Gas pipe stuck in other elbow as I screwed it out the first, now pipes stuck. WTF?

Question

trying to remove a ventless heater but as I unscrew a pipe going to it the other end of the pipe is s******g INto another elbow and before the side I'm working on is out the other one is all the way in and wont turn anymore so the pipe is stuck and so am I. whats the secret to disassembeling gas pipes without this happening? when I repipe is there another better option then these old metal pipes? with the gas now shut off is it safe to cut the pipes to get this all apart? please respond soon I'm not very patient and will get it out violently likely damaging the very nice heater or blowing up the house in short order. thanks.

Harry.

Answer 1

Even with the gas shut off there is still gas in the lines. DO NOT try to solder or have any sparks.

Answer 2

you gotta put a wrench on both pipes so the one doesnt move when you unscrew

Answer 3

2 pipe wrenches one to hold one in place and one to unscrew the other.

Answer 4

Thats why plumbers get paid so well.  LOL  You can find the shortest segment of pipe and cut it if you don't feel like taking it apart from the beginning.  You will have to get another nipple or length of pipe to replace the  pipe you just cut, then use a union fitting when you put it all back together so you don't have to go through all that again next time.

Answer 5

well there should be some kind of a union there some place just unscrew that and the pipe well come apart   its a big nut looking thing

good luck  

Answer 6

It is safe to cut as long as you are positive the gas is turned off.

HELLO!!?? YOU STILL ALIVE!!??

Answer 7

Somewhere in the run of pipe you should find a union fitting. It is like a flange with a big nut that fits over it. Undo that nut and then work back through the pipes from there.