches. If the leak is small, patching the area often enables the pipe to last for many more years. It is usually not necessary to call a costly plumber to take care of this minor repair.

Pipe wrench
Steel wool with soap
Cleaning cloth
Heavy gauge rubber
Utility knife
Screwdriver
Band clamp or pipe clamp

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the source of water to the furnace pipe. Do this at the water main outside your home--typically it is on the exterior of your home near the water meter. Use a pipe wrench to turn it off.
- 2
  Moisten a piece of steel wool with soap in it. Use it to scrub the rusty area on the steel furnace pipe. Rinse the debris and soap with a wet cleaning cloth. Allow the furnace pipe to dry.
- 3
  Cut a patch out of heavy gauge rubber with a sharp utility knife. An old bicycle inner tube or a thin piece of a rubber lid-opener works well for the patch. Another option is a soft piece of leather. Make the patch large enough to cover and extend about 1 inch from the hole.
- 4
  Insert a screwdriver into the screw on a band clamp or pipe clamp and twist it until it is unfastened.
- 5
  Position the patch over the hole on the steel furnace pipe. Slide the unfastened band clamp over the patch and tighten it with a screwdriver. The goal is to tighten the patch enough so it compresses the rubber over the leak area. This should take care of the leak.
- 6
  Go outside and turn the water main back on. Check the furnace pipe after a couple of hours to ensure it is no longer leaking. Check it again after a couple of days.

What Is a Drill Bit for a 1/4 -18 NPT Tap?

How to Replace a Soldered Wall Pipe That Leads to a Sink Trap

Plumbing