Garden faucet, copper sweat, having great difficulty in removing. I‘ve applied propane heat, but the thing won‘t budge. Closed water main to house, closed water main at street, stuffed bread in the pipe to keep things dry, still can‘t get the reverse sweat to go. Thing won‘t budge. I‘m using Propane, should I try MAPP, would this make a difference? Any other ideas? Thanks, Steve
Mike is right, make sure there is NO WATER in the pipe when you are trying to do this. Also do not attach anything to the piece you wish to take off as well. The reason is when there is water or something metal is attached, it acts like a heat sink and reduced the amount heat you are trying to apply to the fitting. I always turn spigot on when working on the pipe ( with the water turned off at the main ) That allows any moisture to leave the system. Mapp gas may help, but it you follow what Mike said, you will probably get by with propane.
MAPP is hotter and might help. Are you applying the blue part of the flame to the metal? Are you really sure there is no water inside? Finally, it takes a bit of a shock to get things moving. I assume you are using pliers to pull on the stuck part. Try heating it up real good then whacking it with the pliers once, then wiggle a lot as you pull.
