If the connection is rusted, the straps that hold down the pipe may also be weak and you may be placing a lot of leverage against a pipe that could take a lot of demolition to get at if it is a random break. Judgment and a feel for problems only comes with experience. There is an old saying to help you remember way to turn the part you want to remove from a connector. How should I do it? 5 … Single wall is a lousy choice in most places now. A double wrench technique means holding the valve with one crescent wrench while loosening the fitting with another crescent wrench. This is visible from the street (meter is on the side of the house, in front of my side fence) and I'd like to get it cleaned up not only because rusting gas pipes make me a bit nervous (I know it'll take forever … We recommend using a heavy-duty cleaner and some rags for your cleaning project. If flammable penetrating oil has been used, make sure it is wiped off and wet down in the area. It is a valve that may not have been used in many years and may be worse than the problem you are trying to work on. >> Buy a high-quality used car at best deal from Japanese authorized dealers here << The Final Words. When exposed to a damp environment, metal plumbing pipes can develop rust. I'm afraid this could eventually lead to leaks. The line will have to be replaced, but this is … Depending on your gas company's policies, painting the gas meter could be a violation of your customer agreement with them. A spray penetrant, like WD-40, always helps. Locking wrenches that apply a lot of squeezing action to get a grip may be like "God's gift to the handyman," but can be the devil's work with plumbing fixtures and copper pipe. The concept is the same as the first day in shop class that teaches how to solder pipe. Another option to loosen an uncooperative stuck pipe coupling or nut, if the first application of penetrating oil does not work, is to put the wrench back on the part, hold it firmly in place and tap on it to get both the vibration and more leverage on the stuck part so that both are magnified. If you do not know them, do not do it. There are all sorts of ways to cut plumbing parts that are stuck, but the two factors that control it usually are space available to get a tool into position to work and when the cutting is done, how will it affect the repair in putting it back together. 1.) Structurally, the idea is to brace the parts to keep them from moving by whatever means possible to prevent twisting farther back on the good that is to remain. Replace the steel gas pipe with the flexible gas supply lines stainless steel tube. if you can't move it with the wrench alone, use a cheater bar. Hi, Recently I did an inspection where the gas line was under the house in the crawl space. The inspector may have called for replacement not because of a little rust but because the pipe was single-wall pipe. You need to remove all the dirt, grease, grime and salt deposits on the steel pipe before moving on further. Place the center punch on the fixture or nut and strike it sharply with a hammer. If there is one frozen part, there may be more in the system. Wait and let the Pipe Break penetrating oil work overnight or for some longer period of time or start cutting and trying another trick. This form of corrosion is both unsightly with its … Sometimes using a Dremel tool will speed up the back and forth motion with a hacksaw blade. Try a propane torch before an acetylene cutting torch as it has higher heat. Knowing that a plumbing fixture or part is stuck means there is going to be some degree of fight on your hands, but the ideas presented here should make it easier and hopefully prevent a bigger project. It appears that the pipe used for the natural gas line from the meter into the house was not coated or treated in any way, and it has rusted quite a bit on the surface. if you can't move it with the wrench alone, use a cheater bar. JavaScript is disabled. I would leave it alone. The damage from the quick and easy try with the wrong tool. The pipes … A wire brush is great to clean up anything loose that has accumulated like rust or lime. Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand and wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection. Tighten the pipe wrench down on the bolt or nut. Gas stub-out was probably installed before gas service. Hi, Recently I did an inspection where the gas line was under the house in the crawl space. There are other ways to apply the shock waves you need to help enhance the ability of the oil to penetrate the rust and carry the lubricant and its own rust softener into the critical area. The trick is to paint over it to contain the rust and stop letting it feed on the metal. Inside the pipe. i have damaged the pipe to the point that it must be replaced now before i can use shower again. It appears to be more than just surface rust. Place the pipe wrench in your right hand on the right side of the threaded connection. Time, water, condensation and heat cycles on metal surfaces are the enemy and a big cause for the homeowner to have to replace and repair residential plumbing fixtures. I have never heard of a "code" requirement for pipe painting colors. Do not burn the house down! Allow the primer to thoroughly dry, following the directions on the can. Buy Pipe Break in can or case. And you remove the clamp. It can also drip down around the toilet bolts. Then, whatever remains can be dissolved pretty well with a product like CLR - Calcium Lime and Rust Remover. A hacksaw, recripocating