Steam install header fitting material

Thomb

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

Dave0176

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

Thomb

I have to agree the really look tough , !!TUFF!!

JUGHNE

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

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

Malleable!
Stronger
Easier to get your wrenches on
Less $

gerry gill

Cast when available. Malleable if its what you can get.

Dave0176

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 “