How to Disconnect an Oil Furnace From a Water Line

The oil furnace in some buildings may be connected to baseboard heaters or wall-style radiators that use hot water to radiate heat. The furnace is typically connected to a tank or other contained reservoir for heating water that flows to the radiators in the home. The system may also be hooked up to a humidifier with a pipe for the water supply. Before repairing or replacing the oil furnace or the water tank, shutting off the water valve and disconnecting the pipe are crucial. This project takes less than an hour to do with basic tools.

Silicon-based spray lubricant
Adjustable pipe wrench
Work gloves
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the furnace and wait for it to cool down. Turn off the circuit breaker to the furnace.
- 2
  Twist the oval or round knob on the water line clockwise as far as it will rotate to shut off the water.
- 3
  Spray lubricant around the hexagonal coupler on the end of the water line. Let the lubricant seep into the threading for at least 10 minutes to make it easier to disconnect the line.
- 4
  Place a pipe wrench on the coupler and tighten the adjustment wheel on the wrench.
- 5
  Pull the wrench handle counterclockwise to unscrew the coupler and disconnect it from the furnace.
- 6
  Lower the end of the disconnected line into a bucket to catch any residual water and avoid making a mess on the floor.

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