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July 21, 2009
Removing Old Boiler?
I recently purchased a 100-year old 1-family rowhouse in Crown Heights. In the basement (beside the new boiler) is the ancient coal boiler that looks like a space ship. It is large, heavy, falling apart. I am pretty sure there is asbestos in there. I want to have it removed - any suggestions on who might do such a job and what it might cost?
Thanks!
Comments
I don't know how much it will cost, but try getting a quote from Petroleum Tank Cleaners (718) 624-4842.
Posted by: faithful at July 21, 2009 9:21 AM
Years ago I had an old boiler the size of a VW Bug removed by a bunch of folks called the Boiler Breakers ( At least that is what they called thenselves) I got them thru Brooklyn Union Gas at the time (1982). So I guess you would
give National Grid a call, can't hurt.
Posted by: Ben Gazi at July 21, 2009 10:09 AM
The old coal burners don't necessarily contain hazardous materials. My first step would be to find out whether or not the unit contains anything hazardous. If it does it gets pricey. If not any schmuck with a hammer and a sawzall can tear it out for scrap.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 21, 2009 11:51 AM
Ooooh, coooool!!!!!! I know someone in Harlem who has one of these. It's like a giant octopus. It's from the 1893.
Posted by: mopar at July 21, 2009 1:58 PM
Coal furnaces were very efficient and well-designed. They did not require asbestos insulation of any kind because the whole idea was that they got hotter than heck and sort of radiated warmth upwards through cracks and crannies and brass vents. If there is asbestos it would be in a cememt igloo built around it during the asbestos era (1930-65) In the 1950's all public schools in NYC were REQUIRED to contain asbestos insulation.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at July 21, 2009 2:10 PM
I love Minard.
Posted by: mopar at July 21, 2009 3:15 PM
I would give National Grid a call, they have contractors that do removals.
Posted by: bao at July 21, 2009 3:45 PM
why don't you want to keep it - sounds great. Is it taking up too much room?
Posted by: dittoburg at July 21, 2009 3:47 PM
asbestos was used from 1920-1970. The Boiler was put in place before it (before 1900). The boiler probably has asbestos only in pipes coming in/out of it.
Posted by: bobjohn at July 21, 2009 4:19 PM
Last winter we replaced our c. 1897 boiler with a new one (the old one finally gave up the fight). Our plumber was quite anxious to remove the old one -- and here's why. Apparently the cast iron doors on these old boilers are quite valuable, worth hundreds of dollars.
Posted by: Susan Hope at July 21, 2009 10:54 PM
I wouldn't bet on no asbestos inside. I had an ancient boiler abated, took a sledge hammer to it, and found what I believe to be asbestos inside the walls. Fortunately, it stayed wet during the demo and I was able to dispose of it safely.
If it was constructed in cast iron sections the most were, it will come apart easily enough with a sledge. Just protect yourself from the shrapnel with sturdy jeans, eyewear. A sawzall will come in handy for the pipes connecting to it.
Many will gladly take the metal of your hand. Check craig's list if you don't have the means of carting it off yourself.
It cost me about $0 to get rid of a 2000 lb monster.
Posted by: renomandru at July 21, 2009 11:04 PM
Susan, I am just fainting dead away at your posting. Really? Did it burn coal? What were your heating bills? And lastly, what about maintaining it as a working museum?!!! Oh well, guess it's too late. Do you have steam, water, or air delivery? What area are you in? Thanks!!
Posted by: mopar at July 21, 2009 11:27 PM
Yes, Mopar, we used the boiler until last winter when it finally died. It still had the door where coal could be placed inside the boiler, but it was converted to gas by the time we moved here (Park Slope) in 1993. It was a hot water system, I believe and I truly can't recall what the bills were. But they are less now with the new boiler and the house is much, much warmer. I loved the old boiler (which was covered in an asbestos cocoon when we moved in)and in some ways was sorry to see it go. I have some pictures somewhere, taken right before it was dismantled by the plumber.
Posted by: Susan Hope at July 22, 2009 10:23 PM
I am just agape. GREAT story, Susan. Thanks!
Posted by: mopar at July 23, 2009 12:17 AM
Apparently the boilers they make now last only for ten years, not 100. What happened?
Posted by: mopar at July 23, 2009 12:21 AM
Thanks everyone - for your interest and advice. I did call National Grid - unless you are replacing your system with them, they dont do this sort of thing. I also called Petro, whose big sticker is on my boiler and who I buy my oil from, they also dont do this sort of thing unless they installed the boiler. But, both companies gave me recommendations on who to call, made my calls and got quotes from $400 to $2,000, but of course seeing what the job actually entailed would garner much more realistic numbers. Problem is I dont have this kind of $ to spare right now.
So, I looked on craigslist (thanks, renomandru) and found a guy who was willing to come and take it away for free for the scrap metal! He is coming this morning, so will update later. But, based on the enthusiasm with which he responded to my letting him know about an old boiler up for grabs, think this was the way to go!
Thanks again.
Posted by: Queenie at July 23, 2009 7:55 AM
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