Thanks Ed -- That's reassuring. I also looked at the contract more closely
and find that the piping is under warranty for 5 years.

The guy who did this installation is not just a plumber, but a leading
heating and air conditioning company. I would think that he had
state-of-the-art equipment.

He did tell me that after the contract was signed but before it was
installed there was a sharp increase in copper prices and that hhe would
lose money.

We are operating at 5 psi and have been told that we might go lower.

-- Ray

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
news:YoTWg.1079$P92.449@trndny02...

"Ray" wrote in message
news:bFRWg.1931$lj2.1871@trndny01...
Thanks Mike -- Our system is steam.

Why do you suppose a reputable company of long standing wouldn't use the
standard?

Or perhaps the standard may have changed?

I guess if they installed a system which is truly incorrect and fails
fairly quickly they might be open to a lawsuit.

-- Ray

Many years ago, I used to work for a company that built heating coils for
both steam and hot water heating, mostly industrial and commercial
applications. We made them from copper. Only if the pressure was going
to exceed 15 psi, we'd use cupro-nickel or brass. You are probably
operating at less than 5 psi, maybe even less than that.

One reason he may have done it that way is the equipment needed to cut and
thread 6" steel pipe. Most plumbers do not have it. Copper is much
easier to work with in a residential setting. Large pipes have to be
welded in place, a very expensive process. Many years ago, conditions
were different, steel was cheaper steel pipe was common even for water
supply. Live has changed.

As for the pipes lasting two years, I recently had a couple of coils
repaired in a building that I manage. They were 30 years old and with a
couple of joints re-soldered, back in operating condition. Tell the old
fart to educate himself a bit more and mind his own business.

I don't think you have a problem.