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Steam install header fitting material

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Thomb
Thomb Member Posts: 15
in Strictly Steam
Hi what type of material do you recommend the fittings be made of on a 3 inch header for a steam install should it be cast iron or will black malleable steel work

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  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
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    Some guys like Cast Iron some like Malleable, as long as it’s piped right it won’t matter. Me I prefer cast iron because that’s what the old timers used. Also because they look tough. Lol
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
  • Thomb
    Thomb Member Posts: 15
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    I have to agree the really look tough , !!TUFF!!
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    My limited experience with CI fittings is taking them apart.
    Usually cracking or grinding.

    However I was salvaging a 1 1/4 x 1/2 tee, removing it in a pipe vice from a short pipe. There was an audible "ping" when it let go. I could see no crack in it. When the new nipple was screwed into the CI it did produce a visible crack.
    Steel would not crack, stretch if you buried too deep, but not crack.

    Also I noticed that pipe wrench jaws would not grab the CI as readily as on a steel fitting.

    I have never priced the difference as they are not readily available in my area........but, yes they do look "boss tuff".
    (That is until you cover them with insulation) :*
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,544
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    Either one is fine. I prefer malleable because the fitting diameter is smaller and wrenches are less likley to slip. CI used to be cheaper, don't know if that still holds.

    The other reason for using malleable is you can't use CI on gas. Why stock two different kind of fittings on your truck? But nothing wrong with CI
  • AMservices
    AMservices Member Posts: 610
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    Malleable!
    Stronger
    Easier to get your wrenches on
    Less $
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
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    Cast when available. Malleable if its what you can get.
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    edited August 2018
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    Cost,
    From what I’ve seen prices are $5 more for cast iron around here give or take.

    So cast iron fittings are slightly more today. As far as supply, my plumbing supply keeps large quantities Ward cast fittings, and if they don’t have it in stock they’ll order it in usually within a day.

    Some fittings can’t be had in cast anymore, like domestic wyes, there only available in malleable.
    Most supply houses around here refer to cast iron fittings as “Steam Fittings “
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    SeanBeans

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