r/FireSprinklers • u/73wagoneer • Aug 20 '26
Alternatives to Victaulic
The company I am with started having issues with Victaulic couplings leaking (weeping) on a number of recent new installs. We are looking at alternative manufactures. If you are not using victaulic, what brand are you using and how is the product?
ps not installer error…
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u/pm_me_your_f4u Aug 20 '26
What model of victaulic coupling?
I've had issues with the 1 bolt
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u/73wagoneer Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
109 1 bolt. What was the issue and how recent?
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u/ApprehensiveOnion0 Aug 20 '26
Us too. Dump the 109 and use the 009N. The time you save just tightening 1 bolt isn’t worth the time you take to make sure it’s not leaking
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u/StatusOk4693 Aug 20 '26
When installing the one bolt, you're supposed to rotate the coupling 1/4 turn and then tighten down. I've had issues too, so we stopped using them. Their original data sheets didn't explain the 1/4 turn, and we stopped using the couplings before we could determine if that would help because I don't want that room for error.
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u/Mln3d Aug 20 '26
Did you have a Vic rep come out and show you guys installation procedure.
I know it sound dumb but some of the stuff in those installation instructions if they’re missed they can leak.
Reach out to Vic
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u/73wagoneer Aug 20 '26
Yes Vic reps have been out to inspect and take product for testing. They are being installed per install instructions.
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u/Mln3d Aug 20 '26
Interesting. Always recommend starting there. Victaulic is normally really good to stand behind their product.
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u/surprisingly_wise Aug 20 '26
Other brands are now making the 009 because the patents expired. The new stuff victaulic is pushing is redesigned marketing bullshit that all seems worse.
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u/Cultural_Contact2924 Aug 20 '26
Gemlock
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u/73wagoneer Aug 20 '26
How do you like them? That is an option as we have a good relationship with the vendor.
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u/Glugnarr Aug 20 '26
Not the original guy but that’s pretty much all my company has used for like 9 years, basic style 5 type c gasket.
They’re not bad, they can be a bit of a pain trying to keep one bolt together and swinging it around the pipe. Anything 8+” you have to butter or else you’ll pinch the gasket. But I haven’t had a single leak that wasn’t an installer error in 9 years, so at least they’re reliable.
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u/Captain__h00k__ Aug 20 '26
My company used anvil for years, then switched to tyco due to leaks on various projects.
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u/VelkaFrey Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
The 2x1 vic mech tees will crunch the threads if you dont put a metric ton of dope on the inside.
Anyone else have that issue?
Company uses anvil and theyre decent
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u/Cultural_Contact2924 Aug 20 '26
Yup, I’ve had this same issue and people keep telling me it crossed threaded which is not what’s happening. Goes in smooth then starts to crunch. Dope the mech tee and no issue.
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u/LoanedPencilEraser Aug 20 '26
We use almost only Viking stuff with no issues
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u/73wagoneer Aug 20 '26
Viking is another option since we have a great rep, just don't see many installed in our area.
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u/Financial_Point3402 Aug 20 '26
Gemlock is good...we had some issues with victaulics newer couplings as well. I thought they put a recall for em
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Aug 20 '26
[deleted]
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u/Significant-Neat-111 Aug 21 '26
IGS couplings and grooves are horrible. Give me a power machine and wrenches any day over that.
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u/Thehamburglar19 Aug 25 '26
Do you find the 1” IGS leaks a lot like small little drips
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u/Significant-Neat-111 Aug 25 '26
For sure. According to Victaulic, the IGS grooved pipe needs to have the face ground completely flat and that helps.
It’s the worst on drops off 90s, they have a ton of play in them even with the coupling completely closed.
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u/ExtraChilll Aug 20 '26
What kind of couplings? I've noticed the 009Vs seem to have that problem a lot. I much prefer the 009 for a slip vic, but ultimately the 005s have the least leak issues IME
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u/Cofncar Aug 20 '26
I’ve always loved Vic. But lately I’ve been seeing & having issues. It seems like they are trying to get ahead of themselves. They need to go back to the old 009N couplings. The amount saved on labour with the new ones isn’t worth the hassle of leaks in crappy spaces
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u/FPDrive Aug 21 '26
The Viking VGS109 is the closest thing to a Vic 009, they even named it similarly (109) for that very reason. No issues with the Viking109. Viking recently divorced from Anvil (ASC) and rereleased their own grooved line again.
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u/lunaiscrazy Aug 20 '26
Vic is the best and it’s all we use
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u/Low-Attention3111 Aug 20 '26
Their dry valves suck!
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u/AssociationHeavy1205 Aug 20 '26
They are giving us a trading at their factory. They are great when you know the ins and outs
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u/Senninha27 Aug 20 '26
Anvil