Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    SJJ87's Avatar
    SJJ87 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 18, 2010, 03:47 PM
    Any ideas what a mystery water pipe is doing here?
    We have a cinderblock foundation to our home (built 1940) and in renovating one of the basement rooms, we found a 3/4" galvenized water pipe with an in-line valve, then a hose bib coming off of the valve, sticking out of the cinder block (about 4" above grade as half of the basement is exposed). Of course this monstrosity is sticking out into our intended walking space by about 8 inches. We were going to try to take off the in-line and cap the thing (reducing its intrusion to 4 inches) but the valve WILL NOT come off (PB Blaster, Knock-er-loose, blow torch, nothing will get this thing off). We opened all the valves on the pipe, and no water comes out (we initially got some air, but that's all). The water main is on a complete opposite corner of the house. Any idea what this pipe is/is it safe to just cut it off and leave it uncapped?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Oct 18, 2010, 04:09 PM

    I haven't a clue what a old 60 year old pipe went to but I know what I'd do with it. Block walls right? And you're going to fur out the walls and drywall and paint, Correct? And you know this is a dead line, right?
    Then I'd cut that 3/4 tight to the wall and drywall over it.
    Worried about leaving a open line in the wall? No problem! Make your cut a inch or so close to the wall. Get a set of 3/4" pipe dyes and put a threade on the pipe and cap it off. You'll have to fur out a little farther but your pipe will be hidden. Since the pipe's been setting there open without any floods I'd simply cut it short and wall it in. Good luck, Tom
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Oct 19, 2010, 01:46 PM
    Could be an old well line or an old city supply that corroded out. As Speedball says, cut it off, maybe fill it with Bondo or hammer a wooden dowel in it and cover it up.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Water Heater Mystery! [ 2 Answers ]

Hi, We thought our problem was the hot water heater (electric) but now we don't know. In our shower, which has 3 shower heads, one suddenly only gives out lukewarm water, while the 2 next to it give out nice hot water. Also, our daughter's bathroom shower only gives off lukewarm water, while her...

Water hammering, water arresters, big pipe flowing into small pipe [ 2 Answers ]

Hi, I have a water hammer (I'm guessing) problem in our house. All the pipes are under the house and it is a timber house so each time there is a water hammer noise it is extremely noisy. Basically any tap in the house is making the noise when turning on or off quickly with loud bangs. Cold...

Shower water pressure mystery ? [ 3 Answers ]

About two weeks ago wife noticed when we turned shower on and pulled the gizmo on the spout to throw water up to the shower that after the shower was on for a few minutes that a very small lleak but strong line of water would start to come out of the tub spout into tub. No biggie shower still...

Mystery pipe in basement [ 10 Answers ]

Whichever one of you esteemed plumbing masters can answer this riddle, shall win my respect and adoration: We moved into this circa 1953 construction house in suburban Chicago. The home inspector had no clue as to the purpose of this inconvienently-located green pipe in our basement. It is...

Mystery pipe [ 3 Answers ]

Hello, I have sort of plastic pipe sticking out of the ground next to the back of the house: http://www.bainite.org/images/thingy.jpg It 4" wide and sticks about 6" out of the ground. For visual reference, the black hose next to it is a soaker hose. Does anyone know what this is? We...


View more questions Search