I know, I know - very dumb question but I'm stumped.I put a clear pipe on my macerator (tight so 'stuff' wouldn't leak out). so I could monitor the flow. Now I can't get it off. I put a strap wrench on it and held the pump steady with the backwash fitting. No go. I'm afraid to twist harder for fear of breaking the pump case.Would WD40 or some other lubricant sneak into the joint and loosen things up? I don't want to damage any seals with a petroleum based lube.Thanks.

Can you scribe it with a knife or saw and split it to remove the pressure?

I would try splitting it as Bob suggests. Otherwise, I've found PB Blaster to be more effective than WD-40. Whatever lubricant you try, give it some time - maybe overnight. It isn't instant.

Slit it with a razor knife and peel it off.....Dennis

is this a metal pipe or a plastic hose. if plastic you cut it off. metal? that is going to be harder.

Mine is tight also but I really have to use a lot of arm power to get it off. So far it hasn't broken. Instead of grabbing it by the backwash fitting, try another strap wrench on it and one on the clear elbow(I presume that's what you're talking about).

How to remove stuck clear pipe off flowmax macerator

11 Replies

joebedford
Nomad III
Jun 19, 2014
All's well that ends well.

Two strap wrenches and lube and pulling very very hard - it came loose.

Before I use it again I'm going to relieve the nipples on the clear plastic pipe (CAMCO)so it doesn't fit so tightly and spray the O-ring with lube.
joebedford
Nomad III
Jun 18, 2014
Yeah, I was using a strap wrench. I'll try lubricant and two strap wrenches next. If that doesn't work I'll try the hot water trick on the pump (clear pipe is on the inside).

I guess my original post was not clear. This is a clear 3" hard pipe on the input (Valtera I think) not the 3/4" hose on the output.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2014
Been there, done that,, You will need two of the products linked to or .. Well they carry better ones as well (Link is to Home Depot)

Strap Wrench

I found 3 or 5 on the Home Depot catalog when I searched, You can also get 'em at Lowes, Sears and most hardware.. Very handy things.
Handbasket
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
X2 on the hot water. Pour it over the outer piece so that it _almost_ runs over the actual joint, then twist it off almost immediately (before the heat conducts in to the inner piece).

I think it's 3M that makes a silicone grease that probably would prevent this if you apply a bit to the joint before coupling. Look for it in NAPA or other big box auto parts stores.

Jim, "He who smiles in a crisis has found someone to blame."
myredracer
Explorer II
Jun 18, 2014
If this is a Valterra elbow or similar, I would try pouring hot water over it to make the plastic expand. If you can spray PB blaster into the inside of it at the same time onto the macerator piece only to shrink it, that may help too.

A rubber strap oil filter removal tool might work.

It may not be as tight as you think. I frequently have trouble undoing our EZ-Coupler sewer hose because there is such a tight tolerance. It requires a firm grip and twist to let go.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
pugslyyy wrote:
I would try splitting it as Bob suggests. Otherwise, I've found PB Blaster to be more effective than WD-40. Whatever lubricant you try, give it some time - maybe overnight. It isn't instant.

I think I would give it a good soaking before resorting to destruction.
bumpy
Pipeman
Explorer
Jun 18, 2014
Mine is tight also but I really have to use a lot of arm power to get it off. So far it hasn't broken. Instead of grabbing it by the backwash fitting, try another strap wrench on it and one on the clear elbow(I presume that's what you're talking about).
old_guy
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
is this a metal pipe or a plastic hose. if plastic you cut it off. metal? that is going to be harder.
Executive45
Explorer III
Jun 17, 2014
Slit it with a razor knife and peel it off.....Dennis
pugslyyy
Explorer
Jun 17, 2014
I would try splitting it as Bob suggests. Otherwise, I've found PB Blaster to be more effective than WD-40. Whatever lubricant you try, give it some time - maybe overnight. It isn't instant.