Can you stop a cast iron heating pipe from rusting?

April 28, 2010 - 8:43 pm 6 Comments

If you have a return heating pipe of cast iron that is beginning to rust because of a moist location, can you sand and paint it? Or is there anything else you can do to stop the rust and protect it from moisture?

For cast iron, you will problably want to use Naval Jelly to remove any rust, then use a nuetralizer (tsp or other alternative, your paint store guy can help with that choice) once rust is removed, and the acid nuetralized I would recommend using a heat resistant rust preventative paint (rustoleum make it in aerosal form) That should help restore you iron pipe to new and help keep it that way. Good luck.

6 Responses to “Can you stop a cast iron heating pipe from rusting?”

  1. Imagine Says:

    sand and paint it with a good oil base paint and it will last another 20 years
    References :

  2. tomhale138 Says:

    they sell all kind of coatings, pick the one that will work for what you want
    References :

  3. Kevin G Says:

    For cast iron, you will problably want to use Naval Jelly to remove any rust, then use a nuetralizer (tsp or other alternative, your paint store guy can help with that choice) once rust is removed, and the acid nuetralized I would recommend using a heat resistant rust preventative paint (rustoleum make it in aerosal form) That should help restore you iron pipe to new and help keep it that way. Good luck.
    References :

  4. amvanisle Says:

    If you’d rather not paint…
    Clean the pipe well of any dirt or rust. Rub lightly with cooking oil. Pay extra attention to any joints. Buff (a lot) with a clean dry cloth. Repeat every 3 – 6 months.
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  5. homedocny Says:

    After you get rid of the surface rust with other peoples tips –
    Add Insulation to prevent future rust. The rust is caused by condensation of moisture with the hot pipes in a cold basement.
    Best insulation is flexible foam wrap such as http://www.armacell.com – For best results, do not leave any gaps, seal any gaps with duct tape , cut corners to fit elbows and valves. PS – this will save on your energy bills too !
    References :
    http://www.doityourself.com/stry/repairfrozenpipes

    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

  6. Rey Says:

    paint it with coal tar it’s cheap and practical
    References :

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