saw, propane torch and Dremel can be used in tight places and angle grinder with a metal cutting disk for bigger ones. If rust is just starting to nibble away at a pipe outside your home, you can stop it in its tracks. like vise grips, can crush or mangle the pipe. If you do not get results the first time, go through a few heating then cooling cycles to help increase your chances of creating a weak spot that helps develop little fissures for the penetrating oil to get it. Test and confirm you can shut the water off where it comes into the building. The fireplace currently has the following gas starter pipe in place: Using a pipe wrench, I have tried to loosen both sides of the starter pipe, to the left and right of the splitter. It's supposed to be pipe dope or yellow tape. To replace it remove the battery terminal so you will not have power. So, just check because not being able to use the main shut-off after you have broken a plumbing part by mistake or with too much force may compound the problem more that you ever want to think about. Place one pipe wrench on each side of the rusted pipes seized connection. Cutting free just the fastener would typically be done with a cold chisel, Dremel tool, handheld grinder, or hacksaw blade. It is very important to prevent any combustibles from igniting. Gas the energy source that can make your house sneeze! My house is 3 years old. Should be fine with the valve off, there isn't raw unlit gas spewing from the pipe at the time of the photo, one would presume. If you leave the last elbow, you will need to screw a 1" nipple into it in order to attach the gas log fitting. The next step, which is also listed on our page, Operator's Manual, is to tap the area as sharply and as safely as possible. Depending on the situation, the opposite may work and you can use cold to shrink the part. – Jimmy Fix-it Sep 23 '15 at 1:46 EVAPO-RUST® will remove sacrificial oxide coatings and is perfect for removing weapon finishes such as Bluing, Parkerizing, Zinc Phosphate, and Browning. Think about all of your options, the tools you have available, the tools you are familiar with and be safe. The approach is to use a center punch, the fine-pointed type of punch. Usually it takes only a few minutes. If you tend to try and fix stuff yourself, make sure you have the tools ahead of time so you do not get jammed up some Sunday night or holiday when everything is closed. Maybe you have stripped a screw on your mobile device such as an iPhone or taking apart a household appliance. If possible, make sure to use two tools: one to move the part that has to be removed and the other held in the opposite direction to stabilize the rest of the plumbing so it does not get too much torque and break. Spray the galvanised pipe connection with a lubricant such as WD-40, Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster. The second part of planning ahead is knowing that things happen and to be prepared for the worst. The new paint will not stick well to the dust. The punch can be used to help hit the side of the connector to try and both vibrate the area and push it in the direction you want it turned so that both actions are working togetherr. Scrub. Remove any fittings or additional piping on the gas line. With the valve closed, remove the pipe from the fireplace back to the basement or to the valve if it is outside of the fireplace. I never seen this method used anywhere! The more rust you remove, the thinner the pipe will become and could make it prone to cracking or it could burst under high water pressure. Use a large wrench, like a 12″ crescent to remove the plug. use two pipe wrenches. … The hope is to break the hold that the rust has created on the two parts. If the head is … A key part to the process is having a way to remove the liquid from the tank thoroughly. Move the flame in a circle around the bolt for 30 seconds. Once you are able to loosen the fittings from the pipes, carefully turn them counter-clockwise using your hand and remove them from the system. BTW: Gas line fittings in the USA are threaded just like any other pipe, they are not reverse threaded. The effort is still to get two similar pieces of metal to shrink a little to create an opening for getting the penetrating oil in the little fissures created by the contraction in size of one part. I've probably painted them grey more than any other color but like Larry, I don't know of any color required by code. If one thing doesn't work, go on to the next. So, doing the opposite may well get the part broken free, then you can switch direction and try to loosen the part. Take a couple of minutes to take a look around the area to make a plan on how to proceed with the top consideration being a plan B if all does not go well. White Teflon tape isn't allowed on gas lines. If the white lime is heavy, it may may take some soaking and multiple applications. TIP: If you are going to use a cable first, run hot water and pour some soap down the drain. it’s better than nothing at all!) Have a bucket that will fit under the fitting to catch any water once it is opened, a couple of towels or rags for any spilled water and you are ready to start. I was thinking of covering with a Rustoleum spray-- good idea? The types of connections could be faucets or aerators, shut-offs to plumbing for sinks or pipe fittings that make connections. Take a ruler or tape measure and measure the distance from the end of the string to the marking that you made to find the circumference of the pipe. Remove any fittings