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Author:
Anonymous User
Folks,
I have about a 40 year old galvanized pipe that I am trying to remove so I can run the water line a different route from the top of this "T". Problem is I can't break this pipe loose from this "T". I am using a pair of 10" pipe wrenches and I have tried everying from oil to Pam to try and loosen the grip of the pipe. Is there any way to break these threads loose (heat or cut the pipe or something to that affect)?? I have tried and sweat and sweat but I just can't break this...HELP!!!
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Author:
jjbex (IL)
You need bigger pipe wrenches. Get a couple of 18" wrenches, or at least use a couple of cheaters. You can also heat the pipe or hit the fitting with a hammer
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Author:
Anonymous User
Did you try tightening? This will break it loose where you can loosen it.
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Author:
HytechPlumber (LA)
Apply heat evenly around the fitting of the joint you are trying to break loose. Be sure two wrenches are used and are pulling against one another. There is a certain technique to use optimum leverage. Brute strength does not always work. GOOD LUCK
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Depending on the pipe size, 10" wrenches may not be adequate for tightening new connections, much less loosening 40 year old ones.
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Author:
Plumbum (Canada)
JJbex has it. A SHARP quick blow with a two pound hammer to the tee should get you there.
Bigger wrenches or snipes (cheaters) also.
Avoid flame in older buildings.
gl
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Author:
Anonymous User
It's only a 3/4" pipe but it is in a horrible position by the joists. I dont' think I have the space to get the torque needed. I have to be sure the T is ok once I get the pipe out of it because I need to tap back into it. Can I hack off the pipe and get the threads out somehow else? What exactly are cheaters..like a breaker bar. and if so I would have to go up stairs to use that about a foot away from the joint. woudl it still be useful. Sadly the hammer didn't work. Thanks guys!!
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Author:
jjbex (IL)
John, yes you can hack off the pipe and use a nipple extractor to get the threads out of the T. Just look out when your through, I have done work on galvanised piping and then found a leak elsewhere, caused by the pipe vibrating or shaking. After you get the old threads out, use a tap to clean the threads.
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Author:
steve (CA)
John, cutting the pipe would be last resort for me. If the pipe won't unscrew, the threads are stuck in the fitting and trying to get them out will probably be worse than unscrewing the pipe. Heat the fitting as hot as you can and use bigger wrenches(or your current wrenches with pieces of pipe over the wrench handles to give more leverage).
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Author:
Anonymous User
john this may be a stupid question but is the other end of pipe unhooked?
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Author:
DaveMill (CA)
40-year-old, 3/4 inch galvanized pipes are typically 3/4 blocked with rust and scale.
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