How to Remove Stuck Plumbing Fixtures

Home owners that are enthusiastic about a do-it-yourself plumbing project may find that enthusiasm waning when they come upon a stuck fixture that brings the project to a grinding halt. When this happens, use the techniques that the pros use to get that fixture off and move ahead with the job.

Things You'll Need

• Wrenches
• Center punch
• Hammer
• Cigar torch
• Liquid Wrench penetrating oil
• Hacksaw

Instructions

1. Try first to tighten the nut(s) that are holding the fixture. This seems contrary to the task, but often getting any movement at all will allow the nut to then be backed out the other way and be removed.

2. Use a center punch and hammer to jar it loose. Don't just whack at the whole thing with the hammer, but instead align the center punch with the middle of one of the nut's hexagonal sides and tap it to shake the nut free.

3. Try heating the nut so that it expands, thus allowing you to loosen it. Use a cigar lighting torch or similar and try to heat just the nut and not the bolt. Have your wrench ready and loosen the nut while it is still hot, because it will cool and contract quickly.

4. Apply liberal amounts of Liquid Wrench penetrating oil to the areas where the nut and bolt come into contact. Allow plenty of time for this, as the oil will do what its name implies and penetrate into the threads. Add oil several more times over an entire day if your schedule allows it.

5. Cut the nut and bolt to the fixture off if all other attempts fail. Get a hacksaw and cut through the bolt's threads as if you were making a cross section, and continue cutting through the nut until you can break them off.

Tips & Warnings

• Lime deposits that are causing stuck plumbing can be removed by vigorously brushing with a wire brush, and then putting some white vinegar on the remaining deposits to dissolve the rest.

References

• Loosening a Stuck Nut

Resources

• Lubricants and Penetrants