How to Get Old Metal Plumbing Loose

Age and corrosion can have a devastating effect on the connections holding metal plumbing pipes together. The corrosion will fill the voids between the male threads of the piping and the female threads of the nut. When this occurs, the connections will seize in place. Severely corroded threads require more than lubrication and force to free the connection. Using the proper technique for loosening the piping will reduce the time involved with replacing an outdated plumbing system.

1-gallon pail
Butane torch
Wet rag
Slip-joint pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Place a 1-gallon pail under the seized connection. Turn off the water if the metal plumbing is between three-eighths and one-half inch in diameter.
- 2
  Press the igniter to light a butane torch. Hold the torch flame 2 to 3 inches from the metal pipe connection. Heat the entire connection until the nut or coupling section of the pipe begins to discolor. Turn off the torch.
- 3
  Apply a wet rag to the heated connection until the joint cools.
- 4
  Grab the nut or coupling with a pair of slip-joint pliers. Turn the pliers one-quarter turn clockwise. Reverse the direction to loosen the connection.
- 5
  Reheat and cool the connection if the nut or coupling refuses to turn. Allow all water sitting in the pipe to drain before moving the pail to the next connection.

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