Wattz this ?

weedhopper

Hey guys and gals,
I am replacing 50 yr old shutoff valves for two baths, kitchen, etc.
This ‘elbow’ is hot water to the lower bath. Do I need it or can I just cut it away and put an elbow in it’s place?
Looks like a drain at the bottom?

Thanks as always!

hot_rod

possibly just to drain and winterize the piping? Doesn't look like the plug has been removed recently, or ever
An ell would work.

Jamie Hall

Most likely as @hot_rod says, a drain if you ever needed one. You might look around before you just put in an ell and see if there is some other way to drain that line, though. I'm sort of weird that way, but I like to be able to drain all the piping if I need to, without resorting to a Sawzall...

weedhopper

Thanks and ya, I doubt that drain has ever been opened. 65 yr old house and we have been here 32 yrs.

I can find a spot for both hot water and cold water drains. Never needed them and the chances of freezing are near, I said near, close to zero with a generator.

It’s really tight in there unlike the hose bib, kitchen, upper bath and washer shutoffs so I will think it out.
Thanks !