T&P valve broke

[Brennan]

The relief valve had gone bad on my hot water tank. I bought a new one, and went to remove the old one. When I put my pipe wrench on it and torqued down, the metal valve literally broke apart. The hot water tank is about 4 1/2 years old, and now there is just a little nub sticking out (too small to get a wrench on) where the T&P relief valve should be. Any suggestions on how this can be removed, or even if it can be?

Thanks,
Brennan

 

[havasu]

Wow, that is unfortunate. Without a picture, it is going to be hard to tell you how to remove the old T&P. I would start with a liberal amount of PB Blaster to loosen up the threads, and then you may need a Dremel or similar tool to cut a notch allowing you to place a screwdriver or chisel into it and twist it out.

 

[speedbump]

If the hole in what's left of the valve, is large enough for a hacksaw blade, that would cut a notch also. I never had a dremel in my toolbox, so it was always the hacksaw blade that got me out of a bind.

 

[Caduceus]

There are also a variety of "easy-outs" available at the big box stores. They may be tricky to use, but if you are lucky and patient they work like a charm (emphasis on 'lucky and patient'). Ask in the plumbing tools section of the store and explain what you need it for. The store rep. may be able to explain how it works in person better than an internet crash course.

 

[Chris]

I have a set of Ridgid pipe extractors from 1/2" to 4" and they work pretty good. If it is the nipple broken off they shouldd work fine. I got mine through my waterworks supplier but I am sure any place that sells Ridgid can get them.

 

[KULTULZ]

HD carries them-

 

[Chris]

Yes those are the ones.