Can this Tee be rotated?

[perky416]

Please see the picture attached. This is part of the central heating run, looking up into the ceiling.

The radiator that is fed by the two pipes coming from the tees is being moved from side of the room to the other.

What are the chances i can heat the two 22mm tees to melt the solder, and rotate them so they face the opposite direction, and re-solder them, and have them seal with no flux?

As it is the middle of the main 22mm run, i cant imagine there is enough movement in the pipework to remove the tees and fit nee ones.

Thanks

 

[Mottie]

I wouldn’t chance it but the only way to find out is to try it. If it doesn’t work it won’t cost anything but your time and then you can do it again properly.

 

[perky416]

I wouldn’t chance it but the only way to find out is to try it. If it doesn’t work it won’t cost anything but your time and then you can do it again properly.

If it doesnt work and leaks what would be the solution? There isnt enough movement in the pipes to take the tees off and re-do them

 

[Mottie]

If it doesnt work and leaks what would be the solution? There isnt enough movement in the pipes to take the tees off and re-do them

Slip joints? Even if you fit them away from the new tees to give you some movement in the pipe.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. With regard to melting and rotating the tee's you could possibly do it, but:
1.1 You'll have to remove the pipes coming from the central branch.
1.2 I wouldn't try it without extra flux.
1.3 There mustn't be even a drop of water in the pipes or tees.
1.4 Personally, I'd add a bit of new solder while heating.
2. You obviously can't re-use the existing pipes to the radiators as the left hand one (in your picture) has to be bent to clear the other pipe, and this will be the other way round for your new arrangement.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

What are the chances i can heat the two 22mm tees to melt the solder, and rotate them so they face the opposite direction, and re-solder them, and have them seal with no flux?

I've done it successfully, a number of times. Main point is to not overheat the joints, add a little flux, and make sure the existing solder is reflowed, once repositioned.

 

[perky416]

The problem i have is, i have 4 hours in the morning to get this done before i start work. If for some reason it doesnt work, and i cant fix it, my partner and 2 year old go without hot water and central heating for a night.

I might just bend a U bend and solder that to the existing pipe coming off the tee. What do you guys think?

 

[trojanhawrs]

Seems pretty silly to leave yourself so little time in something you've not done before where there's a lot that can not go to plan. Are you planning to drain the system?

 

[perky416]

Ive done plumbing many a time. Ive just never rotated a joint before.

Cant solder pipework when its filled with pressurised water now can you .

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Ive done plumbing many a time. Ive just never rotated a joint before.

Cant solder pipework when its filled with pressurised water now can you .

You just cannot solder any pipe with any water at all in it. Even a drop, is enough to cool the joint down, and cause it to leak.

 

[trojanhawrs]

No you can't, there's tricks you can use to avoid draining down on gravity systems though. Your u bend would likely be fine, you'd also probably find there's more movement on the pipes than you realised once they've been cut. Still think it's pretty brazen (no pun intended) to attempt with so little time but each to their own

 

[perky416]

Yeah i close all the radiators and open the drain valve that i fitted at the lowest point in the entire system, it drains just the horizontal pipes and the drop to the drain. It leaves the majority of the water in. If theres any leftovers in the horizontal i get my wetvac out.

Yesterday i replaced 2 drops to a radiator in the time i had. The trick is to get all the prep work done before hand so all thats left is a small number of cuts and the soldering.

 

[Elsa TLC]

The easiest solution would be to get a plumber.


Be careful of push fit plumbers, and people masquerade as plumbers.

Ask can they solder! You will get mixed responses.

 

[perky416]

Thats not easier lol. Ive got to call around, arrange for someone to come, then pay them. I could have a simple U bend and the new drop installed in a morning, morning and a half max.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Thats not easier lol. Ive got to call around, arrange for someone to come, then pay them. I could have a simple U bend and the new drop installed in a morning, morning and a half max.

And what happens if it get beyond your capability?

Not easy calling someone who can come at a flick.

Plan it in and get it done properly.

Unless you have all the time in the world .