VanTry2DIY
New Member
Hi all! Today, what should have been a simple reverse osmosis water filter system install under the kitchen sink has ballooned into a minor plumbing emergency thanks to my 49 year old house's galvanized pipes and questionable plumbing decisions by past owners. A short section of the cold water pipe (maybe 4" max) leaves the wall connecting to a T-fitting with galvanized nipples attached to either side. As I learned the hard way, the shut-off valves attached to both of these nipples were shot and did nothing to restrict the flow of water. Both valves have been removed; the right-side nipple connects to a T-valve (pictured) that came with the new RO system which will split the flow between RO and the kitchen sink. The left-side nipple is no longer needed and suffered damage to its threads while removing the shoddy valve still seen in the pics. The house's water is off until I can get it plugged or rework this somehow.
The best answer is probably to ditch all this and re-pipe with a more modern material; I have long-term plans to do this throughout the house but need the water back on ASAP.
I tried many times to get a 5/8" plug and teflon on it but could never manage to get the threads aligned properly. A small part of them came right off with the valve, enough that the pipe end is uneven and effectively no longer threaded.
I also considered removing the T-fitting, but it is frozen solid even after some WD-40 and as much force as I'm comfortable putting on it in either direction. This would also required removing or cutting the nipples due to the close proximity of the PVC drain pipe immediately under it, all of which could jeopardize the pipe in the wall.
For now, I need a new idea or a way to permanently cap/plug this left-side nipple which will never be used again. I've considered some kind of epoxy/filler with a dresser or compression coupling to a plug of sorts. Note there is not much space left of the nipple before the hot water pipe is in the way.
This is my first plumbing work aside from PVC for the pool. I would appreciate any advice that will get this situated (preferably for at least 1-2 years if possible) until I can cut into the wall and get some PEX installed.
The best answer is probably to ditch all this and re-pipe with a more modern material; I have long-term plans to do this throughout the house but need the water back on ASAP.
I tried many times to get a 5/8" plug and teflon on it but could never manage to get the threads aligned properly. A small part of them came right off with the valve, enough that the pipe end is uneven and effectively no longer threaded.
I also considered removing the T-fitting, but it is frozen solid even after some WD-40 and as much force as I'm comfortable putting on it in either direction. This would also required removing or cutting the nipples due to the close proximity of the PVC drain pipe immediately under it, all of which could jeopardize the pipe in the wall.
For now, I need a new idea or a way to permanently cap/plug this left-side nipple which will never be used again. I've considered some kind of epoxy/filler with a dresser or compression coupling to a plug of sorts. Note there is not much space left of the nipple before the hot water pipe is in the way.
This is my first plumbing work aside from PVC for the pool. I would appreciate any advice that will get this situated (preferably for at least 1-2 years if possible) until I can cut into the wall and get some PEX installed.
