Rust on gas pipe for pool heater – Is it safe to paint?

[Fedorafan]

I just noticed that the gas pipe for my pool heater has rust all over it. Should I be concerned, and what steps should I take to fix it?

Is it safe to clean off the rust and paint it with waterproof paint, or should I consider other options? Thanks

 

[SJPoe]

The installer painted mine with black paint after they installed it - I doubt paint is going to affect the cast-iron that much.

If the seals are being held together by the rust, then the pipe probably needs replacing anyway. Can of Rustoleum and you're probably all set.

 

[1poolman1]

I just noticed that the gas pipe for my pool heater has rust all over it. Should I be concerned, and what steps should I take to fix it?

Is it safe to clean off the rust and paint it with waterproof paint, or should I consider other options? Thanks

Those pipes appear to have been painted when the equipment was installed. Very normal. As long as there are no leaks, just paint it.
Every time I do a replumb I paint the pipes and will do the same with the existing gas line if there is one. Makes the whole job look good.
There are paints, like Rustoleum, that can be used right over the rust, but even inexpensive paint, like the ones from Home Depot for about $2.00 - $3.00 a can, will work. Just be sure to get a flat paint, it seems to "stick" better than gloss paint.
The rust actually forms a protective layer of oxide and on pipes like that would take many decades before having to be replaced.

 

[Fedorafan]

So the previous owner left this in the garage, is this something I can use directly or I have to get more specific ones? It is not flat for sure. Also, should I wire brush the rust first?

 

[TinFoilHat]

I would wire brush the loose stuff off first and then spray bomb it.

 

[SJPoe]

So the previous owner left this in the garage, is this something I can use directly or I have to get more specific ones? It is not flat for sure. Also, should I wire brush the rust first?

Wire brush any loose stuff, go nuts with the Rustoleum. It's pretty much exactly what the stuff is made for.
At the end of the day, if you miss any loose bits, just spray it again