Odd pipe size

Mike AK

If I understand correctly what union threads are. Since I don't know all the vocabulary, let me make sure I am being clear: a pipe comes off the main and through the floor. At the end of this pipe is a valve piece: the valve piece has a dial that you turn to open or close off the steam to the radiator (when a radiator is attached, of course). Right now, there is no radiator attached, and I am trying to attach a radiator whose nut and inlet pipe (1 1/4") do not fit the threaded pipe that comes out of the valve unit. This threaded pipe is the one that is an odd size (1 5/8"), and is the pipe to which I thought I could try attaching a galvinized reducing coupler (so that I could attach the valve to the radiator).

Mike

Mike AK

odd pipe size on radiator

Hello! I quick question from a newbie (and thanks for all the info on this site--it's been great). I'm trying to move one mid-sized old radiator to an unused steam pipe in our house (one-pipe steam system). Unfortunately, the female outlet on the valve is a different size than the male nut on the radiator (excuse me if I am using the wrong terms here). So I thought, no problem, I'll just get a reducing coupler. My plan was to put the coupler onto the male valve, put the short pipe into the coupler, and then put tighten the radiator nut onto the short pipe.

Anyway, I measured the pipes, went to the hardware, got a 1 1/2"-->1 1/4" coupler and a short piece of 1 1/4" pipe. The measurements for the 1 1/2" seemed a bit off (1/8"), but the valve was in a tight spot, so I figured I just mismeasured. Anyway, I brought it home, and it turns out I did not mismeasure. The female pipe on the valve seems to be a 1 5/8" pipe (I.D.), and so did not (obviously) fit the 1 1/2" coupler (the 1 1/4" pipe did fit nice and snug).

My question: Is it possible to find a 1 5/8"-->1 1/4" reducing coupler? Is there some other solution to this problem? Or was it just a bad idea to start with? (I know from this site that moving radiators can be a risky business, but because of the size and placement of the two steam valves, I don't think the moving itself would be a problem in this case).

Thanks for your help!

Mike

gerry gill

are you trying to connect

something to the union threads of a radiator valve?

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Timco

Some unions have the same thread, but some do not. It sounds like you need a new valve & tailpiece, and to remove the old tailpiece from the rad to start new. The union depends on it's machined / tapered end to couple with the tailpiece. A regular coupling will not seal.

Tim

Unknown

Like Gerry and Tim say`s

Yes, they are likely different threads, if your trying to "mate-up" to a union, you must have the right-one! PS, one pipe steam?, don`t reduce it either.