I have a steel pipe that extends about 3/4 of the way into my backyard, ending in a hose nozzle. Obviously, this is somewhat inconvenient and I’d like to shorten it so that it’s closer to the house. The problem is that the only joint is right next to the house and covered by a deck about a foot off the ground, making it virtually impossible to reach the joint. The only thing I can see doing is cutting the pipe at the end of the deck. However, it’s practically impossible to cut a new thread for the pipe, since it’s in the ground. Is there any sort of attachment that can workaround this problem? In other words, is there anything I can connect to the end of a threadless steel pipe to allow me to work with it? It wouldn’t matter what came out on the other end: PVC, steel, or copper are all acceptable.
I talked with a guy at a local hardware store and he said the only thing he could think of was to get a plumber out and see if they could cut a new thread; however, he didn’t think they could do it either.
Being an engineer, I always think that there’s alternatives and other solutions to a problem. For instance, arc welding a conneciton onto the end would be a solution, albiet a somewhat impractical one.
Brass compression fittings for galvanized? Didn’t know such a critter existed, and wouldn’t expect it to last long in the ground before it corroded away.
If you can dig a hole to that pipe where you want the new hose location, any decent plumber can cut the pipe there and thread the end, right there in the hole with a ratchet threader - as the name suggests, this tool works like a ratchet socket wrench, except it turns a threading die, rather than a nut. From there, they’ll screw on an elbow and a “riser” to bring the line out of the ground.
Ask the plumber how big a hole they need to work in - I’d guess a good three feet in diameter, plus a foot below the pipe.
I’m not seeing your problem. Do you mean a hose bib on the end of a pipe? A hose bib has the handle thingie to turn the water off and on. If that’s what you are talking about, the bib should screw off. Then you can cut the pipe to whatever length you want and re-thread it.
My hand threader only needs an inch or less of clearance around the pipe to work and I imagine you could dig out around it that much if you needed more room.
I’ve got a couple pipes here on my place that I’ve just shoved a piece of black Pvc over and clamped with a stainless steel screw clamp that have held up for years.
I think that’s the solution I’m looking for! Thank you. It looks to be cheaper to buy a set than call a plumber, and since I want to install a sprinkler system anyway, I just may spring for a kit.
Depending on your location, you may be able to rent a ratchet handle and the appropriate size die. Use lube-plenty of it to get good threads and not hurt the cutter.
Why not just use a pipe wrench and unscrew the pipe from a point just past the deck. Then, get a piece the proper length with threads on both ends, put the thread sealant on the threads, and feed it back through the hole and tighten it? Then check for leaks.
It may be tricky to get started, but after that it should be fine.
Nothing wrong with buying tools, but you’re unlikely to use this is installing sprinklers as that’s pretty much all done with PVC pipe and plastic tubing now. Again, you could lay “galvy” for lawn sprinklers, but it’s gross overkill and the labor would be byond outrageous.