Leaky elbow in tricky position

[vice]

Ideas? Not much room or movement to knock this apart. The elbow joint above the cup is dripping. Must have been for yesrs given the build up of crud outside.

Hacksaw the elbow ends lengthwise and try to open off like an olive?

Cut the elbow in half and oull off?

Also thinking to cut off the elbow and do something with compression joints as its going to be tricky to get all the water out the pipe i think.

 

[oldbuffer]

One possible option:
1. Cut the longer arm (going towards the back wall) about half way.
2. Heat the elbow close to the other arm and separate elbow joint. Reheat elbow end of stub (shorter arm) and wipe off old solder.
3. Use a slip coupling and some new pipe to extend longer arm.
4. Solder on new elbow.
It should be possible to get all the water out and use solder fittings. If not, as above with compression fittings.

 

[vice]

One possible option:
1. Cut the longer arm (going towards the back wall) about half way.
2. Heat the elbow close to the other arm and separate elbow joint. Reheat elbow end of stub (shorter arm) and wipe off old solder.
3. Use a slip coupling and some new pipe to extend longer arm.
4. Solder on new elbow.
It should be possible to get all the water out and use solder fittings. If not, as above with compression fittings.

Thanks. Not sure i should ask, but what do you make of push fit?

 

[oldbuffer]

1. Nothing wrong with push fit provided it is used in the right circumstances. I wouldn't use it where its subject to high water temperatures (e.g. secondary circulation systems, within 1 metre of a boiler) or where rodents are not rare.
2. I prefer copper, mainly because I think it is neater and the material is readily recyclable.
3. I believe your pipework is the cold side of an unvented hot water cylinder, so no problems with push fit, provided you have the room.
4. Getting a slip coupler in 22 mm plastic is a bit of a problem. I believe JG Speedfit do one but don't know of another brand.