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View Full Version : How to unclog a hot water pipe?


sprasad
Sep 6, 2011, 02:44 PM
While my husband was plumbing new cooper pipes for the hot water. He had used his rubber gloves to clog the end of the pipe. He placed a copper cap on the rubber gloves, he was planning on removing the gloves before soldering. That never happen and he unkownly soldered it with the gloves now it has clogged our hot water pipe. He tried flushing the gloves by pushing cold water through the hot water pipes, but was unsuccessful of pushing the gloves out. Any idea how we can get that rubber glove to come out?

mygirlsdad77
Sep 6, 2011, 03:15 PM
Most likey the gloves melted to the pipe. You may have to cut that portion of pipe out and replace it.

hkstroud
Sep 6, 2011, 03:31 PM
I'm not sure I follow your post but I think what your are saying is that your hubby used a latex glove to stop some dripping water and forgot to remove it.

If that is correct and you turned the water on that glove could be any where between between where he put it and the next available valve. It could also be hung up at a 90 degree turn.

No reasonable approach other than cut out the piping between the joint where he put the glove and the next valve or turn. Obviously he can solder pipe so reconnecting pipe with a couple couplings shouldn't be a big deal.

I agree with MGD that the heat probably melted it into a glob but no to tell where it is now.

speedball1
Sep 8, 2011, 08:03 PM
Soldering wearing laytex gloves is a first for me, How large was the pipe? 3/4" copper?
I'm curious. I've installed plenty of heaters and never once capped off a line. Did her not complete the job and wished to restore pressure? If so why not? I can understand wearing gloves, but laytex gloves? This isn't open heart surgery he's installing a water heater. Oh well!
I agree with the other experts. Cut the bad part out and replace barehanded. Good luck, Tom