replacing copper T

[Brandon]

I have to replace this T. Will heating the T to remove it weaken the joint in the other T in the back of it--should the back one be replaced also?

I was thinking I would:

Cut pipe a couple of inches above the T
Remove & replace T
Sleeve the top pipe back together

Does that sound about right, or should I just remove T w/o cutting pipe? I'm worried about ruining other joints while trying to replace this one. This is new to me. Thanks

 

[Jadnashua]

If you wrap a damp rag around the joints you don't want to be affected, and don't take forever heating things up, they should be fine. On a T, unless you have some slack in the pipes, you can't pull it apart. Sometimes it's easier to cut it out and replace. It takes some practice to get it hot enough and pull it apart before the solder resolidifies. then, you have to reheat it to wipe off the excess solder, so you can put things back together.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

You will NOT remove it without cutting the pipe. The fittings are close enough together that you may unsolder the other joints, but if so, just reheat them and add solder.