black iron pipe in hydronic system megapress/propress question, prep for worst case

PeteA

I finally started the work changing out my old boiler and replacing the large pipe gravity system that I've picked quite a few of your brains about in the past. So far so good all of the demo work is done and now I'm planning on proceeding with the new home runs of pex al pex and the boiler piping etc. My plan was/is to pick up the various black iron radiator feed pipes in the basement. Some are 1/2" some are 3/4" all of the new pex al pex I'm installing will be 1/2".

My worst case scenario I'm trying to prepare for is:
If I can't get the elbow or coupling or stub of pipe off of the existing black iron pipe is there a proper mega press fitting or propress fitting that I can use to connect a new piece of pipe to pick up the 1/2 pipe I would install my pex al pex compression fitting to? I'd prefer to not be forced to drop back to the last fitting before the pipe goes vertical out of the basement and into the upper floors so I am trying to plan for the worst and if I can't get a fitting to come off can I just cut into a straight piece of pipe and press a fitting on at that point or do I have to resort to threading in place (i hope there's a press option, since I only have a manual threader )? I realize if it gets to a SHTF situation I could always go all the way to the radiators with the PEX but that is not an easy option either since all the piping is behind walls but of course it's always an option.

ethicalpaul

If they are 1/2 and 3/4 then you should be able to get them off with a couple nice long pipe wrenches in the 18" range (add cheater as necessary).

I'm a weak nerd and I never had to resort to cutting even 2" pipe and fittings and I undid quite a few of them.

PeteA

Thanks @ethicalpaul I am prepared with a couple of good size wrenches and I'm pretty decent at turning a wrench but I was asking you pro's in advance for the worst case scenario. You have given me big hope that this may actually work out and come together. I do tend to overthink stuff sometimes but it helps me be prepared.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I agree with @ethicalpaul

With the smaller pipe it shouldn't be a huge issue getting the fittings apart. You will be bankrupt with the price of Mega Press fittings.

mattmia2

If you can slide a rod or smaller piece of pipe inside the pipe it will help support it and keep the wrench from collapsing it and they will come out easier.

PeteA

Thanks @EBEBRATT-Ed I've got 2 big wrenches so I'm going to go with the leverage and strength efforts. I was only looking for the press option as a possibility if one or two either crush or just don't budge. I completely agree that the price of press on a large scale does get prohibitive but I always like to prepare for the worst once I start something.

@mattmia2 thanks for the tip but unfortunately nearly all of the fittings are either at the 45 or at a 90 so I really don't have much space to push a rod or smaller pipe into it. I would imagine that works well at a coupling and I will def keep this in mind for any spots with straighter pipe.

EdTheHeaterMan

I also agree with @ethicalpaul. Especially about the nerd part. But How did you get this "Looker" as a helper.
Can't be all that nerdy

Ironman

There are MegaPress fittings made for water, they have the green dot. You’d have to go male to female adapter to transition to pex-Al-pex.

There are MegaPress jaws in 1/2” - 1” that fit the Milwaukee M12 and Ridgid RP 240.

When applying the backup pipe wrench to remove a fitting, be careful not to egg shape or collapse the pipe.

If a fitting is stubborn, heating it with a torch or carefully cutting it lengthwise will almost always work.

STEAM DOCTOR

EdTheHeaterMan said:

I also agree with @ethicalpaul. Especially about the nerd part. But How did you get this "Looker" as a helper. Can't be all that nerdy

Probably did something "unethical"😂😂😂😂. Sorry @ethicalpaul. Just couldn't resist. You know that I have the utmost respect for you. Please take comment in the spirit in which it is delivered!!!!

Mad Dog_2

My computer Geeks are all nerds 🤓...can't live without em these days !!!  Mad Dog 🐕 

ethicalpaul

It's better to be lucky than good, am I right? Thanks gang for making me smile today

You got this, Pete, 1/2 and 3/4 won't be able to stand up to you

PeteA

so far so good. @ethicalpaul In between working on all of the near boiler piping I gave 2 of the fittings a try and they both came off intact so fingers crossed that when I go after the other 5 I get the same or similar results.

Thanks for everyones advice and tips. It's really appreciated.