Hi all,

I am removing old copper pipes from where I removed a water softener that stopped working. When I traced it back to the main water supply and the hot water tank-there was another capped pipe that I don't understand why it is there or used for.

I am planning on cutting & joining the main and the hot water tank at either point 1 if I don't need the capped pipe or at point 2 if I do need it. The cold water to the rest of the house is just below the joint and to the right of where I plan on cutting.

So, my question is - What is it used for and can it be removed?

I am planning on replacing the copper throughout the house with PEX as we remodel our entire house.

Thank you,

MacWarrior

It's a makeshift air column to eliminate water hammer. Used all the time.

That was 1 guess that I had. Well, it doesn't work. So I guess it's coming out. Thank you!

MacWarrior

Your guess is as good as mine -- It could be a air column as KISS suggests, or it could be a stub-out for a future addition.

Regardless, cut it out and get on with the re-pipe.

One suggestion, though; This being a gas fired H/W Tank, I would strongly urge you consider installing an expansion tank on the cold water side of the system to counteract the effects of thermal expansion.

Just my two pence.