Log in

View Full Version : Aluminum drain pipe


3401mjl
Dec 21, 2008, 06:42 PM
I am trying to replace sink drain pipe. The pipe is aluminum going into the wall. I tried a pipe wrench and a cresent wrench. Neither one will grip the pipe enough to turn it. The aluminum pipe is beginning to crush. I sprayed the joint with WD-40. Any suggestions?

21boat
Dec 21, 2008, 07:31 PM
A good pipe wrench will grip well or two together and offset there positions so not to crush the pipe by both wrench pressure being in one spot on the pipe. Less chance of crushing. Are you sure that's not a galvanized pipe that looks like Aluminum ? Is this pipe part of the actual drain from sink and very light Gage? When it goes into the wall there should be a desanko fitting which has a large nut to loosen and take the drain pipe out. Sometimes its buried a bit in the wall. Look for large slender nut to loosen You may be mistaking that nut for a solid part of the other pipe. It may be aluminum and farm thing you could try a couple of rubber strap wrenches like the ones used to take car oil filters off. On the job site we use our torch to heat up a fitting. I don't want you to burn down the house. Try hair dryer at the fitting and the two pipe wrenches. Happy Holiday. Hope this helps

speedball1
Dec 22, 2008, 06:55 AM
I am trying to replace sink drain pipe. The pipe is aluminum going into the wall. I never saw aluminum drainage before. Can you send us a picture? Regards, Tom

afaroo
Dec 22, 2008, 02:03 PM
May be he is talking about chrome plated ones.

Milo Dolezal
Dec 22, 2008, 02:51 PM
I think he has Galvanized Pipe. It looks like aluminum. Aluminum pipe would probably collapse under plumber's pipe wrench...

It is kind of tricky to remove older gal. pipe inside a cabinet. Use the biggest wrench you can position in. Establish solid grip. Than tap the handle of the wrench hard with club hammer. Once you "break" the resistance point, and drain pipe will move a bit, it will go easier and with smaller wrench.

afaroo
Dec 22, 2008, 02:58 PM
Hi 3401mjl

I agree with Milo,If that is the case here is what you need to do apply some WD-40 and let it soaks for a few minute then try what happens, good luck.

John