Water heater nipple removal

rich p_4

Hello,
Does anyone have a tool or a good and easy way to remove corroded nipples from the top of water heaters.
I have tried many ways but it always is a difficult and nerve racking job, with uncertain outcome.
thanks
Rich

mattmia2

There are various types of inside pipe wrench. That probably wouldn't work with plastic lined nipples.

rich p_4

I have tried that once
I have also used a 3/8" socket extension tool
also wooden dowels.
I still have not had a proven simple effective way.....
Thanks

Larry Weingarten

Hi, My approach is to insert a steel rod into the nipple so it can't collapse. Then use as big a wrench as needed to encourage the nipple to come loose. This prevents the nipple from tearing off. Here's a photo of the simple tool I made for doing this. It's 3/4" in diameter. It's worked nicely for years.


Yours, Larry

mattmia2

Also works with a drill bit and brake bleeder screws.

pecmsg

They make reverse drill bits for that purpose. 

Removing when new and never seize saves trouble later!

BenDplumber

How old is the domestic water heater? Is it in a tight spot / mechanical closet or wide open mechanical room where someone can hold "backup" on the tank? Unfortunately I haven't had good luck removing plastic lined/ dielectric nipples from tanks of older age without collapsing. The simple tool that Mr. Weingarten made is a great example of how prevent the collapsing of the nipple for removal and as pecmsg said on the next new one a little antiseize helps a lot, especially don't forget the anode rod checking and changing the anode rod can extend the life of the tank significantly.

rich p_4

Thank you all for the positive and creative ways of giving it a go.
I have used a large handle ratchet strap around the tank to give me something to grab and hold onto.
Never sieze is a great idea. I have never pulled the nipples out on a new tank. Of course this might just be the answer for the future (or even just some teflon tape)
Thanks Again,
Rich

EBEBRATT-Ed

Teflon with never seize on it

hot_rod

if if it is plastic lined I would drive one of these square easy outs into the nipple
Then use a cordless impact wrench so you don’t have to hold the tank tightly, not an easy task😟