- 1). Turn off the water supply to the plumbing system at the main shut-off valve or water meter.
- 2). Cut the broken section of pipe with a reciprocating saw at least 2 inches from a fitting.
- 3). Unscrew the broken sections of pipe from the fittings on each end with pipe wrenches. Hold one pipe wrench on the fitting to keep it from turning. Turn the pipe with a second pipe wrench until you can remove the pipe by hand.
- 4). Clean the inside threads of each fitting with a wire brush. Use a brush one size larger than the pipe's diameter. Turn the brush clockwise in a circular motion until the threads are clean.
- 5). Measure the distance from fitting to fitting with a measuring tape, then add the length of the pipe threads inside the fitting. Deduct the measurement of the galvanized union.
- 6). Get two pieces of pipe to fit the distance between fittings minus the union. Have the pipes cut and threaded at the hardware store. In most cases, they will do this for free.
- 7). Apply a coat of thread pipe sealant with the brush that comes in the can. Coat all four of the male pipe threads generously.
- 8). Screw one end of each pipe nipple into an original pipe fitting by hand, then tighten with the pipe wrenches. Hold the wrench on the fitting to keep it from moving, then tighten the pipe with the other.
- 9). Screw the union onto the open ends of the pipe nipples by hand. It does not matter which side goes on which end. Tighten each end of the union on its pipe with the pipe wrenches.
- 10
Connect the large union nut by hand, then use the wrenches to tighten the joint securely. - 11
Turn the water on at the main shut-off or meter and check all the new joints for leaks.
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