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HELP! To remove this furnace, or not to remove?

DiscoBiscuit

weed fiend
Veteran
What is this about the home owners insurance paying for it? What do I tell them when I call? Old furnace w/asbestos tape, want it removed for health reasons?

Exactly. Since the guy is coming to give the estimate, ask him if he's done this sort of thing on an insurance claim. My old fuel oil furnace backfired and dusted the house with soot. Homeowners paid $1500.00 to have the walls washed, carpets cleaned and duct work vacuumed. It's been a few years ago but the claim didn't increase the premium. If your policy will cover the removal, see if you can get the vulnerable spots in the entire house cleaned.

If only the tape is asbestos, you don't have a gigantic problem. If the insulation or whatever is stuck to the tape is also asbestos, good luck with the cleanup.

EDIT: If the insurance company covers the cost of asbestos removal only, (not the furnace) appeal the decision and insist the old heater is also contaminated. If you don't get the answer you want, it might be worth contacting your state insurance commissioner.
 
T

TheMintMan

I've done asbestos abatements before. It isn't rocket science, but you should definitely suit up for it. Or at least wear an appropriate mask. To put the risk into context though, asbestosis is generally caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. A one time demo isn't gonna shorten your lifespan any more than smoking a single cigarette and never smoking again.

Also, I would have a professional cap the gas line. Everything else is just smash 'n yank.
 

PharmaCan

Active member
Veteran
I've done asbestos abatements before. It isn't rocket science, but you should definitely suit up for it. Or at least wear an appropriate mask. To put the risk into context though, asbestosis is generally caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. A one time demo isn't gonna shorten your lifespan any more than smoking a single cigarette and never smoking again.

You have absolutely no fucking idea what you are talking about. If you want to play Russian Roulette, have at it. Stupidity like this needs to be out of the gene pool anyway. But encouraging other people to risk mesothiliona just because you say so is absurd.

PC
 

DiscoBiscuit

weed fiend
Veteran
You have absolutely no fucking idea what you are talking about. If you want to play Russian Roulette, have at it. Stupidity like this needs to be out of the gene pool anyway. But encouraging other people to risk mesothiliona just because you say so is absurd.

...you should definitely suit up for it. Or at least wear an appropriate mask...have a professional cap the gas line.

:chin: Why so quick to pounce, PC? TMM is not suggesting that a single (non protected) exposure is safe. Sounds to me like he's saying multiple abatements (even while protected) increase risk to health.
 
T

TheMintMan

You have absolutely no fucking idea what you are talking about. If you want to play Russian Roulette, have at it. Stupidity like this needs to be out of the gene pool anyway. But encouraging other people to risk mesothiliona just because you say so is absurd.

PC

That's funny coming from someone who's never worked for a licensed abatement contractor before. Don't hate me just because you're a dope who falls for the latest fear-mongering techniques that greedy d-bags use to corner the market on abatement. They're just over-glorified demo crews. But if you want to pay thousands of dollars for them to come in and do something you can do yourself for less than a hundred, go right ahead.
 
R

r13f

the way asbestos concrete pipe is dealt with is by cutting with a power saw that has a continuous water spray feed to keep the dust from being dispersed into the air.
the extricated pipe is then packaged into plastic sheeting or tubes and then sealed and put into containers that are destined for a hazardous materials dumpsite.

i would consider misting the entire closet with a sprayer, using a military surplus gas mask with new air filter installed in it while wearing rubber gloves and a cheap disposable rain suit during the operation.

the gas line is simple to cap, just screw on an end cap with some pipe dope onto the threads that are exposed on the furnace side of the valve after the flex line has been unscrewed from the valve. the valve is already in the off position in the pic.

the only problem, if there is one is disposing of the old crap - no prob if you don't care to just throw it in the garbage, damn the consequences... its all in your worldview.

good luck either way
 
T

TheMintMan

r13f said:
...the gas line is simple to cap, just screw on an end cap with some pipe dope onto the threads that are exposed on the furnace side of the valve after the flex line has been unscrewed from the valve. the valve is already in the off position in the pic...

