- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 20 years, 9 months ago by
nicktheplumber.
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MasterPlumbers
I have a copper drain that won’t budge! I’ve already broken a barbell type removal tool…is there any other way to remove this bear?? Thanks!!!
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If you are talking about a drain plug you can heat it with a torch and then put a wrench on it and loosen it. You will have to be more specific about what you are trying to do to get a good answer. Re phrase it.
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It sounds like you are trying to unscrew a drain strainer from a tub or sink drain, and you are referring to one of those barbell shaped strainer wrenches. Frankly, I’m surprised you broke the wrench. Usually the strainer (usually made of brass, not copper) breaks, not the wrench. The strainer is usually tightened to the drainpipe with a “spud” nut. To loosen the strainer in most cases you need to hold the spud nut below the sink/tub with a spud wrench. If the setup is old, the strainer and the spud nut are probably corroded and will be hard to separate, especially if you are just working from above with the strainer wrench. You may try a judicious application of heat from a torch to loosen this corrosion, and you can also try spraying the fittings with WD40 or another lubricant. When these fail, as they frequently do on really stuck fittings, you’ll have to cut and/or chisel out the strainer and replace everything with new fittings.
Good Luck,
NtP
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