Old header, Thank You

GW

This doesn't happen too often, lined a new 2 1/2" nip right in.

GW

Btw it's a 63-04L

Steamhead

Nice job. Don't you love it when that happens?

We did the same thing once with a 4" header:

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/148298/atmospheric-out-power-burner-in

GW

Yes sometimes you get lucky, yet most jobs aren't such. I did notice the header was good when i quoted the job, yet didn't think I'd nail it!

GW

Eagle Eyes---yes the boiler is good with the 7x6, the reducer came with the boiler---saved me blasting away at the poor little bricks

JUGHNE

Looks great, you were pretty lucky!

However, I have to ask if those are the thread protector AKA Merchant couplings on the air vents? (I use them up in a low pressure situation also. )

There was a lengthy discussion about them a little while back.

gerry gill

Gotta love it when that works out.

GW

J yes those are the basic thread protectors. What kind of conversation could revolve around steel couplings being used for main vents?

New England SteamWorks

If only that could ever happen to me!

Looks real nice. Adding the outlet at the switch a nice touch.

JUGHNE

The discussion of thread protectors pointed out that they are straight thread with no taper. Having used them for many years I had never realized this. They rely upon the taper of the male pipe to make the seal....not a matching taper of both. Many commented that they never use them. I do use them as the situation warrants, such as you have. FWIW

DanHolohan

Gosh.

GW

Good to know! I will get a steel and a black Mal coup side by side and see what's up.

I have a whole bunch of these, use them for steam, don't think I've ever had a problem

Gary

Ironman

I see no problem using them on low pressure steam.

I don't know if they are legal on gas, but we were always taught not to use them for that and many inspectors will turn them down on gas.

@Tim McElwain
Can you respond to that?

Nice install.

ChrisJ

You shouldn't be using non-tapered thread protectors on any NPT connection.

Especially not gas. They aren't made to seal anything, ergo no taper.

If it's got tapered threads it's a coupling. If it's got straight cut threads, it's for nothing more than protecting threads during transport.

Dan Foley

Nice work Gary. You were lucky to have everything line up perfectly. Go play the lottery.

I once had an inspector turn down one of my jobs for reducing the flue size where it connected to a flue liner. I had the manufactuer's manual and chart showing it was allowed. He did not even look at it. Rejected.

I met with the chief inspector and got it approved.

- DF

GW

Yes I've been a lic plumber since the 80's. I don't use these on gas, no harm, no foul. I've never had a leak using these on heating/steam work. Look at Europe---no tapers at all. Yet we still manage to make the threads work, or at least we used to before Viess and Bud changed their threads for us Yanks.

GW

Dan Foley said:

Nice work Gary. You were lucky to have everything line up perfectly. Go play the lottery.



I once had an inspector turn down one of my jobs for reducing the flue size where it connected to a flue liner. I had the manufactuer's manual and chart showing it was allowed. He did not even look at it. Rejected.



I met with the chief inspector and got it approved.



- DF

Yes Dave
, I took a pic of the page in the manual packet for that very reason. You can't blame the guy for doubting you--if you were there you could have showed him. I may try and email him the page so he doesn't 'fail' me and set a negative vibe with the home owner

EBEBRATT-Ed

Couplings. The standard "thread protectors" do not have tapered threads 1/8"--2". Over 2" (2 1/2"--4") have tapered threads and are ok to use despite what some believe.

Most everyone has used the thread protectors, they make on a long way usually don't leak on low pressure stuff.

I avoid them myself and would never use on gas.

Easier to feel the taper (or lack there of) by putting your fingers
inside the coupling

Don't know why they sell pipe with these couplings if they can't be used.

I wish one of the pipe manufacturers like Wheatland would jump in on this.

ChrisJ

GW said:

Yes I've been a lic plumber since the 80's. I don't use these on gas, no harm, no foul. I've never had a leak using these on heating/steam work. Look at Europe---no tapers at all. Yet we still manage to make the threads work, or at least we used to before Viess and Bud changed their threads for us Yanks.

You mean BSPT?

I suppose that's a good point, I've got a pressure washer running 2600 PSI, 3000 PSI when not spraying and it's got NPT into BSPT in a few spots, no leaks.

Still wouldn't do it with gas, as you said.

JUGHNE

Posting of "Thread Protector Couplings" on 7-15-17 has that discussion.

Dave0176

Very nice and lucky lol Wish I could find a system piped with a proper sized header to even be able to do that......

GW

good tidings to all---we all need a break once in a while

GW

I had to beat the snot out of the old 2 1/2 90---thought i'd bend the nip for sure. But, it was just meant to be. Even the Smoke lined up.