Broken Fitting

[rotenka]

While attempting to replace the pool side connection for my pressure side vacuum I broke the fitting that screws into the wall. Any trick to getting these things out? This is the threaded fitting that screwed into the pipe in the wall.

There was a rectangular hole in the back of the fitting and I attempted to put a wrench that fit in that rectangular hole into the hole and unscrew the fitting but the hole just disintegrated.

Next I tried to use the two little bumps in the fitting that keep the vacuum hose attached and they broke off.

I used a hammer and a large flat punch to try and get the part to turn but there was very little surface to tap against and that broke off.

Now I am stuck with a threaded pipe with a substantial part of the fitting left in the hole and no way to connect a vacuum. The bottom of the pool is quickly getting filled with dirt. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. By biggest concern is damaging the pipe in the wall. I assume that meands the pool has to be drained down past that fitting, concrete cut out, the fitting fixed and then the pool repaired.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

 

[rotenka]

Never mind. I got it.

Just in case someone runs into this issue I have a couple of solutions now. One is to take a PVC coupling for a one inch pipe and cut two grooves in it to match the little nipples inside the wall fitting. You can stick this in the wall fitting and use a strap wrench wrapped around the coupling to turn the fitting out. On mine the nipples both broke off when I did this. So I had to take a hacksaw to it. I broke the blade in half and made a handle by wrapping duct tape around one end. Then I cut two groves in the fitting. This is where you should use caution. Saw a few times and then look at your grove. Keep sawing and checking until you can just see the threads in the grove. Cut two groves about a 1/4" apart. Then take a flat screw driver and pry the piece of fitting between the groves out. Once you break a big chunk of that out you can fold the rest of the fitting up and pull it out.

 

[kimkats]

Sorry it broke but thank you for sharing your fix.

Kim

 

[roger4142]

Thanks for the advice. Running into the same problem. This is the 2nd time in 2 years. Wondering if I should just buy a huge wrench. There has to be an easier way?.

 

[ewkearns]

A Proper Tool

 

[atttech-2]

Thanks for the advice. Running into the same problem. This is the 2nd time in 2 years. Wondering if I should just buy a huge wrench. There has to be an easier way?.

Teflon tape might be a good idea when installing, usually not used/needed on PVC but a wrap or two might keep the fitting and pipe from seizing up for an easier replacement longterm.