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The union features a solder cup and female NPT threads. The fitting is used to allow repair to the line without damage as well as adapt from a solder connection to a threaded connection. Please refer to NIBCO technical data sheets and catalogs for engineering and installation information. In addition to its inherent qualities of beauty, durability and low maintenance, copper's reusability makes it an ideal application in sustainable projects. NIBCO® copper fittings are backed by a 50-year limited warranty. Because of its longstanding reputation for innovation and precision in design and manufacturing, NIBCO is the preferred brand in the industry.
Copper Fittings Installation Instructions
- Lead-free*
- Dezincification resistant
- Silicon Performance Bronze® alloy
- ASME B16.18 design standards
- NSF/ANSI/CAN-61 and 372
Copper Fittings Installation Instructions
Manufacturer Resources
Product Specs
- All Application(s):
- Lead-Free
- All Basic Material:
- Lead-Free
- Classification:
- Solder Pressure Unions
- End Connection:
- Threaded
- Metal End Connection Type:
- C x F (NPT)
- Product Group:
- Fitting
- Product Type:
- Solder Pressure Unions
- System Use:
- Commercial Plumbing, Fire Protection, Heating, HVAC, Industrial, Irrigation, Lead Free*, Residential Plumbing
- Product Subgroup:
- Union
- Department:
- Plumbing
Nibco BF5885L – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What connections does the Nibco 733-3-LF union have on each end?
One end is a solder cup for copper tube, the other is female NPT thread. That C x F arrangement is what lets you transition from a soldered copper run to a threaded connection, and it gives you a break point so the line can be taken apart for repair without cutting pipe.
2) What sizes does the Nibco 733-3-LF copper union come in?
Five sizes: 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch and 2-1/2 inch. Order by nominal pipe size - the solder cup takes copper tube of that size and the threaded end takes the matching female NPT.
3) Will a brass union dezincify on my hot water recirculation loop?
The 733-3-LF is cast from Silicon Performance Bronze alloy and is dezincification resistant, which is the specific failure mode that cracks ordinary yellow brass fittings in aggressive or high-temperature water. It is listed for heating and HVAC service as well as commercial and residential plumbing.
4) Do I need a union here, or can I just use a copper male adapter?
An adapter gets you from solder to thread, but once it is made up the joint only comes apart by cutting or unscrewing the whole downstream assembly. The 733-3-LF union has a ground seat and nut, so you can break the connection at that point for service and remake it. Use it where a pump, valve, water heater or other serviceable device has to come out later; use a plain adapter where the transition is permanent.
5) What design standard does the Nibco 733-3-LF union meet for a spec job?
It is built to ASME B16.18 for cast copper alloy solder joint pressure fittings, and carries NSF/ANSI/CAN-61 and 372 certification. That is the pairing most commercial and institutional plumbing specs call out for a lead-free solder pressure union.
6) Any trick to soldering a union without wrecking the seat?
Break the union apart before you heat it. The ground seat and the nut gasket area sit right behind the solder cup, so soldering the cup with the assembly made up puts heat straight into the seal. Solder the cup end to the copper tube on its own, let it cool, then thread the male NPT side in and make the nut up. Nibco publishes full copper fitting installation instructions for the joint prep and heating sequence.
7) Which Nibco part number do I order for a 2 inch C x F union?
The 2 inch size of the 733-3-LF is Nibco part B25915L. The other sizes are BF5885L for 1 inch, B25895L for 1-1/4 inch, B25905L for 1-1/2 inch and B25925L for 2-1/2 inch.
8) Can I use this union on a fire protection or irrigation line, not just domestic water?
Yes. Nibco lists the 733-3-LF for fire protection, irrigation and industrial service in addition to commercial and residential plumbing, heating and HVAC.
How fast can I get the Nibco BF5885L delivered?
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Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Nibco BF5885L come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Nibco BF5885L is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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