True, but he's probably going to want to cut it back and bury it in the wall. If you don't have the tools already it'll cost just as much to do it yourself as it will to have someone come out and do it for you. If you have everything already exposed and ready for them when they come out it'll be cheap. Takes less than an hour and oftentimes those guys will be happy to do such a simple job to take a break from more intense work...it's like having a second lunch.

r13f said:
...the only problem, if there is one is disposing of the old crap - no prob if you don't care to just throw it in the garbage, damn the consequences... its all in your worldview.

Many cities have a free hazardous waste disposal site. Call your local city hall and ask them. If they don't, ask around. My city doesn't, but a neighboring city does and they allow folks from the surrounding cities to come dump their crap.
 
R

r13f

just an afterthought, spray some soapy water on the valve where the knob turns to see if there is a leak already. if there is, you could get the insurance co to pay to fix the leak +
 

MrBomDiggitty

Active member
Veteran
Well the $1100 guy says he has never heard of insurance paying for abatement in the past, and he seemed fairly confident they would reject my claim. I'll have to contact them Monday, after the scheduled free estimate guy arrives.

If the situation is really just as simple as talking someone into doing it for less than $300, then I'm all for it.

But it sounds like there are ample health and safety risks I'm facing.

As far as the gas line goes, I'm fine with it remaining exposed. I would need a run down list of shit to buy from home depot before going at it myself...

I've taken a bunch of old clothes out of a closet we hardly use... more space, but no wall outlets to plug lights into and no built in ventilation options.

It might be best to grow out this closet for a few cycles and then pay to have this job done professionally if the insurance doesn't want to help pay... would be awesome if they did help
 

Hydro-Soil

Active member
Veteran
That's funny coming from someone who's never worked for a licensed abatement contractor before. Don't hate me just because you're a dope who falls for the latest fear-mongering techniques that greedy d-bags use to corner the market on abatement. They're just over-glorified demo crews. But if you want to pay thousands of dollars for them to come in and do something you can do yourself for less than a hundred, go right ahead.

It takes one particle in the wrong place in your lung.
It takes one bullet in the wrong place when the hammer drops.

Both will kill you.


Doing one demolition job will give you several million chances to get that one particle. The odds are high but they're there. It's your life though.
 
J

JackTheGrower

Um.. I have done Asbestos removal.. Yes full suit, the correct full face filters units if not external air and yes it's bad news.

However I was thinking that your local authorities should be able to help you out.

I mean secure your grow for sure but there are people who will inspect and advise.. No need to listen to the people who take your money first.

See if there is an inspector or such that can come out to advise..

I would seal the wall at the vents and clean stuff.. I don't think you are pulling the wall insulation out? Anyway my opinion is see if you can take advantage of your county programs if there is any.. If you have to remove it there may be some funds set aside by the State or Federal government to help. After all this is a public health issue not a remodeling. You wish to remove a broken heater and you need to be safe doing it.. The truth is the best policy in this case.

Anyway I agree on asbestos that one particle could cause problems but if we try and avoid these things it's always best.

Oh and get used to the grow room costing bucks.. If I could add up all the costs and pocket it I might be able to skip a whole years of working.

I have dropped $80 in two days for misc crap related to growing.. Oh I got some huge CFL bulbs today 68 watters and they looks so nice in those hoods with the mogel base adapters from Home De Pot.. Oh yes they work so well for clones..
And tomorrow I want....
 

PharmaCan

Active member
Veteran
That's funny coming from someone who's never worked for a licensed abatement contractor before. Don't hate me just because you're a dope who falls for the latest fear-mongering techniques that greedy d-bags use to corner the market on abatement. They're just over-glorified demo crews. But if you want to pay thousands of dollars for them to come in and do something you can do yourself for less than a hundred, go right ahead.

