How to Undo a Joint Smeared in Plumbers Mait?
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 4:19 pm
Hi,
my electric immersion heater has gone and I'm trying to remove the old one.
It seems that the previous fitter smeared liberal amounts of plumbers mait on the joint when fitting, the result is it's damn near impossible to remove the old heater.
I've cleaned the excess mait from the external area, but still can't get it out. I'm concerned that if I apply too much force the other pipes and fittings may be twisted off. I'm already applying so much force to the immersion heater that I can feel the hold tank moving when I apply torque. I don't want to risk damaging the tank, the job would get very expensive if I did! Any suggestions to loosen the joint?
Thank you!
my electric immersion heater has gone and I'm trying to remove the old one.
It seems that the previous fitter smeared liberal amounts of plumbers mait on the joint when fitting, the result is it's damn near impossible to remove the old heater.
I've cleaned the excess mait from the external area, but still can't get it out. I'm concerned that if I apply too much force the other pipes and fittings may be twisted off. I'm already applying so much force to the immersion heater that I can feel the hold tank moving when I apply torque. I don't want to risk damaging the tank, the job would get very expensive if I did! Any suggestions to loosen the joint?
Thank you!