removing square drain plugs from skimmer

[darrenw]

This might be a stupid question.

When removing the square drain plugs from the skimmer should I be turning counter-clockwise or clockwise? The pool company closed the pool and I'm having a heck of a time trying to unscrew the drain plugs. I've been using a wrench to turn counter-clockwise but the drain plug isn't budging. There's not a lot of room in the skimmer for me to get sufficient torque to unscrew the plug.

Thanks.

 

[dmanb2b]

hmm...any chance you can snap a pic of the plug?

 

[Bama Rambler]

since I've never seen a left handed threaded pipe I'm going with 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'. So counter-clockwise is the way to turn it when looking down on the top of it.

 

[Just-a-PB]

Generally put in with a large T-handle tool.
Hard to take out with out that I would think.
Lefty loosey, righty tighty

 

[JamesW]

If you're using an adjustable wrench, put a short screwdriver through the hole in the end of the wrench to use as a lever.
If there are two plugs, make sure you know which one to remove and which one to leave alone.

 

[zea3]

You may need a long pair of straight vise-grip pliers to get a good hold on the plug.

 

[bobodaclown]

Re: removing square head drain plugs from skimmer

I really should have another cup of coffee. But square drain plugs don't turn. You mean a square headed drain plug? Then Righty-Tighty, Leftly-Loosy applies.

 

[domenic66]

darrenw, i know exactly what you are asking, i do this every year myself. Turn those square plugs counter clockwise with a good set of pliers and then you can finish off removing them by hand.

 

[Durk]

The 2" square head plugs in my skimmer come right out with a 12pt. 1 1/2" socket and two long extensions. But if you don't work on tractors regularly this might not be in your toolbox.