Angle Union for Cast Iron Rad Connection?

Eric Johnson_3

Somebody told me I need "angle unions" to connect some old cast iron radiators to conventional fittings on a 3/4-inch hydronic system. In the past, I've simply removed the original fitting and plumbed into the standard bushings on old rads, but it would sure be easier this time around to use what's already there.'



So, is that what I need and if so, where would I get some?



<img src="http://nefpexpo.net/signpics/radfitting1.jpg" alt="" />



I'm assuming it looks something like this:



<img src="http://nefpexpo.net/signpics/radfitting3.jpg" alt="" />

Mark Eatherton

It's called a radiator elbow...

Kind of like tennis elbow, but not quite ;-)



http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Radiator+elbow&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#q=Radiator+elbow&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=l4DDT9HXOOOO2wXem9Fc&ved=0CIIBEK0E&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=730f0cc3492bde69&biw=1222&bih=563



Plenty of choices.



Also, the chances of being able to re-use the existing tail piece with a new radiator elbow is slim to none, so you will need a radiator wrench to remove the tail piece from the body of the radiator.



ME

Eric Johnson_3

Meaning it will leak?

Thanks. Do you mean the pressure connection will likely leak without a new tailpiece?

Mark Eatherton

Yes....

Different face angles, different threads, pitted face of ground joint, etc etc etc...



ME