Drop ear elbow threads

[index1489]

I'm replacing a wall end threaded spout that was broken and didn't divert the water to the shower head anymore,

Upon removing the spout it came loose from the connection to the elbow and not the back of the spout, this revealed a galvanized threaded nipple heavily corroded.

I purchased a new spout and this time a brass nipple,

Problem is I can't get the brass nipple threaded very far into the elbow, the female threads have pieces of rust/corrosion including what I believe to be a piece of thread from the galvanized pipe.

Any ideas?

 

[Smooky]

How about a wire bristle brush?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[CountryBumkin]

Perhaps you get a 1/2" NPT (Pipe Tap) with a hex shank and insert that into a socket and then with a ratchet and extension thread it in and clean out the nipple.

 

[index1489]

Should I get a brass or wire nylon brush? I just don't want to damage the threads, I sprayed some kroil oil and going to let it sit a little...

 

[Cacher_Chick]

If you cannot clean the threads out, you will need to replace the elbow. Assuming is is bronze or brass, it should clean out ok.
If your can access the piping from the opposite side of the shower wall, life is good.
If the shower riser is galvanized, I would not hesitate to replace the whole thing.

 

[index1489]

If you cannot clean the threads out, you will need to replace the elbow. Assuming is is bronze or brass, it should clean out ok.
If your can access the piping from the opposite side of the shower wall, life is good.
If the shower riser is galvanized, I would not hesitate to replace the whole thing.

Yes the drop elbow is brass, I have no idea why they used a galvanized nipple instead of brass only a few dollar difference this house was built in the 90s and used higher end fixtures, Kohler the brass spout I removed cost $180 but failed because of a stupid plastic plug on the underside.

The galvanized nipple was also 40-50 percent blocked in that short time from rust, unbelievable.

If I can't get it cleaned out I'm going to call a plumber to open up the drywall behind, I don't think I'm even going to mess with the tap.

 

[FullySprinklered]

The tap is your best shot.

 

[Gary Swart]

A tap is a heck of a lot cheaper than a service call.

 

[Terry]

A week ago, I snapped off a pipe nipple in a brass drop ear. I wound up replacing the fitting, as I wasn't able to remove the short section of broken pipe out of the fitting. The EasyOut I had was too long.

 

[Dj2]

What Terry just described is the way to go.

Sometime the shortest way is not the way to take.