2" Unions - Are they universal?

[dinom]

Question on 2" unions (or unions in general). At some point I may need to replace my check valve that is plumbed after my heat pump. Unfortunatlely, the way it was hard plumbed would force me to replace half of the 2" union that connects to the heat pump.

Can I just purchase any 2" PVC union and will it interface properly with the heat pump mating half? I guess I'm wondering if there is an industry standard for unions? Or would I need to purchase the mating piece from the heat pump manufacturer directly?

Thanks,
Dino

 

[ps0303]

Not all unions are created equal. Threads are different.

 

[gtemkin]

At my area Home Depots, even the 1.5" threaded unions will not mate up with the 1.5" slip (solvent weld) unions. They source them from 2 different suppliers who designed them differently.

 

[Durk]

Or you could try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DGRKMfUbwQ

or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfezjNDNxNo

I confess I haven't done this myself, because I found another way. But I will try one of these if I ever need to.

My other way was to use an inside coupler. The amount of flow restriction is minimal and it's a really easy way to solve some sticky problems.

BTW, not only are the threads all different, but the O-rings vary greatly. Medium pain to replace so don't lose them.

 

[dinom]

Thanks for the feedback folks.