Webstone

When selecting your next Y-strainer, consider upgrading to the new Pro-Pal® Ball Drain Strainer™ from Webstone, a brand of NIBCO®.  Designed to protect the system against debris in the pipes, this patent-pending valve combines a Y-strainer, ball valve, and hi-flow hose drain. Its forged brass construction takes the place of eight individual components; eliminating assemblies needed to isolate, drain, and separate loose particles from the flow. Its flexible design can be installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on your system’s needs.

The Ball Drain Strainer allows you to isolate the strainer from upstream flow, simplifying the servicing of the strainer port without the need for additional assemblies. During normal operation, the main valve is open to create a straight flow path which allows debris to fall into the plugged blow down port. To remove accumulation, simply close the valve to restrict the flow from the port, unscrew the strainer cap, and clean the debris from the screen. The exclusive multi-function flow path is also ideal for diverting fluid into the drain from either side of the ball. With a turn of the handle, you can choose between a variety of applications including draining before or after the ball, flushing the valve with fresh water, or flushing with reverse flow from the system.

The Ball Drain Strainer is available in sizes ½” to 1¼” in press or FIP connections. It features lead-free dezincification resistant forged brass construction, replaceable 20 mesh screens, and O-ring sealed and plugged strainer port for easy removal of the filter and installation of the drain valve.

In recent years, PP-R pipe has become an increasingly popular choice in plumbing and hydronic heating systems. Introduced over 30 years ago, this copolymer made from Polypropylene-Random has been a top choice among plastic piping options. Suitable for both hot and cold pipe, it’s known as a naturally insulating option that allows the installer to make fast connections that are both permanent and leak-free. Using heat fusion technology, the installer can do more than just join two PP-R ends together – they can create a joint that has the same strength as that of the pipe wall. In contrast to other pipe-joining methods, common long-term concerns like corrosion and fatigue damage are eliminated with heat fusion. In fact, fusion connections are touted to be so robust that they will outlast their own piping system.

In the mid 2000’s, a new generation of PP-R pipe was introduced to the market – Polypropylene-Random Crystallinity Temperature – or PP-RCT. Its crystallinity allows the copolymer to resist greater levels of pressure at higher temperatures. The advancement of copolymers in recent years has begun to shift opinions on plastic pipe, leaving behind outdated misconceptions about its dependability.

But the ways of the past are not all gone. Installers may be embracing plastic pipes and fittings, but they have been slower to accept plastic bodied valves. The proven field reliability of brass-bodied construction remains favorable in a time when strong, reliable plastics are still a relatively new concept. As such, manufacturers who work with PP-R and PP-RCT have been trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between the time tested technology and recent innovations.

In order to incorporate brass valves into a PP-R/PP-RCT piping system, installers have historically had few choices. Options for brass valves with fully integrated connections have been somewhat limited. Some piping manufacturers have elected to offer valves that are compatible only with their specific line of piping, so finding a valve that is compatible with all PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems proved increasingly difficult. In absence of a universal solution, installers made use of transitional fittings to connect their brass ends to PP-R/PP-RCT pipe, at the expense of additional leak paths and labor.

That’s where Webstone comes in. Known for their quality brass valves, Webstone has introduced fully integrated PP-R or PP-RCT ends to their most popular engineered products. The Pro-Connect PP-R Pro line now includes the Isolator with Rotating Flange (a uni-flange ball valve with 360 degrees of motion and optional multi-function hose drain), the Pro-Pal Ball Drain, and ball valves (including PP-R/PP-RCT x FIP ends to transition to or from metal piping).

These products all feature socket style connections, which makes the heat fusion process as quick and simple as possible. Valves come in a variety of sizes and are certified lead free for both residential and commercial use. Additionally, all Webstone products carry a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects – ensuring peace of mind that no other valve manufacturer in the industry can match. To learn more, visit WebstoneValves.com/PP-R-Pro

The Magnetic Boiler Filter XL is designed to protect larger residential boilers from iron sludge that can accumulate in a hydronic system. Commonly installed on the system run, it captures ferrous and non-ferrous debris before it can reach the boiler using a high-powered 12,000 Gauss magnet and plastic filter.

The drain makes it simple to remove accumulation, with a strapped cap that can be used to actuate the drain valve and a large filter body that increases time between service. A service tool is also included to help install and maintain the filter with ease. G-threads make it simple to swap out your choice of press, MIP, FIP, or sweat G-union end connections in sizes 1¼” or 1½”. The MBF XL can withstand 250°F and 145 PSI CWP.

Product Specs

• High-powered 12,000 Gauss magnet captures ferrous
  debris
• Sizes 3/4″ – 1½” with Press, FIP, MIP, or SWT connections
• Includes service tool
• Protects system components and maintains system efficiency
• 3/4″ and 1″ models compatible with optional G1 Union valves and fittings

Learn More

Webstone’s latest installment of Pro-Connect Press products now includes two more step saving valves for the professional: Press Purge Tee™ and Press Purge & Fill™.

To learn more visit: www.webstonevalves.com