Removing a leaking gate valve
#1
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Removing a leaking gate valve
I tried using a propane torch to remove a leaking 3/4" gate valve, but it didn't budge.
Should I switch to MAP gas, or cut it out? Is it just that propane takes forever, should I have kept heating it?
Should I switch to MAP gas, or cut it out? Is it just that propane takes forever, should I have kept heating it?
#2
Without seeing what you got there, sometimes it good to cut the pipe 4 or 5 inches on one or the other side of the valve. Who knows you might have water there or building up steam/pressure. Nothing that a coupling can't fix. Good luck.
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Where is the leak? It it's from the stem packing, the packing nut could be tightened or it could be repacked without removing the valve. If the valve is leaking past its seat when the valve is shut, then it will have to be replaced. In many applications of gate valves, they can best be replaced with modern ball valves.
#5
Propane or MAP gas should work, if there was any water in the line then nothing is going to melt the solder, the line has to be drained and open to atmosphere!
#6
Rapping lightly with a small hammer on the threaded joints as much around as much as you can , will slightly expand the metal enough to remove it. It is much the same as rolling a jar top on your counter top to loosen it.
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