Gunk on copper pipes

Hey gang,

Primarily an auto scrapper, don't get to play in copper pipe very often. Recently picked up some copper that was being used in a hot water heating system. The homeowners used some insulation crap

http://pipewrapinsulation.com/?page_id=14

that looks like this stuff, but the crap is baked on. Any suggestions on how to get it off so I don't get downgraded when I turn this stuff in?

Thanks,
BumpRacerX

Have you tried to take a utility knife to it? Try scoring down the length of pipe and it may spread off. If its sticky you may be better off turning it in as is, if they will even take it with that on there.

I have never had to take it off before, but something tells me it shouldn't be to hard, its only pipe wrap. If you get to the end maybe it will unwrap.

Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CMHN

Have you tried to take a utility knife to it? Try scoring down the length of pipe and it may spread off. If its sticky you may be better off turning it in as is, if they will even take it with that on there.

I have never had to take it off before, but something tells me it shouldn't be to hard, its only pipe wrap. If you get to the end maybe it will unwrap.

Good luck.

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Whoever installed it used some type of epoxy or super glueish gunk rather than just taping it like you're supposed to. It's bonded onto the pipe. I may just have to run it in as is though and live with it.

try heating it it with a small fire then try pealing it off or simply build a small fire of newspaper and paper and twigs and put it in. this should work , just dont scorch the copper

Have you tried smacking it with a hammer ? Not sure where you are from but if you could chill it then smack it the epoxy might pop!

Thanks guys

Ended up taking a small propane torch and heating the pipe, then peeling the stuff off. After that, I took some sandpaper and ran it over it quick. Seemed to do the job.