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Ikaika · Apr 6, 2008, 04:53 PM

I was replacing the kitchen wall faucet and got the old one off okay, but the pipe nipples are fairly well corroded and very little thread is remaining. I managed to get the new faucet on but there is a leak and I am afraid to over tighten. There isn't enough pipe showing from the tile wall to re-thread it.

Anyone have ideas or does it look like I need a plumber at this point? This is a California 1930's house with galvanized pipes.

Thanks!

massplumber2008 · Apr 6, 2008, 05:04 PM

Hi Ikaika:

Old stuff you have there! You are smart to be careful... ;)

At this point you have a leak... did you use teflon tape at the nipples..

They sell a tool or two to remove the old nipple... called easy out or internal pipe wrench. Sold at all home supply stores.

And... as you know... can break galvanized pipe trying to loosen the nipple.. so would need to be very careful here.

I would teflon nipple, re-tighten..go extra tight as you now know worst case is worst..see what happens.

If breaks.. you had no choice... will need to open wall somewhere and fix the issue... that make sense..

Hey, get back to me with thoughts... Mark

Ikaika · Apr 6, 2008, 05:29 PM

I did use teflon tape. I'll keep trying 1/8 turn at a time and see if it stops the leaks or BUSTS!

Ikaika · Apr 6, 2008, 05:57 PM

Thanks Mark, more tightening did the trick. Would you recommend I get around to replacing the nipples soon and while it is fresh in my mind rather than dealing with an big problem later?

I can't see how long the nipple is. Do they typically use a standard length? Might I be opening a bigger can or worms if I try to replace the nipples?

Your advice is appreciated.

massplumber2008 · Apr 7, 2008, 03:37 AM

Ikaika:

No.. I would not mess with this more then you have at this point... replacing those nipples could lead to broken pipes.. so for now just keep an eye on things... sounds like you fixed it to me!

Good going! Thanks for the update! Mark

melkj · Mar 13, 2011, 05:11 PM

I split a (brand new) brass valve trying to put it on a galvanized nipple extra tight. Part of the problem here is that I believe the male threads are actually very slightly tapered (like 1 degree) to aid assembly. But this means the farther back you tighten the bigger OD the male threads.

Solution: get a galvanized extension (in my case, a right angle, which actually solved a tight access problem in the processmeanwhile). Galvanized is lots stronger than brass, so it can take the extra tightening to the nipple. Then put the brass valve on the new extension.