Connection Help

[gsici]

I have a steam generator which came with crappy installation instructions.

I have a water input which is a plastic male 1/2" thread which I need to connect to my 1/2"copper pipe water supply and would like to add a valve.

I went to Home Depot and found a valve with the 1/2" (solder) and with a 3/8" male. I then found a flex hose with 3/8 female and 1/2 female. The problem is that the 1/2 female is metal and the male on the steam unit is plastic. Can these be connected?

[Furd]

Yes. j-0ojwep]jgspdjavo

[gsici]

Thank you Furd.

Now I need to connect a 3/4" copper to the steam out, but instructions call for a union at the connection point in case appliance needs to be serviced. Not sure I know what components to get. Any suggestions?

[Furd]

[gsici]

Thx again Furd for the quick reply. Not sure I follow the sequence.

I believe the piece on the right is threaded to the appliance (with teflon???) then solder a piece of 3/4" tubing OR just add the piece on the left. When does the center piece come in?

[gsici]

Got all the parts today for the hook up. I need pipe wrap for the 3/4" rigid copper. The instruction manual calls for something resistant to 250 degrees F (which I think is crazy). None the less the stuff at HD (Reflectix)is rated to 180 degrees. Anyone know what I can use?????

[BimmerRacer]

Not sure what unit you have, but Kohler tech support just told me today their steam pipe gets to around 200.

[gsici]

Well maybe 250 makes sense. What could I put around pipe that would not melt?

[Furd]

My illustration of fittings was in no particular order, simply representational of what you may need.

As for insulating the steam discharge pipe just use fiberglass. They used to make a package of fiberglass insulation for wrapping pipes. It had a roll of fiberglass about fifty feet long and about four inches wide, maybe an inch thick or so. Half-lap it on the steam pipe and maybe use two layers. If it comes with a plastic overwrap simply toss the overwrap and use some tape or wire ties to secure the loose end of the fiberglass.

[hj]

If Kohler said their line gets "around 200 degrees", they forgot their basic physics. Steam STARTS at 212 degrees and goes UP depending on the pressure.

[gsici]

Thanks all. I think I am ready to make some connections.