single-pipe steam radiator/is copper pipe ok?

rr

Kind Helpers: I would like to use a length of copper to connect a floor valve to a single-pipe steam radiator. Is copper pipe strong enough to handle the pressure of a single-pipe steam radiator system? If not, what materials should I consider? Thanks for your advice.

Steamhead

I wouldn't use copper

The soldered joints can't handle the expansion and contraction, and they'll eventualy break.

Use black steel piping.

rr

steamhead: Thanks for the quick response. What if the joints were made using compression fittings rather than solder? Would expansion-contraction no longer be a concern...or would it become an even bigger problem? (I'm still talking copper here, but what about other nonferrous metals, too?)—rr

Phred

20 yrs with copper pipe

I just tore out a whole single pipe steam system that included several 10' to 20' sections of 1" copper pipe. Never had a problem with it, including all the expansion and contraction.

Phred

20 yrs with copper pipe

I have a whole single pipe steam system that includes several 10' to 20' sections of 1" copper pipe. Never had a problem with it, including all the expansion and contraction.

rr

Phred: How are the copper sections joined with the rest of the system—solder, compression joints, lots of bubblegum?

Phred

Bubblegum

worked for the first 10 years. Soldered to threaded fitting last 20 yrs.