Right and left coupling

[gear junkie]

What are they? 404.3 IFGC

[wrench spinner]

http://books.google.com/books?id=1SF...um=1&ct=result

this explains it pretty well, better than i could do..

[Masterplumb]

Originally Posted by gear junkie

What are they? 404.3 IFGC

Here they are used on gas lines in New York City as they do not allow any unions on gas work. They will also be used on repairs. You may also see them on hot water heating systems especially on a battery of radiators that hang on a wall in a workshop or parking garages.

The nipples have standard threads on one side and left handed threads on the other. Usually most suppliers out of NYC will stock them only in 3-1/2" lengths. They are not usually marked. A left-right coupling is the same, one side standard threads and the other side left handed threads. They are usually marked by having 4 grooves instead of the standard 2 or have a red circle stamped on them. I have also come across a left-right 1-1/4 90* as well but is pretty rare to find nowadays.

[myakka]

Hah, imagine being a country plumber, being asked to change out an old stove in a three decker in Boston( or any old city) by a family member. No problem you say... till you see strait pipe running into the regulator! No friggin union! thank god I had my wits about me. As I turned the Coupling down stream of the gas cock the two nipples parted way. That was over twenty years ago, and I still get pissed I didn't know about it!
Mike

[Bob D.]

Where did you find those relics?

I have never had to use a R/L Cplg. I have taken plenty out though. I had a bunch in my old house (1904) which had a two pipe Steam system converted over the HW in the 50s. Each radiator in this 3 story home had its own risers off the supply and return loops in the basement. The risers were tied into the mains with a swing joint and a R/L Cplg. In the late 70s they closed off the top two floors and only wanted to heat the first floor. So they cracked the first 90 off the main for the upper floor radiators and capped them off. When I bought the place in early 80s I reconnected all 29 radiators and got the whole place (4700 sf) heated again. I felt like I was keeping oil companies alive all by myself during the winter.

[ToUtahNow]

Of course a left to right coupling is worthless without a left to right nipple.

They are used in areas where a union is not allowed. I have installed a ton of them up to and including a 2 1/2" on a water line. They are just another item which is being lost in many areas.

Mark

[Masterplumb]

Originally Posted by Bob D.

Where did you find those relics?

I have never had to use a R/L Cplg. I have taken plenty out though. I had a bunch in my old house (1904) which had a two pipe Steam system converted over the HW in the 50s. Each radiator in this 3 story home had its own risers off the supply and return loops in the basement. The risers were tied into the mains with a swing joint and a R/L Cplg. In the late 70s they closed off the top two floors and only wanted to heat the first floor. So they cracked the first 90 off the main for the upper floor radiators and capped them off. When I bought the place in early 80s I reconnected all 29 radiators and got the whole place (4700 sf) heated again. I felt like I was keeping oil companies alive all by myself during the winter.

Bob they are readily available here where I live. If you wanted a l/r 90 or various fittings you would have to travel to the Bronx or NYC

[PLUMBER RICK]

i got a whole box of 3/4'' l&r nipples.

working with a l&r you need to make a dry run to count threads prior to tightening. of course a little play in the pipe is also required to make up.

rick.

[DuckButter]

Illegal here, NO left/right threads period.

Mike can tell ya.

[myakka]

Mark
Not prior to 1965!
Mike