My wife and I are buying a HUD foreclosure that has been sitting vacant for a few months with all utilities disabled. While checking out the hot water heater I noticed the the copper pipes running into and out of the top of the heater had been completely severed. We are at a loss as to why this would be the case, but I have several supicions: Maybe the previous owner had bought a new heater and wanted to take it with him or maybe it was in a lame attempt at being vindictive or maybe it was something that HUD has done to "winterize" the property.
So, anyone have any ideas on why the pipes would be cut? How do I go about reconnecting them? I've bought a plumber's soldering kit and some copper sleeves to re-attach the pipes, but I've never done this kind of soldering before. If anyone has any ideas I would very much appreciate the help.
Regards,
John Davis