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We're looking for a solution to cover or fix a crack that keeps reappearing around a a steam pipe we have. No matter how well we patch it and paint over it, it keeps coming back. Can anyone recommend a modern cover or a way to solve this issue. I have included a close-up photo below showing the crack around pipe.

enter image description here

Niall C.
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macutan
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1 Answers1

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Your crack is forming over and over because the steam pipe is getting hot, expanding, and cracking your plaster.

The solution is to cut the plaster back about 1/4" from the walls of the pipe all the way around, then to cover the seam with an escutcheon that hides the crack.

Example of a smaller escutcheon: enter image description here

The Evil Greebo
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  • Thank you Evil Greebo for the prompt reply. Now I have the name of the proper cover (escutcheon) that I need to look for. Any shops you think I might be able to find these? I looked on google but nothing really comes up for a diameter that big. thx – macutan Sep 24 '12 at 14:42
  • You might have to make one or have one made. There are a number of ways you can accomplish this - for instance you could get a piece of composite (aka plastic) "shoe" molding and a heat gun and heat form it into the proper shape to fit, (with a small gap) then glue it in place with caulk to the pipe. – The Evil Greebo Sep 24 '12 at 14:46
  • Cool, I will pass this onto the contractor (who I hope can figure something out) Thx a lot once again! – macutan Sep 24 '12 at 14:49
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    Look in the plumbing dept. of your local home improvement store.You may have to ask for help finding them. There are models that have a hinge to allow you to go around the pipe and then close it. – mikes Sep 24 '12 at 14:54
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    @macutan See [this](http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100343700/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=escutcheon&storeId=10051) at Home Depot. Other sizes available and should also be at Lowes and plumbing supply houses. – bib Sep 24 '12 at 15:43
  • guys, you are awesome! do you guys think I should ask the contractor to cut the plaster or just put the ring around it? I am guessing the cutting the plaster might help so that the crack does not extend beyond the escutcheon, no? – macutan Sep 24 '12 at 16:05
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    @macutan Yup. Per Greebo's original answer, "cut the plaster back about 1/4" from the walls of the pipe all the way around". – Jeremy W. Sherman Sep 24 '12 at 16:27
  • We are going to go with http://www.sprinklerescutcheon.com/steel-chrome-pipe-escutcheon-rings-plumbing-wallplates/ – macutan Sep 24 '12 at 17:40
  • @macutan Thanks, sweet find on that one, one 4 incher on its way. – Fiasco Labs Sep 24 '12 at 19:21
  • "That's what she said" ;) – The Evil Greebo Sep 24 '12 at 19:27
  • good one @TheEvilGreebo – macutan Sep 24 '12 at 19:31
  • Perfect! @ Evil – shirlock homes Sep 24 '12 at 20:21