Connecting pans

[packrat]

I remember years ago watching my neighbor make syrup he had about 5 pans all hooked together but I didnt ask what he was using to connect. Looked like just plastic pipe put on with 2 hose clamps. Something tells me it wasnt plastic. What does everybody else use? Harold

[Jec]

Copper or stainless steel pipe.

[packrat]

He had a little box sticking out on the side of each pan that had a pipe welded on it that fit up with one on the next pan. Must have been inch and a half. Every thing was made of steel. Thanks Harold

[Sugarmaker]

Some of the mfgs have food grade hose that is used just for connecting pans try Maple Guys first but Leader may have what you need too.
Regards,
Chris

[packrat]

Thanks Sugarmaker

[smokeyamber]

I like copper, cheap and easy to work with. Solder in short threaded nipples to the pans at correct height, then short copper with a 90deg elbow, then a valve on each and a union filtting connecting both. Union fitting can come on and off quickly with a wrench and the valves let you take either pan off without draining the other. Use correct lead free solder and stainless flux for the copper to stainless connection. It is not as complicated as it sounds and makes life much easier.

[Tom_saw]

What size should the pipe be connecting the pans on a 2x6 evaporator?

[RileySugarbush]

Mine are 1/2" NPT from the factory, but are not big enough. I'm going to replace them with 1" this year.