Return of the lost radiator- removing a plug

hbock

I'm looking to re-add a radiator (one pipe steam) that was removed from my kitchen some time ago- maybe 15-20+ years ago.  This plug seems to be where the original supply went.  I have to imagine it's sealed shut at this point, but maybe not?

I'm tempted to try to open it up after heating season and pipe it myself- everything's easily accessible - but I'm afraid to damage the pipe or the encapsulated asbestos lagging.

How would you do it safely? I'm not opposed to calling in a pro if I'm likely to cause more damage to the main, but it seems like a fun project.  Or a quick way to inhale some fibers.

EBEBRATT-Ed

You can get that out without damaging the asbestos.

Steamhead

Soak it overnight with penetrating oil, then use an impact wrench. Should come right out.

EdTheHeaterMan

II have used HEAT from a torch and penetrating oil along with mechanical advantage. I have 2 old pipe wrenches and a come-along set up like this. I add a pipe to the shorter wrench and use my 36" to gain the mechanical advantage.

After putting tension on the pipe wrenches with the come-along hand wench, I hit it with more heat. Then add a little more tension. Eventually something will give. Usually it is the plug.

reggi

@EdTheHeaterMan ....  And where you stand and grab when applying torque?  

EdTheHeaterMan

@reggi Once you get it set up, you can stand to the side and add the torque.

I worked with a plumber that has a Ridgid compound leverage pipe wrench already made for this application. When I saw it, I said to myself... "Self... So you didn't invent anything new... You just came up with someone else's invention on your own."

reggi

@EdTheHeaterMan ..
No matter how you look at it nobody can say you don't have a "creative  imagination/mind"..👍

Mad Dog_2

You have two options with the suspected ACM (asbestos containing materials).  Soak down all the surrounding covering (from all sides) with warm soapy water (joy liquid) before you put any torque in the plug.   Or get #77 Rubberizing Spray by 3 M which we use in the abatement industry to bind fibersand keep them from going airborne  Mad Dog 🐕