Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Broken spigot

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melee
06-28-04, 11:26 AM
So the other day I dropped a portable drill smack on top of the plastic spigot used to drain my water heater. Needless to say, there was quite a mess.

After mopping up 40 gallons of water, I am looking to replace the spigot. However, it broke in such a way that the threaded stem is still screwed into the tank body. Anybody have any ideas on how to back it out/remove it? I don't want to damage the threads on the tank.

Thanks, Marc

majakdragon
06-29-04, 05:58 PM
They make a tool called an "easy-out". It is cone shaped and has spirals on it.It goes into the stub you have left and as you turn it counter-clockwise it bites into the old nipple and unscrews it.Maybe you have a friend who has one or can rent one (not worth buying for one job).If there is enough sticking out, you may be able to get a pair of channelocks on it and unscrew it.Last....and you want to be careful if you do this...since the valve is plastic, take just the blade of a hacksaw and make cuts in the remaining threads about a 1/4 inch from each other top and bottom or side to side. Only go as deep as necessary to hit the steel threads in the tank. Then GENTLY tap the end between the cuts with a small screwdriver and hammer to break out the 1/4 inch pieces.The 2 remaining larger pieces should be able to be easily removed now.Don't do the last one if you are intimidated because you don't want to damage the threads. Good luck and post back.