Recessed 1.5" Nipple Removal?

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theBigSee

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I'm replacing my bathtub and the drain line has a 50-year-old 1.5" galvanized nipple coming out of cast-iron that I need to remove. Problem is, the nipple is in a16" diameter pit and completely below the level of the foundation (I'm on a slab) and I can't get a good grab it with a pipe wrench.

Any suggestions on how to get ahold of that pipe so I can twist it out?
 

Cass

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If all that galvanized pipe is underground, when you grab and twist it it may cause untold problems in places you can't see right now...I would be very careful...post a pic so we can see more...
 

theBigSee

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The galvanized is not underground -- the cast iron is. All the underground lines are cast iron.

The galvanized was not buried, but in a pit, with the cast-iron at the bottom. I'm not worried about the cast-iron stuff, I've already removed 2 identical nipples from sink trap areas and with good leverage and a couple doses of P'Blaster, they twisted off smoothly without incident. Problem is, I can't fit a wrench into the pit.

I've seen a wrench called a Perfecto Right-Angle Wrench that would probably take care of it easily, but I don't want to spend $250 on a tool I'll use once in my life. Next step is I'll probably try this thing from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97073

I'll put my breaker bar on a socket extension and give it a big pull and see what happens. I'll update if success occurs!
 

Bpetey

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The longer the extesion, the harder it will be to get out. the extension will flex/twist a little. Can you bust out a bit of concrete to get more room for a wrench?
 
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CountryBumkin

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They make an internal wrench for removing pipe. I just bought one for around $20. It gets inserted into the pipe and a bolt is tightened that tightens internal fingers/blades against the inside wall of the fitting. You then turn a large hex on the outside of the tool to remove (or install) the fitting. Mine is for 1/2 inch brass pipe nipple but they make them for larger pipe too.

Try this link: http://www.**************.com/Prod/...-Nipple-Extractor-1-2-capacity/59514/Cat/1022
 
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