Drain Clean Out - TIGHT!

[ddurrett896]

Hey I've got a cleanout in my wall and cant get it open. Tried PB blaster and a little heat. Any idea?

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[Shiftless]

I would start by carefully chipping away some of that mortar around the fitting. That might be interfering with progress.
Then grab a bigger wrench. What are you using up to now?

Heating the plug makes it expand which is moving in the wrong direction. But it might be good for breaking loose. Maybe heat and then cool it down before more twisting. Good luck. If something breaks behind the wall, you’ll be in for a lot of work.

 

[allinon72]

Looks like it's from the 1700s. Is it possible that it's mortar'd in? Hard to tell in the pic. Anyway, I'd put a big pipe wrench on it.

 

[joey1320]

The title reminds me of a Gilbert Gottfried joke

 

[Bert_]

Put a big pipe wrench on it. Use a cheater bar if you need to. It will either come out or the hex will twist off. If that happens just use a chisel to work the rest out.

 

[unslow1]

Whatever you decide to try you better be in a position to deal with it if it breaks. That could get real ugly real fast.

You could call a plumber and get a wallet clean out as well.

 

[3baygarage]

We usually get the holiday plumbing disaster thread AFTER it happens!

 

[Mick56]

Try using an impact on it at a low power setting. Just let it hammer away for a long time.

 

[steves_001]

Use a chisel on the edge in a few places to get it moving. Be prepared to break it out and install a new plug. I've had success with the chisel on a 45deg angle or so around the circumference in about 4 places or so. (lefty loosey) Hopefully that makes sense?

 

[MarlynOC]

Tighten first to break lose then back out.

 

[Shiftless]

Tighten first to break lose then back out.

Good idea.

Hey, this is GJ right? Good excuse to buy some 3/4 inch drive tools. A big socket and a 40 inch breaker bar might be just what you need.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

I’d be hesitant to apply a lot of force without looking at the pipe on the other side and maybe putting a wrench on it to isolate the torque to the plug end of the pipe. You may do some damage if the pipe turns before the cap.

 

[Steveodle]

Need a big Plummer bill, during a COLD SPELL?
A cutoff wheel, remove it piece by piece.

If you do nothing right,you'll do nothing wrong!

 

[The Cobbler]

what is it threaded in to? cast, copper ?
might try a couple of good smacks on a wrench to break it free

 

[BillK]

Are you sure it is a clean out ? Looks awful small if those are normal size bricks.

I would have to chip away the mortar to make absolutely sure that it is a threaded fitting.

If it is definitely a threaded fitting I would get it as hot as safely possible and then spray the PB Blaster on it while still hot. That might help.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Very true BIll, must be a 1 1/2 or 2 inch line ?


Get some Kroil and let it soak.

 

[MarlynOC]

Just curious why do you want to open it? Is there a clog?

 

[BD1]

I say that's Brass. Drill hole, use sawzall to remove big pieces, then chisel to collapse plug threads to inside. Brass is soft.


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[Burl]

A couple weeks of PB Blaster, then take your chances with tight/loose, etc.

 

[nadogail]

Spray it with Liquid Wrench, Rap it with a hammer, get a cup of coffee, put a strain on it with a big wrench then repeat as necessary. The vibration from the hammer blows may help the penetrating oil into the threads.

 

[23ford]

I agree to chip away mortor cause it might be sweated in even with a hex shape on the outside.

 

[Stuey]

Good luck, and whatever you try, don't do anything until Monday just in case you need to make an emergency call to the plumber.

 

[visionguru]

Hey I've got a cleanout in my wall and cant get it open. Tried PB blaster and a little heat. Any idea?

View media item 109163

You didn't disclose what you used to turn it. I'd use an impact, or something with at least a 24" handle (such as a break bar).

 

[PCustoms]

No suggestions from me, but if I ever build a brick or stone wall I'm going to grout in a big *** brass clean out just to mess with people.

 

[Charlie51]

Don't be surprised if there are no female threads left after you finally remove the plug. It's just the way life goes.

 

[firebirdparts]

No suggestions from me, but if I ever build a brick or stone wall I'm going to grout in a big *** brass clean out just to mess with people.

Grout in a dial off a $2 combination lock.

 

[nyy845]

Try using an impact on it at a low power setting. Just let it hammer away for a long time.

I've gotten a few off using this method; as stated, don't use the highest setting (unless you want it broken off).

 

[Renegade1LI]

We just bust them out and install new.

 

[CoogarXR]

Might be easier to take a toilet off inside and run a snake, lol.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Obviously, the plumber was no mason. I bet that cap is mortared in place.

 

[nafterclifen]

Just curious why do you want to open it? Is there a clog?

Wait, we need a reason to do something? I thought GJ's mantra was "JUST DO IT."