I need to move a drain pipe (1 1/2″ metal) to center up a pedestal sink. Currently the pipe comes up from the slab and into a tee. The pipe continues up to vent. I’ve tried to just turn the tee with a wrench. But 30 years of holding power kept it in position.
Is it a simple matter of cutting the pipe and putting in one of those rubber couplers? Or heat the joint and see if I can muscle it with a wrench? I don’t think it hasn’t bottomed out on its threads.
Martin
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Replies
I would try a no-hub coupling, since it is DWV, and not supply.
Is the pipe just for venting? I imagine a rubber/stainless no hub connector would be fine.
You might try WD-40 overnight, then heat the tee up real hot with a torch followed by your biggest wrench with a pipe extension on the handle.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
.. and if you're real lucky, you won't shear off the riser at the slab!
Bob Chapman
I see you have my kind of luck! True, the force would have to be applied judiciously.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
.. and if you're real lucky, you won't shear off the riser at the slab!
LOL - good point. I would:
1 - Put a second wrench on the pipe -or-
2 - Cut the tee carefully with a sawzall (parallel to the pipe) and then split it off the threads. Clean the pipe threads and install a new tee.
The pipe does both, vent and drain. I have to make the cut on the drain side. Could I still cut and use the hub or would it leak?
MartinHeads I win, tails you lose.
Plumbers use no-hub connectors all the time. Get a good one: One with rubber, a stainless steel sleeve and 2 or 3 hose clamps on each side.
I'd still try lube, heat and CAREFUL force first.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
WD-40 is not a good thread loosening substance, just as it is not a proper cleaner-lube-protective oil. I'm still not sure why people use it at all. For threads on the bottom of the T, wrap the joint with some first aid gauze and soak it with a "liquid-wrench" type penetrating oil. Leave overnight so the oil can wick into voids.This is the type of work you want to start Friday morning on a 3-day weekend when your wife is out of town. ;-)
I wouldn't try too hard to turn an old pipe... I've had them break off and then you're thru. Cut if off with a sawzall and use a no-hub coupling to switch to plastic pipe (ABS or PVC, whichever is typical locally). Go to a real plumbing supply and ask for the right coupling... goes from inch and a half galv to inch and a half plastic. You need to torque them correctly, so maybe buy the wrench for that if you're not sure about how to do it.
I believe it is 60 inch pounds.Les Barrett Quality Construction