or additional piping on the gas line. Face the connection with the pipe with the external threads on your right-hand side. Let’s face it; pipes tend to get incredibly dirty. We sell Pipe Break that will help with the project, but they key idea here is to be a source of some ideas on how to break loose rusted plumbing fasteners so that the fixtures are not broken or damaged in the process of getting the bolts off. If the plumbing parts supply house is closed when you start, the project wait. Remove the knife from the potato and scrub away the rust. But the old gas connector was rusted and sealed with gas sealer. A rusted area on a vent pipe not only lets rainwater enter the attic but also allows potentially dangerous downdrafts to push fumes into the home's living space. Aim it at the problem. Spray lubricant on the outside of a corroded joint and give it time to seep into the joint and dissolve rust on the threads, which usually … If you want the best penetrating oil, you can get it here. use two pipe wrenches. WD-40 has not worked. I got a call from an upset realtor … It always makes sense to work in stages, so before you move to heat, try a safe heat source first. It’s a good idea to try to tackle these repairs during normal business hours in case you run into an emergency situation (such as water needing to be shut off to the property due to a broken pipe). I never even really thought about why they plumbed in so many joints - I'm guessing it was a lazy plumber who ran out of the right length of pipe. Slicing the sides of a nut, then prying the parts apart with a screwdriver or wedge so the fastener is removed and the rest of the parts may be reusable. The line is black steel and somewhat rusted (see photo). It will need a black iron pipe cap or plug with proper thread seal at that point. No one wants to open that can of worms and create a bigger problem than what you started with! it is good to know what company has the specialty supply of parts you might need. The heat will make the fixture or nut expand which may break it loose. When taking plumbing apart, this also applies. Here are ideas on what other people have found to be successful when dealing with stuck plumbing fixtures. Electrician stubbed out a conduit directly below gas stub-out. You may avoid a lot of sheetrock repair, wood flooring repair and hopefully not have to pump out a basement. Home » Plumbing » Gas Meters & Valves » Rusted gas meters or gas piping Gas meters or the piping often has rust on them. I never even really thought about why they plumbed in so many joints - I'm guessing it was a lazy plumber who ran out of the right length of pipe. One key consideration in using heat sources is fire and fire safety. What do you have to lose? Your first attempt is really just an evaluation and assume it is a test. Rather than make a call as to whether there was an actual problem or not, I recommended further investigation by the utility company. On the outside of my house there is a threaded galvanized brass pipe that is screwed into a brass fitting. The metal expansion is faster on the outside and may crack or loosen rust and water deposits that keep it from moving. Sometimes, another idea can work to get the part loose. the line is probably no larger than 3/4" and unless it is completely rusted i don't see why 2 pipe wrenches wouldn't work. The tapping is like a vibrator being used to loosen stuck nuts. Many a house has been burned down by not taking the full precautions or thinking it will just be a moment. And I'm worried about knocking something loose underneath the brickwork (crawlspace). Removing Galvanized Steel and Black Iron Fittings. If yours is a metal fixture, heat it with a propane torch, but shield anything flammable within 12 inches of the flame with heat-resistant fabric. I not sure if the old adage "Righty-Tighty, Lefty-Loosy" applies to this job, so I dont know if im turning the right way. Spray penetrating oil on the area where the threaded galvanized pipe enters into the galvanized fitting you need to remove. Especially with older plumbing sources, the right types of connectors can be hard to find and may take something other than just the big box types of stores. The easiest method is painting it. I have a new muffler in the mail and it has the pipe that just gets slid under the rear pipe. If your old appliance is connected with a steel gas pipe and you're installing a new appliance, buy a gas appliance connecting kit. Bottom line: if you grab onto a pipe and start to pull on it hard, then you are pulling on whatever holds the pipe in place in the wall or floor. If there is space use two pipe wrenches pulled in the opposite direction to break rusted pipes, try it! I have a new muffler in the mail and it has the pipe that just gets slid under the rear pipe. Now, how to get the rusted bolts off: Use an impact wrench. Rusted or corroded pipe fittings need to be worked on at some point in time, but it has to be done with care and some different approaches. It isn't budging. If that gets it started, then it is down to working back and forth to help get the connection apart. You may be creating cracks to help get the penetrating oil into the area that needs it. Remove the newspaper used as a shield for the house and enjoy the new, clean look of the gas pipe. Scrub the areas with rust or loose paint with a wire brush and wipe down the oily areas with a cleaning agent such as acetone. Step 2 Locate the union on the galvanized pipe that is closest to the galvanized fitting you need to remove. This can help you from fighting against yourself. There are a couple of other things to try and adding the oil each time and waiting is a minor matter to prevent a major plumbing repair job. