Techniques for Replacing 3" Boiler 3-Way Elbow

Jay Zebryk

I would like to replace this 3 inch elbow with a simple cap.
The boiler was new in 2007.
Although I have a 36 inch pipe wrench, a Sawsall, and Kroil, I absolutely do not want to crack the boiler in the process.

What would be the recommend procedure?

mattmia2

cut a slot or 2 almost to the threads and split it at the cut with a chisel or a screwdriver and it should become loose on the threads.

109A_5

It looks like it is being used, why replace it with a simple cap ?

hot_rod

or two 3/4” plugs would act as a cap

Steamhead

That's known as a "heel tee".

mattmia2

or back to @hot_rod 's question, why do you want to remove it? the chances of cracking the boiler if you don't remove it is close to 0.

Jay Zebryk

Why replace it?

1. I am relocating the feed to the other side.
2. There is already a drain valve.
3. The multiple bushings have always offended me.

What is a Heel Tee?

hot_rod

I suppose technically it is a 3 x 3/4 x 3 tee

In the plumbing world it might be called a heel outlet ell

BobC

Thai is a ;lot work to go through just because you don't like the looks of it and there is some risk of damaging the boiler. i would leavr it be amd make sure the 3/4' plug is brass so it's easy to remove.

Bob

Grallert

Heat, lot of heat. But don't burn the jacket

Jamie Hall

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1903121#Comment_1903121

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1903109#Comment_1903109

That's a lot of work and a lot of risk to go through to satisfy aesthetics. @BobC has it right, but if you want to spend the time and the money to make it look purty, that's your puppy.

Big Ed_4

You can crack a cast-iron fitting , and spin it off to clean the treads . It is the rason why we will use a cast fitting .. Easy for repairs down the road. Use a hand held lug hammer to hold on oppersite side of fitting and hit the other side with another hammer .. The ring sound will disappear when fitting is cracked .Once you hear the change of tone .. Then spin the fitting off to clean the threads … Don't beat the remainder off which could damage the nipple …. Good luck

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1903109#Comment_1903109

Get a plug and a drain with the appropriate bushing and call it a day. Seriously.

This is one of the times the lazy way is actually the better way.

I understand you'd rather it be perfect, but a cracked boiler is going to offend you a whole lot more.

AdmiralYoda

If you are relocating the feed to the other side, just remove the bushings and put the appropriate sized plugs on it. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

If you insist on removing it, cut through it to the threads of the fitting without cutting into the nipples threads. Use a chisel to break the remaining threads to separate it. Should break the bond enough to remove it. Even then I wouldn't want to do this. I'd be afraid the impacts might crack the boiler.

JUGHNE

IIWM, I would put a full port ball valve into the existing 90, with hose fitting to use for flushing straight across the bottom of the boiler.

Then cap the other copper line.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Big Ed_4 you can crack cast iron but that tee is malleable not cast iron.

STEAM DOCTOR

You can slice it, hammer and chisel, and will come right off. But total waste of time.

Jay Zebryk

I will heed to the advice saying leave it be.

I will remove the bushings and install a BRASS plug.

The 3/4" port I will install a full port valve for flushing or draining.

Thanks all!