how to remove Watts connector hose?

young707

Installing new Lowe's Whirlpool 40g Gas water heater.
Leaks at the cold input hose connecting receptacle at top of tank.
The water heater tank top has 3/4" plastic female receptacle.
We used Watts stainless steel 3/4" MIP there, (other end is 3/4" FIP to the water faucet, and host length is 18" - got this hose at Home Depot).

When I try to remove this cold water hose, it just turn and turn and will not come out. What can I do? Thank you.

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bob22

Reverse the process that you used to tighten it to the water heater is the only answer I can think of.

young707

But when I tried to unscrew this hose, it just keep turning, but did not following the thread to come out.
What to do?

George6488

Are you twisting the very bottom part of the hose assembley?

The top part of the fitting is separate from the bottom part so you don't twist the hose when tightening.

If it has been cross-threaded...now you may have problems that require cutting the fittings.

idlplumb

Do yourself a favor and ditch the braided type hoses. Get brass nipples (3 or 4 inch long) and use this type of connector http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034K29NO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creat ive=9325&creativeASIN=B0034K29NO

As far as taking off the old one, just put channel locks or a wrench to the lowest point of the connector. This will most likely destroy it, but if you're replacing it anyway, that shouldn't be a problem.

young707

Yes, I use plumber vice grip at the very bottom of the connecting hose. It just keep turning without unscrew from top of tank.

bob22

I don't see how you got it tightened onto the heater originally and now can't reverse that procedure? What part of the hose did you grip to tighten it down? I don't see any square sides to to the hose end; only round?

Alan

What kind of water heater doesn't come with nipples already installed???

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young707

Whirlpool 40 gallon natural gas water heater sold at Lowes's across the country.

Try to grip any and all part of the hose turn counterclockwise to unscrew it, but keep turning in vain.

Alan

I hate to even suggest this, but if you really can't get it, you're left with 2 options


1 : buy a new water heater

2 : Remove the sheet metal cover off the top (possibly destroying it) and then you should be able to reach the fitting.

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Alan

Wait !


I have an idea now......


You say the part inside of the water heater is a male threaded end, right?

If yes :

Cut the supply off flush with the top of the tank. Buy a nipple extractor for 3/4" pipe. (these are the kind I like http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/at...5&d=1295325682 )


Stick the nipple extractor into the male end, and try to get it out that way.


If that doesn't work, then revert to the other two options.

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Alan

Also : If you're having these kind of issues, you might want to have a plumber look over your install anyway...

no offense intended, but you're screwing with a gas water heater too.....

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young707

this Whirlpool at Lowes' NG 40 gallon water heater tank top has plastic female threaded receptacle.

the GE at HomeDepot NG 40 Gallon water heater tank, at top also has exact same plastic female threaded receptacle.

we are returning this to Lowes'.

Getting different type at Orchard Supply.

rjniles

To late now but you should have installed heat trap nipples on the tank.

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Alan

No way.

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