Posted by Tom S on June 23, 2001 at 15:26:40:
In Reply to: A few questions posted by Al on June 22, 2001 at 14:36:12:
Unless you have a compound leverage wrench(CLW) big enough to handle 3" pipe you will be a very old man long before you are able to turn the pipe with a standard pipe wrench. Even with a CLW it may not turn anyway. Or it may cave in the pipe and make your life worse. A sawzall will handle the 3" nicely. After you support the pipework, cut the pipe close to the fitting(within a 1/2"). Then cut through the threads of the remaining piece still in the fitting. Cut in two places but DON'T cut into the threads.You MUST cutup to but not into the threads. Then tap at the cut with a chisel to cave in the piece thats left. DONT use copper pipe if its a steam boiler under any circumstances. And dont let anyone talk you into it. You'll regret it. Spend the extra bucks and go with the indirect tank if you'll be in the house for years to come.
You'll see the payback not only in your wallet but in the quality and quantity of your domestic hot water. Good Luck !