Replacing sillcock

[PhilC]

I need to replace an outside sillcock that is soldered to 1/2 copper pipe. There is a shut-off valve in the basement, about 1 foot in from the outside wall. After shutting off the valve, I plan on torching one end of the valve, to unsolder the connection so that I can pull the sillcock and pipe out from the outside. Will the solder connection on the other side of the valve (water supply side) stay intact while Im torching the other end? I dont want to flood my basement!

[Carl]

Carl..As I understand the plan, you intend to heat the down stream side of a valve that controls the water flow to a hose bibb on the out side of the base ment of your home?? If that is correct, open the sill cock, close the valve in the basement tightly. Heat the down stream end of the valve in the basement long enough to drive all the water and steam out through the sill cock and the solder melts, while some one on the out side pulls the pipe and sill cock free of the valve. REMEMBER THE SILL COCK WILL GET HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN. use appropriate care when using a torch in a confined area or handling hot things…Bud

[Carl]

I tried as you suggested: I opened the sill cock, closed the valve in the basement tightly and heated the down stream end of the valve in the basement. The problem is that the solder isnt melting. I heated it for a good 3-4 minutes, a couple of different times, yet it doesnt work. Its almost as if there is still water in the pipe….what else could be preventing the solder from melting?

[Carl]

I did as you suggested..I opened the sill cock, closed the valve in the basement tightly and heated the down stream end of the valve in the basement. I heated it for 3-4 minutes and I cant get the solder to let go. Any suggestions?

[Author]

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