Am trying to loosen a cleanout plug from a 2 inch cast cleanout that probably has never been used since the house was built in 1960. Have soaked it in penetrating lube but it won’t budge am thinking of using a torch to heat it but am wondering if that might damage the pipe. Any tips from one who has been there would be appreciated.
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Try PB Blaster - it is the best at actually penetrating.
Give it a couple healthy taps straight onto the top of the square.
Give it a couple of healthy taps on the side of where the threads are.
If/when you use heat, only heat the outside threads, not the plug itself.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Those plugs are usually brass. The rooter guys always just destroy the plug (carefully!) with a cold chisel if it is stuck, then reinstall a new one. That way, there is less chance of ruining the iron pipe. The plugs are thin, and break apart easily. Once the center part is gone, the threads can be caved into the center and peeled away from the female iron threads without damaging the iron at all.
Bill
Roto rooter guy here just beat the one on my drain off with a hammer. The iron plugs will crack if hit on the center hard enough. i'd try an impact socket wrench, or use a hammer and cold chisel to try to spin it out myself.
Score a deep 'X' with an angle grinder, then chisel it out.
Thanks for all the suggestions. It looks like an iron plug so I will have to use caution. If I can get it loose or removed, does one install another metal plug or use plastic. Just wondering in advance.
I like brass. Coat the threads with teflon tape or paste, and it will come out next time.