Hi all,

I have about 200 feet of clay sewage pipe running downhill to the main county hookup. 100 feet of it runs on an easement on a neighbors property.

The clay pipe is about 60 years old and works OK, but there is tree root intrusion and occasional backups until I get it cleared, which I need to do a few times a year.

I looked into the trenchless method, where new plastic pipe is basically blasted through underground. The bids have all been in the mid to high 15K-20K, which is more than I'd like to spend.

I'm interested in digging a trench from the outlet at my house to the end of my property, and replacing that portion of the pipe with cast iron. My main costs in this case I think would be digging the trench and purchasing the pipe, and any other labor involved. However, it seems like it should be considerably cheaper in the long run.

Any thoughts on this? How do I attach the cast iron to the house fitting on one end and the clay pipe on the other? I'd probably have a plumber do it, but just want to know generally if I am facing any potential issues.

Thanks,

Tom

Why do you want to use Cast Iron? Why not PVC? DWV PVC is quite inexpensive.

Why do you want to use Cast Iron? Why not PVC? DWV PVC is quite inexpensive.

I did not realize I could use it. I would be happy to use it instead of cast iron all things considered -- what sort of issues will I have connecting at the house and at the clay pipe?

Hi Tommy...

PVC should be fine. You'll connect to the clay pipe using a FERNCO COUPLING. Here, clay pipe is usually run in 6" which means you'll have a 7.5" outside pipe diameter and you'll be connecting onto 4" PVC pipe (O.D. is about 4.75") so you'll need a REDUCING FERNCO COUPLING... only sold at a plumbing supply house... see image.

Depending on the size of the clay pipe (and any bends in the pipes) you may actually be able to push 20' lengths inside the clay pipe on your neighbor's property. The more new pipe, the better!

Finally, if this was me, I'd install a cleanout or a small catch basin in the lawn, nearest to the neighbor just in case you need to snake the clay pipe you can't replace in the future... ;)

Any questions... let us know.

Mark

Hi Tommy...

PVC should be fine. You'll connect to the clay pipe using a FERNCO COUPLING. Here, clay pipe is usually run in 6" which means you'll have a 7.5" outside pipe diameter and you'll be connecting onto 4" PVC pipe (O.D. is about 4.75") so you'll need a REDUCING FERNCO COUPLING...only sold at a plumbing supply house...see image.

Depending on the size of the clay pipe (and any bends in the pipes) you may actually be able to push 20' lengths inside the clay pipe on your neighbor's property. The more new pipe, the better!

Finally, if this was me, I'd install a cleanout or a small catch basin in the lawn, nearest to the neighbor just in case you need to snake the clay pipe you can't replace in the future...;)

Any questions...let us know.

Mark

Hi Mark,

Thank you -- any idea what I should expect to find when I dig down below to the connection at my house? I believe I have cast iron in the basement that leads to the clay pipe outside my house. There is a clean out directly outside my house as well. I imagine if I dig down by the cleanout there will be some sort of cast iron to clay connector?

Hi Tommy...

Most likely you'll find a clamp similar to the one I posted above or you may simply find the cast iron pipe shoved inside the cast iron pipe and it will probably be joined by cement. Here, you would need to purchase a shielded transition clamp (4" cast iron x 4" PVC... see image) to change to new PVC to the older cast iron, or if code permits in your area, a 4" fernco will work well here, too as PVC and cast iron pipes are reasonably similar in outside diameter.

In my area, the transition between cast iron and the clay pipe would occur somewhere closer to the 10 foot area off your foundation. I'd be willing to bet that your code is similar... you could always call the local plumbing inspector and see if this is a reasonable assumption on my part.

Finally, I'd still consider the catch basin/cleanout closest to your neighbor's property... just in case!

Keep us posted as you go...

Mark

Agree with MP2008

Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes.

Tom

Always glad for an update! Thanks!