Surprises in the brick wall

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Hello! We have just exposed our brick wall and found a couple surprises. Wondering if anyone can help: 1st surprise: This one shouldnt have been a surprise, but we discovered a lead sewer vent pipe. We are worried about the lead but want to keep the brick exposed. Any ideas about how to cover the pipe, rather than just cementing over it?   2nd: There is a roughly 3″ by 10″ vent that runs the whole heigth of the house, with openings appreaing to be in roughly the same spot in each room. It doesnt have a roof exit, but does seem to extend into the basement. We are guessing it was an old vent for a heating system, but it doesnt seem to be too sooty. Any ideas what it is, and what we can do with it?   Thank you!!

rsj3

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 11 months ago

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rsj3 | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Thanks everyone!

ltodorov | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Sounds like the 2d surprise is from your old central heating system. I have something similar in my house – they start in the basement, go into each room at the same place (and are covered by ornate vents), and do not extend to the ceiling. Turns out the old original coal boiler sent heat thru these things back in the day. The vents are shown on the original architectural drawings.

brucef | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Did you scratch the vent line with a tool and it was really soft? It sure looks like galvanized to me. Lead was used in waste bends and water mains, but not for vents. Even if it was lead there is no danger. It’s a matter of taste, but you could consider putting a length of 5/4″X8″ poplar to be painted over the opening. It might look as if it ws supposed to be there. First you need to find out if this is an active vent line, connected to your active plumbing. If your home has been reconfigured in the past, it might be a relic of a past setup. Ditto to the vent. if it isn’t connected to any apparatus, and you now have a more modern system (for instance hot water heat with radiators), then it might be removeable. When new systems are installed, tradespeople have little interest in removing old systems/pipes/wiring. The trick is knowing what is still being used.

pigthree | 13 years and 11 months ago

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If it is still a vent being used for your plumbing, you should replace it and send it out through the roof. If it is not being used, remove it and fill in with used brick since you are leaving exposed.