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Steam Safety

If you see steam coming from a manhole or crack in the streets of Manhattan instead of a steam stack, please call us immediately at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

Steam Pipe Maintenance

Regular inspections by a qualified operator or heating contractor will help keep your steam-pipe system operating safely and efficiently.

Here are some things you, your operators, and your contractor should be aware of:

  • Keep vent lines from condensate collection vessels, such as a dilution or flash tank, clear and unrestricted to prevent pressure from building up.
  • If you are a seasonal customer, make sure that your steam equipment is thoroughly inspected before turning it on. All inspections, adjustments, and repairs to your steam-pipe system must be performed by a qualified operator or heating contractor.
  • Make sure that pipes are properly insulated. Insufficient pipe insulation causes excessive heat loss.
  • Do not use leak sealant because it may enter the pipe system and clog the traps and sensing lines.

Our Steam System

How steam power is generated and distributed

Steam Stacks

The iconic steam stacks in New York City are part of the steam system, which provides heat, hot water, and other services to buildings throughout Manhattan.

Steam Facts:

  • Our steam plants create the steam.
  • There are over 100 miles of steam pipes underneath the streets.
  • NYC’s steam system is considered a more environmentally friendly way to heat buildings.
  • It’s more efficient than having separate boilers in each building.

Why Do We See Them?

Steam stacks direct hot steam away from both vehicles and pedestrians, preventing traffic problems and keeping people safe.

What’s Safe and Normal?

When you see a steam stack on the street, know that Con Edison is aware of a controllable steam leak or an underground water leak that is producing steam. We place them when we have determined that there is no immediate safety concern and have begun to schedule repairs.

Our repairs typically happen during overnight hours. Until then, the steam stack acts like a chimney, diverting steam up and away from people and traffic.

When Is Steam a Safety Concern?

If you see steam coming from a manhole or crack in the streets of Manhattan, please call us immediately at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). Visible steam is caused by water falling on a steam pipe or manhole cover, or a steam leak, and we need to check it out.

Related Information

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