Dirty Gauge glass

ddog777

Just wondering if there is a practical way to clean a dirty sight glass without actually removing it?. Incidentally, I recently purchased a new sight glass from a reputable, local plumbing supply house and noticed immediately that the new glass wall thickness is visibly thinner than previous glass I have bought, and the nuts and washers result in a slightly looser fit. Will this cause sealing problems ?

guzzinerd

When i replaced mine the glass tube came with new washers. I'd replace the washers either way just because they wear out.

EBEBRATT-Ed

For residential gauge glass they should all be 5/8" diameter

ddog777

diameter is correct, wall thickness is thinner than previous

Dan_NJ

Install a proper sight glass drain valve like in Gordon's video. Makes it very easy to keep it clean.

https://youtu.be/_z8v1YOQcM4?si=GFv4AY20u8kRdNj8

EBEBRATT-Ed

Don't worry about the thickness the thinner glass is ok for residential.

109A_5

Hello ddog777,

I went this way, so far very happy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362675380047

https://www.ebay.com/itm/370994428128

You may be able to get a very small brush up through the drain port of the lower gauge glass valve assembly.

CLamb

I use a neodymium magnet to draw any rust to the side of the tube.

mattmia2

What are the temp limits of acrylic or polycarbonate? Could plexiglass or lexan tubing be used?

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1825803#Comment_1825803

Polycarbonate has a glass transition temperature of 297F.

So, it could work. But why?

mattmia2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1825806#Comment_1825806

Won't break when you take it apart to clean it, if it does break the pieces won't be sharp. Not sure how much it will get etched in that application. Use teflon for the washers and it will last for decades if it doesn't get etched.