How to Loosen Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes will often need maintenance, but sometimes it's not clear how to remove them. Old clay, cast-iron, concrete or lead plumbing pipes may have to be cut out of place. Copper pipes will also have to be cut and then re-soldered. Today, most pipes are pot metal or plastic and are not so difficult to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Respirator
• Gloves
• Knee pads
• Buckets
• Towels
• Reciprocating saw
• Extension cord
• Channel-lock pliers
• Spray lubricant
• Propane torch
• Pipe wrench(s)

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Instructions

1. Put on all protective gear. Set out buckets or towels under the plumbing pipes you are working on.

2. Cut out any clay, cast, concrete lead or copper pipe connections, using a Sawzall or reciprocating saw. It is recommended that you let a professional plumber handle any old lead pipes because they can cause cancer in humans.

3. Loosen pot metal pipes or plastic plumbing connections with a pair of channel-lock pliers. If the pot metal connection is rusted, use a spray lubricant and let it sit for about 15 minutes before attempting to loosen it again.

4. Heat up galvanized plumbing pipes that won't loosen up with the spray lubricant. Apply the propane torch to the pipe and use a heavy-duty pipe wrench to remove the stubborn pipe connection.

5. Use two pipe wrenches on pipe connection where the entire pipe in the wall is loose. This way you can hold the wall pipe in place while you remove the section you are working on. This prevents any pipes from breaking and causing you more problems.

6. Use a chain wrench on large soil pipes. A chain wrench is a section of chain that is looped around a pipe, and then it works on a ratchet to cut through the soil pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• You're going to get dirty working on any old plumbing pipes you might have, so wear some work overalls and a long-sleeve shirt.

• Don't mess with lead plumbing pipes. Call a professional plumber to remove or replace them. They are very toxic to humans and can cause cancer and other health problems.

References

• Hammer Zone: Replacing Sink Drain Plumbing

Resources

• Super Home Ideas: Bathroom sink repair