Hot Water Heater supply disconnect help

[toto]

I am planning to install a Grundfos reticulating pump and before i bust my hot water heater I am hoping to get some advice from you fine folks.

I am not sure how to disconnect the hot water pipe on the hot water heater. The hot water supply is attached to the heater with a coupling however the supply pipe is copper and soldered to a joint that screws into a coupling. I am not sure how to remove the coupling without breaking the soldered joint. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

TIA

[Mikey S.]

The best bet is to cut the copper pipe in a spot where you will have room to install ( solder) in a union or whatever fitting you need to do the rest of the job, once the pipe is cut you can easily unscrew the rest from the heater.