How To Remove Broken Threaded Pipe – Guide

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There’s nothing as frustrating as having a broken or rusted pipe in your home.

Broke pipes can’t transport the material they were meant for, but they prevent you from installing a new one. Crazy right?

If it’s an emergency and you can’t reach a plumber or are a DIY freak, you’ll like to know how to remove broken threaded pipe. This article is the ultimate guide.

How To Remove A Broken Threaded Pipe – Step By Step Guide

You’ll need the right tools to remove a broken threaded pipe from the wall. With a nipple extractor, you can remove a line without the risk of breakage.

It is the most viable option for pulling out old and broken pipes. Try a broken pipe extractor if you can’t get your hands on one.

How To Remove Threaded Pipe Using Nipple Extractor

The nipple extractor or internal pipe wrench is a specialized tool that removes pipe fittings, broken threaded pipes, and plugs.

They’re easy to use, and you can readily find them on shopping sites.

What You’ll Need:

Nipple extractor.
Adjustable wrench.
Broken pipe extractor.
Vernier caliper, measuring tape, or ruler.

Step 1: Measure The Pipe Diameter

If the pipe has threads on the outside, it’s male, and you’ll measure the external diameter. If the threads are inside, you’ll measure the internal diameter.

Grab a tape measure and wrap it around the outside of the pipe (male pipe).
Please measure the circumference of the pipe in inches and divide it by the value of pi (3.14159).
Place a ruler or vernier caliper over the pipe. Take the length in inches from one edge of the pipe to the other (female pipe). Take measurements from the inside, not outside, and don’t include pipe thickness.

Note: You may have to convert the pipe diameters to Normal Pipe Sizes (NPS), but that depends on where you live.

Step 2: Find The Right Size Nipple Extractor

Nipple extractors come in different sizes for various pipe diameters. The wrong size won’t remove the broken threaded pipe.

Use the pipe diameter measure to find the perfect nipple extractor.

Step 3: Remove The Broken Threaded Pipe

Insert the smaller end of the nipple extractor into the broken threaded pipe.
Clamp the other of the extractor with an adjustable wrench or a pipe wrench.
Turn it counterclockwise until the broken threaded pipe comes out.

Video: How to remove a broken threaded pipe

How To Detach A Broken Threaded Pipe Using A Broken Pipe Extractor

The broken pipe extractor is a small steel tool that removes broken threaded and unthreaded pipes. Like the nipple extractor, it is easy to use.

Procedure:

Use the pipe diameter measurements to determine what size pipe extractor you should use.
Insert the pipe extractor into the broken threaded pipe and clamp it with an adjustable wrench.
Turn the wrench counterclockwise until you can remove the broken threaded pipe.

Removing A Broken Threaded Pipe With A Screw Extractor

If you don’t have a nipple or pipe extractor, use a screw extractor to remove the broken threaded pipe.

Screw extractors aren’t meant for this purpose, so you’re improvising.

These tools are similar to the broken pipe extractor but are for screws. They have a flute-shaped body with counterclockwise threads.

Again, the diameter of the pipe should guide you on which size screw extractor will work. A size 9 screw extractor should do.

Insert the screw extractor (the end with threads) into the broken threaded pipe.
Clamp it down with an adjustable wrench.
Turn it counterclockwise until the broken pipe comes out.

Improvise With A Pipe Wrench

This method can only work if the broken pipe is protruding and not stuck inside the fitting.

If a large part of the threaded pipe sticks out, you can pull it out with a pipe wrench. Also, it’ll work better on a male pipe (external threads).

Procedure:

Wipe the pipe with a cloth so there’s no oil or moisture on it.
Clamp the pipe wrench onto the broken pipe.
Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the pipe comes out. It’ll take longer than a nipple extractor, but it’ll work.

Note: These methods apply to steel and iron threaded pipes. You’ll need a different kind of nipple extractor for PVC pipes.

How To Remove A Broken Threaded PVC Pipe

Threaded PVC pipes are made of softer materials. The advantage is that you can use heat to remove it if it breaks into the fitting or a wall.

Note that the method for removing a threaded PVC pipe depends on the nature of the damage. That is if it’s a broken nipple or a crack.

What You’ll Need:

A metal rod.
A heat torch.
Nipple extractor with T handle.
PVC pipe cement.

Pull Out A Broken Threaded Pvc Pipe Using Heat

Heat a piece of metal rod (preferably a junk rod) with a torch.
Please insert it into the broken threaded PVC pipe.
Give it 2 minutes to melt, and then remove the broken PVC pipe with a plier.

Remove A Broken PVC Pipe Using PVC Pipe Cement

Use cotton buds to scoop PVC pipe cement into the broken PVC pipe. Rub it inside the pipe walls.

Light a match and hold it close to the end of the pipe so it heats the PVC pipe cement.
Use a plier to remove the broken threaded PVC pipe once it softens.

Pull Out The Broken PVC Pipe With A Nipple Extractor

Measure the diameter of the pipe. Threads are outside the pipe for males and inside for female pipes.
Find the corresponding nipple extractor. These come with a handle.
Insert the nipple extractor into the PVC pipe and grip the handle.
Turn it until the broken threaded PVC pipe comes out.

Video: How to remove a broken PVC pipe

What If The PVC Pipe Cracks?

If the PVC pipe cracks, you can repair it by cutting off the damaged section and installing a new threaded PVC fitting.

Cracks are familiar with old water lines in the home. The pressure build-up is enough to break the soft PVC material.

Turn off the water supply to avoid flooding your home while plumbing.
Cut off the threaded PVC pipe close to where it broke off. You will need to use a saw or other cutting tool that will allow you to make a clean cut.
Inspect both ends of the remaining sections of the PVC pipe for any imperfections that might interfere with installation later on.
Fit a short plastic tubing in between the PVC pipe. The proper plastic tubing should fit perfectly.
Wrap duct tape on the PVC joint to secure it.

Takeaway

Knowing how to remove a broken threaded pipe from the wall or fitting will make your plumbing quicker.

The nipple extractor is an essential tool to help you get the job done by simply inserting it into the broken pipe and turning it with a wrench.

Plumbing work may not be straightforward, especially for beginners. As a tip, don’t cut or remove pipes if you can’t identify their source or what they carry.

If you encounter difficulties, contact a plumber to handle the tough jobs.