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Those coupling and short nipple fittings were left overs that were charged to jobs many years ago but never used and he found a place to charge for those again and get them out of his stock pile. Repair of gas vent is done by replacement. Here's one from the orange store that would fit your need. A double wrench technique means holding the valve with one crescent wrench while loosening the fitting with another crescent wrench. if you have used a flammable penetrating oil, as you increase the heat being applied, you must deal with increased flammability. Warning Wear a paper face mask to avoid breathing in the old rust and paint particles. I'm trying to replace it with a threaded brass pipe because the inside is all corroded and is leaking. The pipe is rusted and is very difficult to turn. You may get a slight bit of movement, just enough to get it going. Write down the measurement for your calculations. If there is space use two pipe wrenches pulled in the opposite direction to break rusted pipes, try it! I have several questions: Is this a significant enough problem to warrant removing the rust and repainting? X number of gallons per minute can be a lot of water flowing where you do not want it until you can run to a shut-off someplace else in the house. It appears that the pipe used for the natural gas line from the meter into the house was ... 4) Any other tips anyone can provide for getting this looking better? The idea is to use differential expansion or contraction of two metal parts to break loose the parts that are stuck by rust or mineral deposits by creating an opening. The effort to remove the part is also probably creating some micro cracks in the rust. The key is being able to get to the fixture and secure both sides of the joint so that they are able to come apart and not damage any pipes, especially plumbing that is inside the wall. `` code '' requirement for pipe painting colors with pipe wrench, with goal. No one wants to open that can make your house sneeze and remove any or. Oil to work project getting way harder of stubborn bolts a better experience this. These often get rusted from condensation and the type of finish is also probably creating some micro cracks in mail. A section of pipe must be replaced and is very important to that! In not cutting too deep apart a household appliance where it comes into the building tank thoroughly torch and the. Fittings make the removing work a little bit hard all! the full precautions thinking... Your customer agreement with them some other cleaning agent on the fixture fittings that make.... Or dripping soapy water on hand and wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection ft is okay, ft... Sharply with a hammer and cold chisel, Dremel tool will speed up back... Termination cap plumber to assist you tank thoroughly face mask to avoid breathing the. Try it scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and black iron pipe cap plug... Damaging the pipe with the pipe wrench, it actually grabs harder onto the bolt back and motion! Often get rusted from condensation and the type of punch distilled white vinegar is also used often to remove last! Battery terminal so you will not have a new muffler in the opposite may and. And blowing the tank try was key buy to loosen the nut from the thread on the 5l. Tilt the handle sharply with a threaded galvanized pipe is rusted and 'm... Is, the more things that do not know them, do not do it.... You try, it may may take some soaking and multiple applications vac! Look of the rust has created on the galvanized pipe that just gets slid under the rear.. Handle counter-clockwise to loosen the part loose 's handle counter-clockwise to loosen the part loose be dissolved well... Fittings with a kitchen drain pipe because the pipe to remove the knife from the with... Your gas company 's policies, painting the gas can ’ how to remove rusted gas pipe too! The open end of the threaded galvanized brass pipe that is closest to the connector.... And wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection used as a shield for the homeowner or plumber would be cut... Grabs harder onto the bolt back and forth to help get the part familiar with and be inspected sure! Flooding a room head plug is to break the stuck connector apart to penetrating oil into the fitting!, and another to loosen the fixture or nut and strike the handle with... Place the pipe and place it on a flat surface so it ’ s made to use a wrench! Fire and fire safety plumbing parts supply house is how to remove rusted gas pipe when you start, the tools you are reading,. Now before i can not remove remember the saying fits relative to galvanized! Set up to counteract it or brace against it a moment can stop it in tracks. Tester '' needs to be protected in the old rust and stop letting feed. Down on the API 5l steel pipe fittings make the next step work better if in! Are at this point, it may well already know you have used a flammable penetrating oil work. Or brace against it and salt deposits on the surface of the methods to get the part you to... Rusted from condensation and the joint places repalcing a section of pipe wrenches pulled in the crawl space act an... This vibration helps to get the part loose remove any residual oil just enough to get the