How do I pry apart a section of iron pipe stuck together by years of rust & corosion?
Question:I am repalcing a section of a gas line used to fuel my backyard pool heater. The pipe is rusted and is very difficult to turn. 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. Is there a special lubricate that I can buy to loosen the fitting before trying to twist it off. In addition, I am working with 1 1/4 inch pipe with 18 inch pipe wrenches. Not sure if the wrenches are big enough? Can anyone give me an idea or some tips on how to remove this pipe?
Answers:
Yes, righty tighty, lefty loosy works with pipe thread. You should be turning it counter clockwise to loosen it. I would try a product called PB Blaster. It's a penetrating catalyst that will break almost anything free of rust. You might want to step up to 24" pipe wrenches too.
use a cutting torch.
My plumber hubby said that you should heat the pipe up {only if it is non active - no gas in pipe} and there is a special lubricant that you can use that will get those fitting off. Good luck!
To remove a badly rusted iron pipe coupling is usually quite impossible. But if not to bad you can try spraying WD40 or CRC penetrating oils onto the joint and wait an hour or so for the stuff to dissolve some of the rust. Then heat the coupling rapidly and immediately after try to turn it off with your wrench. It will be a normal right-hand thread. (Lefty-Loosy)lol!
If that does not work and you wish to keep the thread on the pipe intact, you can carefully grind a longitudinal slit into the coupling with a 4-inch angle grinder using those really thin cutting disks without damaging the pipe thread. The coupling will then split and unscrew. If necessary a second cut on the opposite side will definitely do the job. Remember that gas leaks are extremely dangerous and after the re-assembly using proper sealing thread tape , the joints when under pressure should be tested for leaks by brushing on detergent looking for tell-tale bubbles.
the wrenches are big enough you just have to really put some back in it if it is too rusted you may need to go back to a joint that you can get loose then replace up to there.
good luck.
When i find gas pipe as corroded as you indicate, i replace it. That said, take an inch and a half pipe, five foot long and slip that over the handle of your pipe wrench (IE cheater bar). The mechanical advantage WILL undo this pipe.
Heating a gas pipe with a torch is never a good idea. Pockets of gas can hide in fittings and low points in the pipe. When heated, they can expand and start to move around. Not good.
The other suggestions to this point are good. Get the PB Blaster. It does wonders. Auto parts store should have it.
Make sure the gas is off. Turn it counter-clockwise. If you can not get it to turn with the pipe wrench you have, put a pipe over the end of the wrench for better leverage.
Step One
Put on rubber gloves.
Step Two
Treat the affected material (metal or otherwise) with a rust-removing agent that contains oxalic acid, taking care to follow instructions on the product label.
Step Three
Treat severe rust stains (especially in toilet bowls) with a pumice scouring pad along with the rust-removing agent.
Step Four
Prevent indoor metal items from rusting by keeping their surfaces dry, dusting regularly and wiping down occasionally with a damp cloth. Dry immediately after wiping down.
Step Five
Keep outdoor wrought-iron structures rust-free by removing existing rust with a wire brush, some sandpaper or a sandblaster. Then go over bare spots with rust-inhibiting primer and paint the surface with rust-resistant metal paint.
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