Ask Me Help Desk - How to open Brass cleanout cap?

Hello hopefully someone can help me. I have a brass cleanout cap surrounded with cast iron. I'm really inexperienced in these types of things so I called a plumber and he told me to bang it out. I proceeded to bang it out when I thought I should get a second opinion. Another plumber told me that's not a good idea cause you can damage the threads on the cast iron. The guy from the hardware store says he has a pipe wrench to get it off.

Well now I'm stuck. I already followed the first plumbers advice of banging it out. Now the square part where you use the wrench to unscrew is sunken in and I can't get a wrench around it now. How can I get it off without damaging the threads? Should I proceed the banging out process? If so what's the proper way to bang it with a hammer? If I do damage the threads will there still be a way to get a new cleanout cap on? Thanks

One more question. I just read that I can cut the square part off to make a hole and cut in the 10 and 2 positions and it should make it simple. They said to use a sawzall which I can't afford right now. Is there another way to cut the square part off? Also if I can get to the point of cutting in the 10 and 2 postions can I just use a sawzall blade by hand? Thanks

I'm sorry for posting so much just one more thing. I also read if you do damage the threads you can just use a rubber compression dollar plug. Are there any stores I can go to that sell them. Checked homedepot and Lowe's online and they did not have it. Thanks

I can't really tell you without a photo, but it sounds like you need to get a big screw extracter, also called an easy out, to get the cap out. First, you drill a hole in the damaged cap, tap the easy out into the hole, and use a wrench to turn it as to remove. Ask the people at the hardware store to show you how to use it.

I cannot believe a plumber would tell you to beat on this fitting.

After you get the cap off, and do whatever it is that you are doing, get a new on to replace the damaged one.

Good luck.

Here is a pretty good description of the process: Removing stubborn cleanout plug [Archive] - DoItYourself.com Community Forums

A hacksaw would work.

However, before trying to cut the plug in pieces. Clean up the edges with a wire brush and soak in some penetrating oil overnight.

WHat I would try is to get say some square stock about 1" or so from the hardware store and couple of 3/8 bolts. Hopefully you can drill a few holes into the brass plate along an inner radius, say in a 4 bolt pattern.

Then attach. Two long 3/8 bolts to the bar with a nut and you made yourself a BIG spanner wrench. Something like this: Martin Tools 430 2-1/2" C to C, Face Spanner Wrench

It's basically two pins a set distance apart.

If you drill the bar first in three spots. Center and 2 holes equidistant. You want to be far apart with the pins. Drill like a 1/4 hole for centering and tap a hole in the center of the plug.

Now you can drill perfectly centered template holes.

Insert your big bolts and have at it with the large lever arm.

Easyouts won't work.

Your brass cap is probably 4" or so in diameter.

Basically I'm trying to get you to screw bar (square tube) on the cleanout with two pins (Bolts) and to cut the square nut off with a hacksaw.

You may not have the room to do this though, If not, you have to cut. You can RENT a sawsall or jigsaw from Home Depot if need be.

I am NOT a licencesed plumber but I have removed many 3-4" BRASS plugs from cast. Yes, I also don't even waste too much time turning it out, if it don't turn right away I hit the center and break through. If that don't losen it it enough I take my chisel and push the plug threads away from cast so it will turn out. Using good teflon tape and then also pipe thread sealent I use a brass plug or PVC. The teflon will make it easy to turn out again if needed.

Post a photo of it... Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Easyouts won't work.

Your brass cap is probably 4" or so in diameter.

Basically I'm trying to get you to screw bar (square tube) on the cleanout with two pins (Bolts) and to cut the square nut off with a hacksaw.

You may not have the room to do this though, If not, you have to cut. You can RENT a sawsall or jigsaw from Home Depot if need be.

That's funny, I have used an easy out on one that was run over by a bulldozer. Thanks.

Hey Reji,
I'm with TopCat. Take a hammer and break that sucker out in the middle, being careful the pieces don't fall down the opening. If it can't be pulled out take a chisel and break the brass threads loose. You may now either turn or simjply peel the rest of it out.
Purchase a replacement and Teflon Tape the threads before installation. Good luck, Tom