Iron is the most popular material for pipes that are used in drainage and clean water supply and iron pipe plumbing is well accepted all over the world. The iron piping has several advantages and disadvantages. The iron pipings are coated with an insoluble layer of graphite for corrosion resistance. Copper piping is also quite popular and is used in central heating pipe works. Copper is nontoxic and thus it is safe to use.
Pros and Cons
One big advantage of copper pipe is that they do not get rusted like the iron pipes. Copper is also more malleable and thus they are used for making complex pipelines where many bends are required. It is also easy to transform copper.
Which One to Prefer
Iron pipes cannot be used in several places where the moisture content is very high. Also for carrying water, copper is preferred over iron as the copper pipes remain cleaner for a longer period of time. The iron pipes are used for drainage and due to their strength these pipes are preferred more than the copper pipes. One disadvantage about the copper pipe is, when the diameter of the pipe is large it cannot withstand high pressure and thus the iron pipes are more suitable in such cases.
How to Remove and Replace Iron Pipes
Iron pipes have historically been used to transport gas and water due to their enduring strength, long term durability, high reliability and resistance to corrosion and damage. Although they have long been replaced with plastic pipes because of their relative ease of use and maintenance, iron pipes are still popularly used for construction purposes all over the world. Removing and replacing iron pipes is a fairly simple task. Follow the steps below to complete this project.
Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Tools
The tools you need for this project will depend on the location of the pipes that need to be replaced. Rent soil pipe cutters from your local hardware store once you have determined what and where the problem is. A ratchet handle works effectively in tight or cramped places, whereas a large soil pipe cutter requires a sufficiently open space to operate. You may also use a reciprocating saw with metal blades, chain cutter or a hacksaw.
Step 2: Position the Wrenches
You 2 wrenches: one to grip the fitting and the other to remove the pipe. See to it that they are facing converse directions and provide heat from a torch for about 5 to 10 seconds (before applying pressure from wrenches) if the fittings won’t come off easily. For safety purposes during this step, use hand gloves, have a fire extinguisher handy and keep flammable material away from the torch.
Step 3: Use the Soil Pipe Cutter
Unlock the chain jaws and put them around the soil pipe, tightening the knob until it fits securely. Then, use the ratchet handle to apply pressure until the cutter chain cracks the pipe up. If you are using a soil pipe cutter with cutter chain, open up the handles and place one on the ground while the other beside yourself. Compress both the handles together to make the iron pipe break apart. For further instruction or a demonstration on how to use these tools, consult a representative at your local hardware store.
Step 4: Replacement
Use union fitting and threaded pipes for replacement. Apply pipe joint mix towards the ends of the pipe using a brush or your fingertip. After this, use a pipe wrench to tighten the screws around the pipe ends and the ring nuts as well as the union nuts around the nipples of the newly replaced iron pipe.
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