Welcome to the second video of the two part video series about connecting different pipe materials.
If you haven’t seen video 1 then check it out here:
Connecting Different Pipe Materials – Part 1
As you can see in this video, these clamps have many different applications. In the old days we were faced with having to find the next junction between the pipe and a fitting before we could make a repair.
In a lot of these cases this meant having to break up a customer’s home (bathroom or kitchen) to find where we could make the repair.
Today we simply cut the pipe, use the appropriate clamp and we’re in business. SWEET! Is there a down side to using these innovations?
I think not, but I must give you my opinion on how I see these being used in the field. Just because it’s become faster and easier to perform installation and repairs, it does not eliminate the need to follow good solid workmanship technique.
As with copper tubing, anyone who bought a torch and a roll of solder instantly thought they were a plumber. Likewise with no-hub and frenco couplings, just because you can torqe up a couple of stainless steel bands doesn’t mean you’re a craftsman.
I see nightmares out in the field in terms of workmanship and safety and my advice to anyone who is considering doing a large scale plumbing job using service weight cast iron pipe and no-hub couplings is this:
Make sure you support it both vertically and horizontally at the code approved intervals.
You can check with your local buildings department or go online for this information.
Think about it, service weight cast iron is still heavy duty material and now we’re holding it together with a stainless steel band and rubber gaskets (a.k.a. band-aid).
You have to support it properly or you’ll end up with a nightmare on your hands.
Forgive me for my rant, now back to repair land and the fact that these couplings have made the trade of plumbing a little more pleasurable.
The blue and orange versions in the video are called Husky couplings and because of the four-band configuration, they make a premium installation.
Again the orange version uses a 3/8″ nut and requires an 80 inch lb torque wrench as opposed to the standard 5/16″ nut and 60 in lb. torque wrench.
Either way I think you’ll agree these are worth checking out the next time you’re considering a home plumbing repair.
Thanks for watching and as always I can be reached at info@bobsplumbingvideos.com.
HAPPY PLUMBING!
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