[starshine1]

Hi -
I've got an old Weil-McLain gas boiler in my 1934 house that I bought last year that will need to be replaced someday (hopefully not too soon). It runs fine(though probably only 50% efficient according to energy auditor), and I just had it cleaned and checked out. But replacement is recommended. It is not wrapped in asbestos, but the pipes are. Therefore, when replacement time comes, asbestos abatement will have to happen
I'm wondering about cost of this service. There's about 10 feet of asbestos covered pipe that will have to be dealt with, plus whatever is in/on boiler (gaskets or other parts).
Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[ballengerb1]

You do need a pro for this job and I don't think we have one here on the AMDH so I'd recommend getting 3 estimates from pros licenesed in your area. 10' or 100' still require a great deal of plastic tarping and compartmented seals so I'd think you are in the $2k ballpark. Where do you live, these guys charge more if they have to travel to the boonies.

[starshine1]

Thanks.
That 's a lotta dough. I would have course get the 3 estimates like you recommend. I'm in Minnesota.
I did some reading on the whole abatement thing - seems a bit overhyped as a real risk for such a limited exposure. But that's what the government requires, and they always know best, right?:rolleyes:

[ballengerb1]

"they always know best, right" well not really but they do have the power to make you buckle. Asbestos did a lot of damage to asbestos miners and folks working in that industry, sailors on Navy ships too. The average homeowner doesn't get the same exposure but why take the chance of growing an elbow out of your forehead later on.

[hkstroud]

How do you know that it is asbestos? Do you really know?

[starshine1]

I'm going by what the inspector told me when I bought the house last year, and the HVAC guy who cleaned/inspected the boiler last week also told me. Is there some conclusive test I can do, or would a sample need to be collected and analyzed by a lab?

[ballengerb1]

You can buy a simple test kit at most hardware store but I think its reasonable to assume those guys were correct.

[hkstroud]

Well, what makes you think the inspector knows what asbestos looks like. You can't tell what has asbestos in it by just looking at it. Pull that stuff off, put it in a trash bag and take it to the dump. Not because its is asbestos, but because of people like the inspector.

[starshine1]

The inspector only pointed out that he had seen other houses built in the same period and neighborhood as mine, with similar cast iron boilers and asbestos insulation on the pipes.
He was not telling me to replace anything. In fact, based on his experience and familiarity with boilers like mine, he thought it would probably last another 75 years with proper maintenance. He suggested I might duct tape over the edges of the insulation to prevent any possible flaking of asbestos.
I was just seeking feedback so that I might be better prepared in the event something did happen with the boiler.

Thanks!

[ballengerb1]

I have had some significant exposures to asbestos and no apparent problems yet, no apparent problems yet, not apparent problems yet. Just kidding, try checking out what it would cost to have the stuff encapsulated. Asbestos in the Home

[starshine1]

Excellent reference, ballengerb1. Thank you veddy much.