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Cleaning a Pigtail???

AdmiralYoda
AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 721
in Strictly Steam
So I intend to take my P-trol off and install a union with a T so I can add a 30 psi gauge to comply with code.  The union will also make cleaning the pigtail easier in the future.

I'm probably going to just replace the pigtail....but for future reference I want to buy the appropriate brush to clean it out.  I'm having a hard time finding a long flexible brush for cleaning a 1/4" pigtail.

Can someone point me in the right direction?  Thanks!

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,516
    There is no brush I know of. Some use a wire or a plastic zip tie to loosen up the crud and the blow it out.

    Use a brass pigtail and fittings
    kcopp
  • AdmiralYoda
    AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 721
    Thank you @EBEBRATT-Ed!  I actually answered my own question.  I first searched for pigtail brush, then pipe brush....the correct term is flexible tube brush.  Plenty of flavors out there.

    Quick question...why brass and not black iron?
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,516
    The pigtail sits with water in it and the iron ones will plug up a lot faster. Brass is more $$ but well worth the price
    Gordo
  • AdmiralYoda
    AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 721
    Thank you!
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 7,469
    If you clean it out every year or two you won't need a brush because it won't be able to really build up seriously hardened gunk. You'll just be flushing out some dirty water and a bit of soft mud at worst I would think.

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • Gsmith
    Gsmith Member Posts: 442
    I use a large size pipe cleaner (like the kids use for art classes), long wire with fuzzy stuff attached. Also a zip tie can work.
  • Jells
    Jells Member Posts: 618
    Why screw around when the right item costs $5?
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,861
    Jells said:

    Why screw around when the right item costs $5?

    Because sometimes they can be next to impossible to get off.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Jells
    Jells Member Posts: 618
    Jamie Hall said:

    Jells said:

    Why screw around when the right item costs $5?

    Because sometimes they can be next to impossible to get off.
    I was talking about the flexible shaft brush, what are you talking about??
    ethicalpaul
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,692
    EBEBRATT-Ed said:

    The pigtail sits with water in it and the iron ones will plug up a lot faster. Brass is more $$ but well worth the price

    This!

    If a steel pigtail is plugged, we replace it with a brass one. It's not worth it to try to clear a steel one.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,516
    If I have a steel one that's plugged (and I had 3 on 1 process boiler) i take it off or cut it off and replace with brass pigtails. If I am out of pigtails. i pipe it with 1/4" fittings and then get back and replace it

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