radiator that won't heat - getting valve off

Pete_18

I'm using an 18 inch pipe wrench, but it just doesn't want to budge. I've tried using some WD40.

Basically one of my radiators that won't heat isn't heating because the valve is busted and won't go up and it needs to be replaced.

John_102

A non-professional answer...

would be to hire a pro. (Just my ignorant opinion.) If you break that pipe below floor level you'll have more than one radiator that's cold. A crushed pipe is equally useless. These are really good reasons to pay someone more adept with wrenches.

If you insist on doing this yourself, you'll need two wrenches & maybe a cheater (extension). WD-40 won't do anything (not the right chemical for the application). I guess PB-Blaster might help a little. Repeated application of heat (MAPP gas or similar) and judicious but significant application of hammers might loosen things eventually. You'll need a big jar of patience and another of care.

Why not pay somebody with years of plumbing experience?

Peace.

jeff_51

I heat em good and red, let em cool and usually

they come right off. If you are talking a larger size valve like 2", it is not unusuall to have to put about a 3 or 4 foot cheater on that wrench. You have to be carefull to back-up the pipe so you don't break a fitting in the floor. You may want to get a pro in on this one

Pete_18

hire a pro

good idea, done. Was just hoping I could save my limited pro budget for more complex tasks that I want him to do.

thfurnitureguy_4

The back up wrench is important. The soft brass in the valve crushes and binds up the the threads, try pulling from a diferent angle, also try tightening a little. If you distroy the brass you can cut it parallel to the pipe using a hack saw blade and see if you can split the brass with a chisel. Be careful and dont cut into the pipe. If you cut the pipe and mess up the threads now its time to call the pro. LOL (just kidding) the above usually works for me. I never had much luck with heat on brass it seems to make it softer???

Pete_18

called the pro

Took him less than 2 minute.

You were right. Back up wrench and then used his feet to get enough pressure on the valve wrench. I had soaked it with the PBlaster the evening before, but I doubt it did much.

Radiator now heats up nice and toasty.

John_102

Congratulations!

That's why we pay 'em.