Connecting to old steel pipework

[Allan29]

I am proposing to change my bathroom radiator (installed 1970) for a towel rail, which will be in 15mm. Examination under the floor shows the flow end being piped with 1/2 inch copper; I anticipate no problem connecting here. The return end is piped in 1/2 inch BSP pipe (OD 21mm), with a female BSP connector on the end which reduces to 1/2 inch copper. It will not be easy to connect to the 1/2 inch copper as it immediately goes into a double bend (poorly done) and up above floorlevel.

Ideally, I would like to cut the 1/2 inch BSP pipe (and shorten it as the towel rail is narrower than the radiator) and fit a compression fitting round it which allows reduction to 15mm copper. However, I have failed to identify such a fitting, so first question is are they available? Alternatively, can one use a 22mm brass fitting?

Suggestions already made from a plumber is to cut the 1/2 inch BSP pipe and rethread, so that a new BSP fitting can be used to reduce to 15mm. I would have to hire the tools and access under the floor is poor.

Or try to remove the existing BSP fitting and replace it. This would involve a rather circuitous route for the 15mm copper but it would be possible. However, what are the chances of removing the fitting after nealy 40 years?

Any suggestions welcome.

Allan

 

[ChrisR]

fit a compression fitting round it which allows reduction to 15mm copper. However, I have failed to identify such a fitting, so first question is are they available?

Yes but I can't remember the name. PipeCenter do them

Alternatively, can one use a 22mm brass fitting?

Did it once with a 3/4 olive which is a bit tighter. I tinned the steel (Baker's fluid to clean it) with solder to give the olive something to bite into, but it probably wasn't necessary.
Might also work with a "Lead-Line" connector. (Not a Lead-Loc)

Old threaded connections usually come undone easily enough if you can heat them up first. Probably the easiest to do - just go back to the previous threaded connection and remove the steel.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Primo fit are, I think what you're thinking of... I wouldn't rely on them.

 

[Allan29]

Thanks Chris and Dan

Not sure I fancy Primofit either. I have called at my local PipeCenter and they talked about a fitting from Viking Johnson but were unable to supply it. I have failed to identify what they were suggesting on the Viking Johnson website but may try calling them on Monday. Otherwise, a 22mm solution sounds feasible.

Is there a corrosion issue though?

Encouraging that old BSP fittings do come apart, that may be my Plan B.

Allan

 

[clf-gas]

Removing iron pipe back to first fitting and using male iron to copper, be it 3/4 or 1/2" should be your plan A.

The time you have spent posting and researching you could of had the job done and been sat at the card table down the local

 

[giblets]

As I recall Johnson couplings utilise a rubber/nitrile ring and they are not suitable for hot water.

As has been said, undo the steel pipe and replace with copper.

 

[Allan29]

Just to complete this thread started on 18th Aug, I have finally installed my towel rail. After failing to dismantle the existing steel piping, I cut the 1/2 inch BSP pipe and then followed the method suggested by ChrisR using a 22mm compression joint. No leaks yet.

Allan

 

[jay1]

im not sure if they are called primofit but there is a fitting that converts stel to copper, iv used it in quite a few places, and it works a treat. they cost about 10.50 , ill find out the name for you tomorrow as my cousin sells them in his plumbers merchants.