I thought the copper pipe broke out of the T intersection, but..?

Question

it turns out, when the cat jumped on the cold water line to get into the unfinished ceiling area, the pipe cracked and broke completely at a T split, where the cold water flows either to the washer or the sink.

I found out when i went got a torch, some sanding paper and lead sodder, and started sanding.  so part of the pipe is still in the joint, and i cannot remove it.  nor can i remove the cross joint from the other two pipes by hand.  

what do i do?  is it an option to go out and purchase a smaller pipe that i can use to mend the two back together, then torch, apply the lead, and be done with it?  

as it is, we've been running the wash with the hot, the cold is off, and hiring a plumber isn't an option - my girlfriend's birthday is coming up, then our daughter is right after that, and i'm just barely able to afford my car payments and such as it is.

T C · Accepted Answer

You can remove the “T” by heating it up and {with a channel locks or vise grips} pulling at the same time.
If your pipe is broke ….yes …you will need to sweat an extension on.

The main concern is that you have no water that has, or is pocketing where you are sweating the copper or you will end up with pin holes.  Likewise you need to have a air/pressure  relief  faucet open on the line you are working  in relatively close proximity or again pinholes.
With that said ………..if you cannot avoid the water or do not have a way for pressure to escape ….consider doing this {a bit more expensive}    Remove the “T”……….sweat your extension on, and pick up a Sharkbite “T”available at Home Depot …… they do work and, you will avoid sweating on the T 
http://www.cashacme.com/prod_sharkbite.php

Anonymous · Answer

Your best bet if you have enough slack in the pipes, is to cut the T piece out completely and fit the pipes into a new T piece. Don't overheat when soldering otherwise it will crystalise. just enough heat to make the solder run around the joint, As you heat the joint, keep touching it with the solder until the solder runs. Good luck.

I thought the copper pipe broke out of the T intersection, but..?

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