Source for Replacement Swing Check Valve

TheClevelandSteamer

Hello, does anyone have a source for this three-quarter inch swing check valve? This is for the return section of a two pipe steam system.

The Fairbanks brand is out of business and I can't find this exact one. It's 3/4" NPT, 3" long.

If anybody has new old stock, or an alternative brand with a similar spec, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

hot_rod

looks like a basic tee pattern swingcheck. You may need to shop all the brands to find one exactly the same length.

Watts, Apollo, Milwaukee, Nibco are a few brands. Unless there is audio. On either side, you may need to cut and do so rethreading. So exact length may not be a issue?

Larry Weingarten

Hi, A question, or two… What's wrong with the valve? And have you taken the top off to get a look inside? I've often been able to free up stuck valves by removing the top to get access. 🤔

Yours, Larry

EBEBRATT-Ed

As @hot_rod mentioned check valves at least threaded ones do not come in a standard length.

TheClevelandSteamer

Thanks for the replies.

I'm doing some off-season repairs and preventative maintenance. Specifically replacing some old piping, which this valve falls in the middle of.

The gate is frozen but I'm going to take a shot at repairing as suggested. If I can't, I am going to replace just replace it.

Mad Dog_2

Are you sure its even needed? Can you take some pictures of the connecting piping? Mad Dog

kcopp

Simple fix is to get another swing check. Cut it out and mega press in another check….if the check is needed.

hot_rod

The side view shows the hinge pin, I suspect. That is typically what the gate pivots on.

Looks like maybe a test port up on the top.

Do you suspect the gate is frozen in the shut or open position? In either case it should have an effect on the operation. I think you would need to take the top assembly cap off to know for sure.

If it is frozen open and the system works properly, maybe it is not needed?

You may find old stock Fairbanks checks on ebay.

mattmia2

those were generally used on vapor systems in conjunction with boiler return traps. are you sure the check is bad and it isn't doing exactly what it was designed to do but some knucklheading of the vapor system is preventing it from operating as intended?

109A_5

I'd also try to clean it first.

If you need to replace it.

Supplyhouse.com

https://www.mcmaster.com

I'm sure there are other sources for one.

EdTheHeaterMan

When you do the maintenance on that valve, are you going to sandblast or wire-brush the old paint off of it so it looks pristine? Or are you one of those “I don’t care what it looks like as long as it works” kind of guys?

Asking for a friend. I don't want to say his name but his initials are @GW

GW

Ed I’m too slow- can’t pick up what you’re putting down.

hopefully the pipe renovations works well

rick in Alaska

If you do take the top off, the seal will be broken and you will have to reseal it to keep it from leaking. I have had good luck by taking some teflon tape and spinning it to make a "thread" of it, and then using it to wrap the threads with before putting it back together.

Rick

pecmsg

just cut a gasket that size.

hot_rod

most often there’s a very thin fiber washer under the cap, or the cap was installed with Loctite.

Since it is serviceable, I would guess it has a fiber washer.

mattmia2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1899665#Comment_1899665

well, and unless it is some sort of commercial system where some utilization equipment needs a check valve, it is probably an 80 year old vapor system and long predates loctite

mattmia2

i wonder if that pivot has to be greased to both seal and not bind up.

hot_rod

A pic from a few steps back would help the steam pros determine why or if the check is even required..

Has it been making any noise?

Ideally a check valved is sized by Cv so that whatever flow goes through it can open the gate completely.

If it needs to be in the system, and has to be replaced, Watts has a spring type,steam service specific valve also

Larry Weingarten

Hi, I'll add that check was made when we expected to be able to service things. Notice how big the flats on the top are… nicely designed for a wrench or socket. I'd be tempted to hold the body of the valve with a pipe wrench and use a socket on the top/cap to encourage it to behave. 😊

Yours, Larry

TheClevelandSteamer

Thank you to everyone. The original one couldn't be salvaged. I replaced with a Legend unit that was a little shorter, so I just used a longer nipple.