Radiator union ell

Jeff Perry_3

Anyone know someone that still makes an 1-1/2" radiator union ell? Need 1 or 2 desperately.

Jeff

JUGHNE

If none are found, would a second valve on the radiator (one each end) be out of the question? I don't think it would look out of place.

Paul48

I found one in a couple minutes of searching... at some place called GIA Hardware

nicholas bonham-carter

Remember to change the old spud in the radiator to match the new one which comes with the ell, otherwise the faces may not match up and seal.--NBC

Gordo

Called GIA hardware. They have been out of 1-1/2 ells for several years.
Does anyone have another source?

Tinman

Porter Pipe and Supply 630-543-8145

Gordo

@Stephen Minnich : Sorry. Just got off the phone with them. No joy.
Anywhere else?

Charlie from wmass

You tried fwwebb?

ctkay

Everflo fittings, call Pat @ 7187216200

Charlie from wmass

State supply may have a source.

Gordo

@ctkay : Sorry, but the number given connects to a pizza parlor.

Gordo

@Charlie from wmass : State Supply... sorry, but no joy there either, and no other suggestions from them but to try a junk yard.

ctkay

718 821 6200 Pat

Gordo

Looked up Everflow fittings on the web, got a number, called it and got the run-around... "do yu hav an account...? " Put on hold, passed to others, no one here to take your call, but please leave a message to be ignored, etc, etc.

Gordo

Sorry, @ctkay, but no luck at that number, either. John there was very friendly, however, and kindly gave out a few leads, but they didn't pan out.

EzzyT

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Matco-Norca-ENT-050-1-2-FIP-x-Male-Union-Radiator-Union-Elbow-4638000-p

EzzyT

They have them in 3/4" too

Charlie from wmass

1 1/2" EzzyT not 1/2".
I am going to check my father's stock. I may have 1. If it is not 1 1/4".

EzzyT

My mistake, they do also have 1" and 11/4" but no 11/2"

Abracadabra

Watts only makes them to 1-1/4"

You might have better luck using a 1.5" st. el and a 1.5" union and make your own.

Gordo

Thanks everyone! No luck so far. Closest I've gotten is a malleable iron "railroad" union ell in 1-1/2". No extra charge for the layer of dust on it!

JUGHNE

JUGHNE said:

If none are found, would a second valve on the radiator (one each end) be out of the question? I don't think it would look out of place.

Gordo

@JUGHNE : Unfortunately, we lost a job because the customer found our proposed two radiator valve solution unacceptable. We have, to date, no idea what was done after we were thrown out.

As to the proposed idea that a street ell and union be used is fine in some cases, but often due to clearance issues, is not a solution sovereign in all cases.

The attitude that some suppliers take when pressed on obtaining items such as this, namely "we don't have it, so you don't need it anyway" just sticks in my throat.

I take a sense of pride when told, "You're the only guys that ask for this stuff".

At the end of the day, if we want to save these old systems, in every case we can, we must strive to obtain the unobtainable.

Charlie from wmass

Sorry even in Dad's museum and my wholesalers museum best i could find was 1 1/4

Charlie from wmass

The 2 valves would actually be better as it allows isolation of the radiator while leaving the system running.

Gordo

Thanks for checking for that 1-1/2" @Charlie from wmass !

The isolation valve idea has merit in many cases. Sometimes, however, you don't want full shut-off on a hot water system. In fact, radiator valves designed for hot water systems do not shut off 100% flow by design, as you may know.

We are looking at a case where the customer had throttled down a radiator to save energy and it froze in spite of the minimal flow supposedly allowed through the existing valve.

Would you install full isolation valves there? Did the customer learn his lesson?

Charlie from wmass

Actually I'd probably still put in full isolation valves there. If the customer didn't learn their lesson then at least it's guaranteed work. Sometimes you gotta be cruel to be kind.