Heating out old pipe...

Sometimes when you have to repair a plumbing joint or replace a pump, there just isn't anywhere to find a clean section of pipe to cut back and work from.

So in this instance the only thing to do is cut and heat out the internal pipe from an existing fitting.

My best advice is to cut flush with the edge of the fitting so you can see the depth of both pieces of plastic.

Next use a pad saw or hacksaw blade and cut horizontally through the cross section of the pipe you want to heat out. 

You then need to gently heat the pipe - being careful not to overheat or heat too quickly otherwise you will distort the fitting.

Using a medium to large flat head screw driver, lift up the cut section of plastic enough to get your long nose pliers around it.

You can then rotate the pliers around on themselves and remove the plastic.

Heat again and repeat if necessary.

After this you must sand off and rough areas and clean with C65 or something similar before fitting the new pipe.

Bill Norris, 20-02-2014