angle valve soldered on gal. steel pipe?

flitz · 03-01-2010, 12:36 AM

From all I can tell I have a sweat angle valve soldered onto a galvanized steel pipe coming out of the drywall below my bathroom sink (no thread visible on the gal. steel pipe, no compression ring on the valve which looks like a sweat valve). Is this likely? If yes, how can I disconnect it? After disconnecting it, can I put a compression valve onto the gal. steel pipe?
Thanks for your help!

Just Bill · 03-01-2010, 07:09 AM

You can't solder to galvanized steel, are you sure that is what it is???

flitz · 03-01-2010, 08:12 AM

Per exclusion I thougth that's what it is. Here a picture:
http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/a...z/DSCN4294.jpg

I don't see a thread on the pipe, and the valve seems identical to another one I have in my house on a copper pipe.

**oh'mike** · 03-01-2010, 08:39 AM

It looks to me that you have a decorative plated copper stub out. Check the diameter---
If I'm right--you can cut off the old shut offs and install new compression ones.

Out side of copper is 5/8"--got a scrap of 1/2' copper to compare it to?

flitz · 03-01-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

It looks to me that you have a decorative plated copper stub out. Check the diameter---
If I'm right--you can cut off the old shut offs and install new compression ones.

Out side of copper is 5/8"--got a scrap of 1/2' copper to compare it to?

The outside diameter of that pipe is 5/8 in. Does that mean it's copper as you said? Unfortunately, I don't have a "scrap of 1/2' copper". Why would I need to compare a 1/2 scrap with a potential 5/8?

What would be the ultimate test to make sure it's really platted copper? Trying to cut it? What would be the difference?

majakdragon · 03-01-2010, 10:17 AM

I agree that it is a chromed extension and the base metal is copper. Take a file and "scratch" some of the surface coating off. Shouldn't take much effort to get through the chrome.

plumberinlaw · 03-01-2010, 01:49 PM

looks like chrome plating not zinc

flitz · 03-02-2010, 08:14 AM

Thanks to all of you! It turned out to be a chrome plated copper pipe. I bought a $20 soldering kit from HD and took the old valve off. I needed to remove the chrome at the end of the pipe to get a 1/2 in NOM compression valve over the pipe, now it's fine. This forum is great!

**oh'mike** · 03-02-2010, 02:32 PM

Thanks for filling us in!--Mike--

plummen · 03-02-2010, 08:31 PM

that looks to me like 1/2" galvanized pipe painted with silver paint to me