3" Cleanout Plug Won't Screw On

[Willyg76]

I have a 3" cleanout plug outside that will no longer screw into the cleanout pipe. The cleanout pipe and plug are not PVC. Some sort of galvanized metal? My house was built in the 40's. In any case, I went to Lowes and bought a 3" PVC Cleanout Plug. When I got home, I tried to screw it on, but the threads in the pipe are messed up (broken off and corroded) and I can't get the plug to screw on! Do I have any other options to seal off this pipe? Could I use a PVC Test Plug Fitting (http://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-3-Dia-PVC-Test-Plug-Fitting/3880609)? I would like to avoid having to have a plumber come out!

 

[Reach4]

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Oatey-3-Dia-PVC-Test-Plug-Fitting/3880609 should work.

You could try cleaning up the old threads if you have not given up on that. For that you would start a few threads in, and work CCW on your way out. Use something pointy like a jeweler's screwdriver or a knife blade to scrape out rust.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Smooky]

If the test plug seals the opening I think that would be fine. It want hurt anything.

 

[hj]

Test plugs go INTO the pipe that would screw into the thread so they seldom will expand enough to seal a threaded opening. Use a wire brush wheel in an grinder or electric drill to polish the threads and clean them out.

 

[tedn332]

If the test plug seals the opening I think that would be fine. It want hurt anything.

Could use a fernco cap also.

 

[Reach4]

Test plugs go INTO the pipe that would screw into the thread so they seldom will expand enough to seal a threaded opening. Use a wire brush wheel in an grinder or electric drill to polish the threads and clean them out.

Good info.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Test-Tit...e-Fit-Mechanical-Test-Plug-HD882-35/202274065 may offer a good fit. It is not stocked in all HD stores.

http://www.cherneind.com/Mechanical_Plugs/Clean_Out_Gripper/ would have the right size.
Cherne 270178 would probably be the right size.

 

[Asktom]

Listen to HJ.