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A bit of DIY advice... ?

  • 27-11-2023 5:53pm
    #1
    audiobabble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭


    Hey all, not sure if this is the right place to ask...

    I have a small on-demand gas water heater that's installed in a static.

    Last winter, I didn't drain in time before the cold weather and one of the u-bend pipes on the heat exchanger split due to frozen water.

    I'd like to replace the piece, but I'm having trouble getting the old piece off!

    Seems I can't get enough heat onto it to budge it. I've been trying with a blowtorch and it doesn't seem to matter how long I heat it, it wont budge.

    Are they welded in or something??

    I was assuming it's soldered in and all I'd need to do is heat the joints and pull it out.

    Anyone have any experience of this type of thing?



Comments

  • #2
    10-10-20
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,061 ✭✭✭10-10-20


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058324712/a-bit-of-diy-advice

    Hi! Any photo of the joint, that will help us to understand.



  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    If there is any hint of moisture on a solder joint then it will never melt. If you fluff a solder joint you generally have to replace with a brass fitting.



  • #4
    audiobabble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭audiobabble


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121428275#Comment_121428275

    Surely after heating it for ages with a blowtorch, there's no hint of moisture? There a ruddy great hole in the u-bend so any moisture inside the pipe also will surely evaporate?



  • #5
    audiobabble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19 ✭audiobabble


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121428275#Comment_121428275

    Good idea, will post a pic shortly.

    In the meantime... I was thinking -- the pipes have a dull grey colour as if coated with something. Wondering if they've been galvanized... could this have a bearing? Maybe I should sand off the coating and try again with the blowtorch.



  • #6
    Markcheese
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,816 ✭✭✭Markcheese


    Unlikely to be galvanize , but the fumes off zinc are dangerous so dont heat if you're unsure !!

    Slava ukraini 🇺🇦



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  • #7
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    You could be getting tiny drips of water from the main heater.

    Also as you suggest it might be factory brazed/welded. If so no amount of heating with a blowtorch will shift it.

    It's also quite possible it's not meant to be dissembled without breaking it.

    You need to post a picture.



  • #8
    Markcheese
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,816 ✭✭✭Markcheese


    You might be able to get someone to braise the split in the pipe for you , ,

    Slava ukraini 🇺🇦



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