Quck answer
To remove a galvanized pipe fitting, you will need the following tools: a pipe wrench, a hacksaw, and a propane torch. First, turn off the water supply and drain the pipes. Then, use the pipe wrench to loosen the fitting by turning it counterclockwise. If the fitting is stubborn, apply heat from the propane torch to expand the metal and make it easier to loosen. Once the fitting is loose, use the pipe wrench to fully remove it. If the fitting is damaged or corroded, you may need to cut it off with a hacksaw and replace it with a new one. Remember to use caution when working with hot pipes and always wear protective gloves.
Galvanized pipes were previously used for water supply lines and are commonly found in older homes. Over time, these pipes corrode, leading to a decrease in water flow and making it challenging to disconnect a threaded galvanized pipe from a fitting. Since galvanized pipes are threaded, you need to unscrew the pipe from the fitting and then remove the fitting from the rest of the galvanized plumbing. To loosen a corroded galvanized fitting, you will need a loosening agent.
Before attempting to loosen any parts, check if there is a union fitting near the fitting you want to remove. A union allows you to disassemble the pipes without cutting them. If there is no union, you will likely have to cut the nearest section of pipe to remove the fitting.
Items You Will Need
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Penetrating oil
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Two pipe wrenches
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Safety glasses
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Reciprocating saw
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1 1/2-inch pipe, 2 feet long
How to Take Off a Galvanized Pipe Fitting
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
Shut off the water supply for the specific pipe section you will be working on. This only applies to water supply pipes and not drain pipes.
Step 2: Apply Penetrating Oil
Spray penetrating oil onto the area where the threaded galvanized pipe connects to the galvanized fitting you want to remove.
Step 3: Loosen the Nearest Pipe Union to the Target Fitting
Locate the union on the galvanized pipe that is closest to the fitting you want to remove. Place one pipe wrench on the union’s locknut and another pipe wrench on the union’s retaining nut. Loosen the union by turning the pipe wrench on the retaining nut counterclockwise while holding the locknut in place with the other pipe wrench. If there is no union near the fitting you want to remove, proceed to Step 3. Otherwise, skip to Step 4.
Step 4: Cut the Pipe Connected to the Fitting
Put on your safety glasses, then use a reciprocating saw to cut the galvanized pipe piece that connects to the fitting you want to remove.
Step 5: Secure the Fitting in Place
Hold the galvanized fitting firmly with one pipe wrench, and place the other pipe wrench on the loose end of the galvanized pipe connected to the fitting.
Step 6: Unscrew the Pipe Using the Pipe Wrench
Turn the pipe wrench counterclockwise to unscrew the loose end of the galvanized pipe from the fitting. If the pipe does not turn, slide the 2-foot-long, 1 1/2-inch pipe over the pipe wrench handle to increase leverage.
Step 7: Remove the Pipe From the Other Side
Transfer the pipe wrench from the loose end of the galvanized pipe to the pipe on the other side of the fitting you want to remove. Then, turn the pipe wrench on the galvanized fitting counterclockwise to remove the pipe fitting. Use the 1 1/2-inch pipe described in Step 5 to assist in removing the galvanized fitting if you cannot turn it with just the pipe wrench.
