Megapress G

347

I am installing 2" Megapress G fittings outside (my local Inspector approved this install prior to the installation).

I was thinking about water collecting in the fitting gap (for a lack of a better term) and possibly freezing and cracking the Megapress connection.

I call Viega and spoke to someone about this matter. They told me to put some silicone in the joint, so water does not collect in the gap. They also recommended that I paint or wrap the Megapress fittings.

Has anyone done this before? What Kinda of wrap would I use? Viega said I could use a standard silver paint on the joints to match the piping which is galvanized. Viega also said that the fitting would rust over time if not protected. Any suggestions would help.

Thank you

ratio

I've seen Megapress on gas lines that face up like that for several years now. I, too, was concerned about water collecting & freezing in there, but so far it hasn't damaged the fitting or seal.

mattmia2

I don't think there is really enough space there for it to confine and freeze water, it will just expand out of the joint as it freezes.

pedmec

I did multiple Viega training at their New Hampshire facility and was specifically told not to silicone the gap. its not an approved installation practice by Viega. I can't remember why.

As far as painting gas pipe. It all needs to be painted outdoors. why would a Viega fitting be any different. its carbon steel.

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1855981#Comment_1855981

I’ve seen flair nuts freeze and crack after several years. I’m not saying that can happen in fact I’d like to think Viega has done extensive testing to guarantee it can’t!

347

Ratio- I am glad to hear that.

Mattmia- The Viega guy said the same thing about a small space to collect water.

Pedmec- If they said NOT to silicone at the factory training, I am surprised the rep said to put a little in the space to keep the water out. I am located on Long Island, and we use galvanized pipe outside. I have never painted a pipe (or asked to by an Inspector) in all the years that I have been installing outside gas piping.

I just get can of spray paint and paint them

Thank you to all.

mattmia2

did the flare nut crack on the tubing end or the threaded end?

pecmsg

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1855988#Comment_1855988

the nut cracks from constant freeze cool cycles.
there are flair nuts that prevent it

EBEBRATT-Ed

Never saw non freeze flare nuts with the holes in them like the pic above.

I do remember non freeze flare nuts with slots cut in the threads at 90 deg

pedmec

We are not allowed to use galvanized steel on gas piping in Massachusetts. I wouldn't recommend spray paint if you do have to paint the pipe. it just gets everywhere. roof, rooftop unit, cloths etc. We brush it on just to keep the site clean.

mattmia2

he codes usually say galvanized is ok with gas below a certain sulfur content

347

I was planning on only painting the 4 fittings I have outside not the whole pipe.

kcopp

You could always use clear spray paint as a coating.

Mad Dog_2

20250519_152748.jpg

Not my installation, but the H.O. said it was done about 6 or 7 years ago. Don't see any rot. Mad Dog