ROFL - Funny how so many people nowadays, who have absolutely nothing to support their stupid remarks, accuse anyone who disagrees with them as "haters". It's so childish.

Sure there's a chance the OP can do this without getting cancer. But there's also the chance that he could expose himself and his entire family to Mesothilioma, hence the Russian Roulette analogy.

But I have a rule - Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. So, on that note, I'm outta here. It's foolish to even discuss this nonsense.

PC
 

DiscoBiscuit

weed fiend
Veteran
ROFL - Funny how so many people nowadays, who have absolutely nothing to support their stupid remarks, accuse anyone who disagrees with them as "haters". It's so childish.

I'd say the reference to hate was more to do with the verbal thrashing you gave, not simply disagreement.

Sure there's a chance the OP can do this without getting cancer. But there's also the chance that he could expose himself and his entire family to Mesothilioma....
There are several others here that have recommended risky removal endeavors. I guess you're not an equal opportunity thrasher. :biglaugh:

But I have a rule - Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience. So, on that note, I'm outta here. It's foolish to even discuss this nonsense
The one you call idiot seems to know more about this subject. So what does that make you, an eggplant? Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
 
G

grow nerd

I totally agree with PharmaCan that you gain nothing by arguing with idiot children.
 

MrBomDiggitty

Active member
Veteran
Okay, the free estimate guy is about to show up. He says he won't touch anything with asbestos... but I've read that you can't tell if something has asbestos or not just by looking at it. I'm guessing he'll have to cut a sample peice to test.

The $1100 guy seemed convinced I have asbestos tape, but he was uncertain if what is being taped has asbestos... update comming soon.

Thanks to all the suggestions. I'm glad some people who know a lot more about this stuff chimed in because I am of the impatient sort that doesn't realize the mistakes he's made until it is too late. Although some of the advice given so far sounds good, clearly I'm taking a big chance by not taking all safety precautions.

I might even be costing myself a huge loss if it turns out homeowners insurance will cover a proper removal of the asbestos. No action will be taken until I speak with them tomorrow.

Thanks again to all of you.
 

MrBomDiggitty

Active member
Veteran
Okay free estimate guy wants to charge $3000. says he has to tear open the ceilings to remove all asbestos. Keeping fingers crossed that homeowners insurance will cover at least 50%
 

PharmaCan

Active member
Veteran
I'd say the reference to hate was more to do with the verbal thrashing you gave, not simply disagreement.

Hate - schmate. Use of the word hate is getting to be an ever-more-popular catchphrase to describe anyone who disagrees with you. It is childish and inane.

There are several others here that have recommended risky removal endeavors. I guess you're not an equal opportunity thrasher. :biglaugh:

Yeah, but Mint is the guy who said that he had been a professional asbestos remover and someone might have actually listened to what he said. All the others were mainly just jumping on the bandwagon.

The one you call idiot seems to know more about this subject. So what does that make you, an eggplant? Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.

If you think removing the asbestos yourself is such a good idea, you go do it. I dare ya!!! LOL - not so brave when it's your lungs we're talking about, are you? Besides, if Mint actually knew anything about asbestos abatement he'd never have made the absurd statements he made.

Man, why are you defending the indefensible? Defending stupid just makes you look stupid. I may be an asshole, but at least I'm not a stupid asshole.

BTW - I've been in the construction business for 40+ years in an area where asbestos wrapped ducts were the norm for many years. I've removed more asbestos than anyone else here has even seen in their lifetime. I could easily instruct a crew to remove asbestos and just toss it but I don't. I have it professionally removed. The reason I do this is because I care about the health of the people who are working for me, I care about the health of the people who live/occupy the homes and buildings I work on and I even care about the asbestos dust blowing from the back of a truck on the way to the dump and possibly affecting some person walking down the street as it passes. Caring about my fellow human beings and refusing to endanger their lives just to save a few bucks doesn't make me a hater; it makes me a better person. So criticize all you want, having morals makes one strong and pretty much oblivious to the bantering of small-minded twits.

PC
 
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