Solder question. How to get bread out of a pipe?

Question

I had to solder a joint on my old copper sprinkler system. It is an elbow joint and I wadded up some white bread and stuffed it in so I could get the pipe hot. The bread hasn't broken down and I can't get anything to go through the elbow to break it up. What can I do? I've tried running the system as well as shooting water down from where the repair was made.

Answer 1

Pipe snake? They have them at hardware stores. They are flexible wire-type-things with bristles at one end. They are used to get blockages out of pipes, so in your case, it seems this device would be perfectly suited.

Answer 2

Try pouring really hot water down the pipe.

Answer 3

compressed air

Answer 4

I agree with bradf, never heard of that.

Answer 5

I would make a J out of the coat hanger and push it through the bread.  You may need to keep it wet while you push it through.  Then pull it out.  It may require a lot of flushing after you get the bulk of it out.  You do not want chunks of bread to clog whatever the pipe serves.  If all else fails you may need to heat it up and disconnect the pipe and use something else to keep the pipe dry while you work.

Answer 6

How long ago did you make the joint?  The bread will dissolve within a few hours, as long as you didn't pack it in there solid.  To those who have never heard of this, it's a way to keep water from a cut pipe from turning into steam while soldering.  It's used when you cut into a pipe to add a "T" or some other fitting.  Hope this helps.

Answer 7

if you have time use enzymes you would use in a septic or try to get some drain-o in there

Answer 8

Must be the youngins' that haven't heard of that.  I have heard of it, but never knew anyone that tried it.

If it doesn't dissolve in a day or two, I would try to find some way to introduce more pressure, like with compressed air.

Answer 9

Bread and water make a paste.  Just keep getting it wet, digging it out with a wire, like a coat hanger.  

Answer 10

I'm a pipe fitter and I have never ever heard of anyone using bread to make a joint. The only thing you need is solder flux and a torch. if you need help you can email me at [e-mail]