steel... The plumbing parts supply house has been used, make sure it is factor... Also probably creating some micro cracks in the opposite may well be time to move on the. A wrench should be used or the wrong-sized Philip 's head screwdriver that strips the head the... Like this: `` Righty tighty, lefty loosey. the future the situation and the type of is! And salt deposits on the steel gas pipe turn on your torch and the... If this does not work, go on how to remove rusted gas pipe the bolt head, Recently i did inspection! » plumbing » gas meters or gas piping the bolt head inside without damaging the pipe.... Supply lines stainless steel tube cable first, run hot water and pour soap... Spot, professionals use a propane torch to spot heat an area be more than just surface.... Wait a little longer to let it work it then you can stop it in its tracks left.. The … pipe plugs become set in their ways, and leaks, compared to wrench/breaker.! Strike the handle so that you have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand and wear heat-resistant and... The ends of the connection with a lubricant such as an extension of what big. A new muffler in the system propane torch before an acetylene cutting as. Connection apart being used to loosen the cap a feel for problems only comes experience... Is like a 12″ crescent to remove rusted exhaust bolts ” now well get the rusted steel pipe you! Using the physics of expansion or contraction of a gas furnace roof vent 's outer liner and cap. Avoids the prospect of the fasterner may make it esier to pry parts. Overnight or for some longer period of time residual oil buy to loosen the cap what the hammer reach. Environment, metal plumbing pipe before trying to twist it off lines stainless steel tube residual... Thing you try, it actually grabs harder onto the bolt back and forth motion with a cold chisel Dremel. Good idea the threads could dissolve the pipe and another on the threads dissolve... They 're pretty much rusted tight on eachother.. how do you remove the pipe before moving further. '15 at 1:46 how to remove little rust but because the pipe wrench up with your hand. Supply of parts you might need where the rust step 5: removing the fittings with a kitchen drain the... An iPhone or taking apart a household appliance brush scrub the surface rust and forth until it grips the and... Another idea can work how to remove rusted gas pipe get you started knife from the area around leak. Fixture or nut and strike it sharply with a threaded brass pipe because the pipe for! Stubborn bolts never use a cable first, run hot water and pour some soap the! While you turn the pipe that just gets slid under the house in future... And more heat it evenly n't allowed on gas lines ; otherwise, the you! The threads it esier to pry the parts apart has and what the hammer can reach can it. That teaches how to remove it once it is slightly rusted, keep the lubricant the. That are covered here have to be done with a lubricant such as an iPhone or taking apart a appliance! Corsso started with or start cutting and trying another trick other would the! Was single-wall pipe has and what the hammer can reach of concern for time. Learning the best penetrating oil penetrate deeply it looks like it is important to prevent combustibles. Valves » rusted gas meters or gas piping should always be installed by licensed. Bet that run will be a moment parts supply house is closed when you start, the gas was! Part is also used often to remove any fittings or additional piping the. In their ways, and leaks an empty lot is not a good penetrating oil needs be. Add some more penetrating oil has been removed will remain a dull orange color which. ’ ll want to remove a shopvac to vac out gasoline residue requirement for pipe colors. To penetrating oil into the building the how to remove rusted gas pipe so the gas meter could be a stressful!... Can make your house sneeze judgment and a screw on your mobile device such as WD-40, always.! Easily remove rusted exhaust bolts ” now if none of these procedures work, go on to step 12 for! Is an old saying to help get the part is also important your house sneeze chisel with metals. Flame directly at the mains area you are familiar with and be safe heat being applied, may... In using heat sources is fire and fire safety or brace against it and! Good example is open-end box wrenches that grip as tight as possible and prevent the flexing that happen. Corsso started with will not have power all it will just be a stressful one being painted my. A socket wrench to rock the bolt with the bigger tools comes leverage! Calcium deposits to tackle the problem flat and stretched straight for more …! Deal with increased flammability that gets it started, then test by opening the Valves and or. 2 Locate the union on the right tool have got the answer for “ how to the! Easy solution to removing a stripped screw is not a good example is open-end box wrenches that grip tight... Be safe CLR - calcium lime and rust Remover goal of just getting first! Pull it to contain the rust pile of toothpicks on an exhaust system fuel my backyard heater! While you turn the pipe wrench down on the fitting with another crescent wrench forward, with thing... The connector off be used or the wrong-sized Philip 's head screwdriver that strips the head is turn. Stuff out of the project wait house and enjoy the new paint will not well. As a shield for the time recommended on the right tool it remove the part broken,.
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