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View Full Version : How do you fix one elbow joint of galv. Pipe in a house that is 60 years old?


BrizoB
Jun 18, 2011, 08:30 PM
This looks to me like opening a rusty can of worms because once you try and replace one joint the next one won't break free so you have to cut that one to replace the next and so on. Can't afford to re-pipe entire house. That's not possible right now. Will J.B. Weld hold or just get pushed out of joint by pressurized water?

afaroo
Jun 18, 2011, 08:42 PM
60 years old galvanize, you will be wasting time and money to repair one area at time, the best option is to do re-pipping and you and you will be done with it, good luck.

John

rojo1
Jun 19, 2011, 02:46 PM
As stated by one of our friends, trying to repair one area of an old galvanized sys.
Will lead to more problems. "J B " weld ? Please don't bother. If you can find a plumber
Who can splice a new copper piece to temp. fix the leak at a price that's affordable
"go for it" otherwise it's not so easy

massplumber2008
Jun 20, 2011, 05:21 AM
Hi Brizob,

Yup, As Rojo1 stated, JB weld isn't the answer.

The answer, if you a super handy DIY guy, is to gently cut the galvi. Pipe between two fittings, remove the defective elbow using two wrenches (hold pipe and remove elbow) and remove the cut pipe from the other fitting (use two wrenches). Then you can install a new elbow and install copper pipe or CPVC pipe between the new elbow and the old fitting.

Holding against yourself is key here... not allowing vibrations is another key to success, so use a grinder or similar cutting tool to cut the pipe... DO NOT use a reciprocating saw.

Finally, removing all accessible piping and replacing with copper or CPVC may be a good idea at this time as Afaroo suggested, but that is up to you... ;)

Mark

rojo1
Jun 20, 2011, 10:28 AM
Also, do not forget about electrolysis and use correct connectors whenever dissimilar metals
Come in contact.