Thanks. I'm just being extra careful now, so I won't end up having to post more embarrassing questions later on...

Not picking on you - just picking on us (men) in general. And BTW - I love this stupid BBS.

2 reasonably large Crescents will certainly work well on the union, but not on the pipe.

to remove the union from the pipe will require a crescent and a pipe wrench or 2 pipe wrench's, w/ the possibility that vice grip might work on the pipe too.

lastly the cap will probably need to be tightened w/ a pipe wrench too

I'd prolly unscrew that fitting, and screw a cap on. Job duration: At least two beers (I drink much faster than I screw).

Thanks all! I'll let you know how it turns out...

Get video!


KT

Borrow or buy that 2nd pipewrench if it's a bear to get in there to remove/install it. You don't want to have to go in there twice and you'll always need it later.

If you have a crescent big enough to turn the female side of the union (the larger one), and a crescent on the smaller side (the side you can see the pipe dope, or threads that the female "nut" of the union attaches too), you should not even need a pipe wrench at all.

You may even be able to find a cap to fit over the male end of the union, so that you don't have to take the union off the pipe. That would be the best and easiest solution.

Bill

the coupling may feel like it's a little seized when you feel your sack tightening up

if so i usually have a 2# baby sledge handy to whack the outer large female part of the coupling

sometimes I'll whack it while applying torque

2' pipe wrenches will be handy and can take another 2' length pipe slipped over the handle if necessary for leverage

plumbers don't follow torque specs when installing so be ready for tight

I agree with Ronin. If you don't need the pipe after you get done, keep a piece of it, it works great for slipping over the handle of a smaller socket wrench for when you need to get a really tight nut or bolt off.

It also works well for killing Col Mustard in the Library....

+1 on being tight. Lots of torque by the installer, dried pipe dope and corrosion will most likely laugh at your crescent wrench.

Crawling under the house with a crescent wrench will likely result in another trip back down with the proper tools.

If you buy a pipe wrench, get this one:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...SU1fuQPBSSGSTV

I don't know why, but the dynamics of the thing seem to grip better than the standard configuration. And, of course, it works well right up to wall.

Is that pipe a long run that your gong to cap? If so you might want to remove it back to the next water supply pipe and cap it there. That long run uncirculated would be a lot of "standing" water in that pipe that never gets flushed and can grow lots of nasty things in it over time.

Hmmm. Thanks. It's about 3 or 4 feet. I was thinking that there might be enough turbulence in the system as a whole so that the water in this section will slowly diffuse and circulate... I also drain the pipes rather frequently when we're away in winter, so the standing water will be flushed out then.

Yes! Video of a girl in a bikini holding whichever of the 39 tools that have been recommended to do this job that you actually used, if any. You my want to look up an old Rigid pipe wrench calendar for inspiration.

I'm surprised you guys would do this job without a sawzall. I was under the impression that any job worth doing is worth firing up the sawzall for. It's the funnest power tool ever invented (that isn't bought in a sex shop).

Using a saw will make it necessary to bring a pipe threader for the cut end of the pipe. That is something most guys don't have. Of course that is a reason to go buy some tools. We all need more tools.

I wondered how that was done--so I googled it. Having a racheted threading kit for buried pipes that you have to cut and replace pieces of would be very helpful! I had only seen the large machines in places like Home Depot.

Great advice!

I actually have a pip threader for 1/2 & 3/4 inch pipe. I have used it just once. I did not have to buy it, I inherited it from my grandfather 25 years ago.

It is a lot of work to use.

I've got that same set. They need a pipe vise as well to use. There is a small version of the electric threader now that will work in even closer spaces.