PLUMBING HACK

This “Instructable” is more of a “what I did in a pinch,” but the results are the same!

So what do you do when you have an old, leaky pipe right up against a wall with really limited working space – in other words, under the kitchen sink.

Step 1: CAN'T BUY WHAT I NEED

And its at night.
And the gorgeous, right-angle wrench with extension handle that you covet is $250 . . . and will take DAYS to get here. Ponder, ponder, ponder.

Step 2: BUT I CAN MAKE IT

Aha!

I have a “Crescent” chain wrench. Cost is about $20.

Step 3: I HAVE THE OTHER STUFF I NEED!

I also have a “curb-key.” It is used to turn the main water supply valve on or off. Depending on the length of the stem, the cost ranges from $12 to over $30. The one I had handy was about 4-feet long. Most important, the portion that fits over the valve tab has an 11/16” gap between the tines.

I'm giving you a close-up of the business end of the key showing the tines.

Step 4: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER -- AND TWIST!

Why is this gap so important? Because it fits perfectly on the neck of the chain wrench! Check it out in the photo.

First I put the chain around the bad pipe. (Naughty pipe! Went and got all corroded and leak!) Then, I latched the chain onto the wrench hook. Next, I fitted the curb key over the narrowest point on the chain wrench. Finally, I turned the handle. The set-up allowed for substantial torque and the pipe (what was left of it!) came away easily. Finished the job in 10 minutes. . . . with what I had on hand!