Problems unscrewing steel pipe from Iron joints/couplings

[gileto]

Am replacing my water tank and have realised that replacing steel/iron pipework throughout would be a massive job, as access extremely difficult in parts of the house.

I have cut thru the pipework and have removed the metal cistern out of the way, and will be connecting copper (via a MI adaptor) back to the nearest iron couplings.

However, unscrewing the pipework from the couplings is VERY difficult. Any tips please?

Cheers.

 

[EliteHeat]

Heat the joint, use a big pair of stilsons and all the weight that you can bring to bear on the joint. it will move - eventually.

 

[JohnD]

make sure the steel pipe is very firmly clamped or it may come away or damage something it is fixed to.

You might be able to get a "pipe vice" which tightens a sort of cycle chain round the pipe.

 

[TicklyT]

Or use two hammers. Hold a heavy one against the socket, and give the opposite side a thump. Work your way around the socket.

Make sure the pipe is well supported, so it can't bend, only turn, then apply the biggest pipe wrench you can lay your hands on and start swearing at it

 

[petetheleak]

Chain wrench or stillies with a scaffold pole attached wee bit o heat and oot it will pop (The hernia that is).