Boiler and pipes with Asbestos

[Mark Shelstad]

I am closing on a Chicago western suburb flip that needs a boiler and piping removed. Good chance it contains asbestos. Looking for contractor suggestions and experience tips Thanks

[John Warren]

@Mark Shelstad I will check with my boiler guy to see if he can do this (especially the asbestos part). 

[Mark Shelstad]

Thanks John

[Jonathan Klemm]

@Mark Shelstad - What city/village in the Western suburbs?

I'd definitely recommend a plumber who is familiar with boilers.  Are you going to be required to have a certified asbestos abatement contractor?

[Mark Shelstad]

Not sure if I need a certified group. Really dont want to pay for all the red tape.

[Will Barnard]

I don't want to pay for all the red tape either, but as soon as you get caught and fined, you will likely change your tune. I don't know what the laws are in your state but in CA, they are extremely strict on asbestos and lead removal and most of it must be remediated by a licensed contractor and properly dumped. Your state may have much softer requirements so check that out first, that is where I would start. Once you know what is suppose to be done per law, then you can make a more informed decision and get proper pricing. Removing it yourself and causing asbestos spores into the air, someone gets sick from it down the road and law suit follows, you will wish you did it proper.

There are ways to cut corners and then there are the times where paying more upfront for the insurance of not having a big smack down later.

[Mark Shelstad]

Will,  Cali is way over the top with regulations. In fact, a small area that is ventilated will blow out any harmful dust. We are not talking about working in a shipyard for 30 years.

[Alecia Loveless]

@Mark Shelstad If it has asbestos it likely needs an asbestos remediation company. As long as there’s somewhere in the basement to vent from it shouldn’t be a huge problem.

I removed a 20’x20’ room full of pipes with asbestos in every stage of being wrapped on the pipes and falling off them some years ago and they also touched up some other encapsulated pipes around the basement that were a bit troublesome.

Simply encapsulating the pipes might be a cheaper alternative if it’s in good condition. The boiler should be pretty easy because it’s already encapsulated unless it’s too big to get out of the building.

My job was about $5,000. Took 2 days. I left on vacation.

[Mark Shelstad]

Thanks Alecia- good info