Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    drummin_eddie's Avatar
    drummin_eddie Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 19, 2007, 10:16 AM
    Replacing Cast Iron Sewer Pipes
    This is my first time posting here, and hopefully I can get some good advice.

    I was in my crawlspace yesterday running some coaxial TV cables and when I was near the sewer drain pipe, I noticed it was cracked along the top:eek: . The crack was about 4-6 feet in length, and fairly close to the outside wall. The cracked sewer drain pipe is cast iron, and runs from the outside wall about 25 feet under the house, and then changes to copper.

    The pipe is not leaking sewage (thank God), but there is a potential issue with methane gas leaking into the house. I sealed the crack as best I could with silicon sealer, but I realize that eventually this will have to be permanently corrected.

    I thought that cast iron pipes lasted 75 years or more. My house is only about 40 years old.

    I'm thinking this should be replaced with PVC, but I'm not sure if this is a job for a weekend warrior. Also, should the pipes outside the house be dug up and replaced as well?

    Any and all feedback is appreciated.

    -Ed
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Nov 19, 2007, 11:27 AM
    First off, KUDUS for realizing that even if the cast iron wasn't leaking sewage it was still ejecting sewer gas. You did the right thing to seal it up until it can be replaced. If you're the least bit handy you can replace the faulty cast iron with PVC. First you will need to rent a set of cast iron ratchet,(not snap) soil pipe cutters and next you'll have to purchase 2 shielded couplings, (see image) in the correct size and enough PVC to replace the faulty piece.
    Next take your cutters,( get some instruction from rental shop before you make the cuts) and cut out the faulty section of the cast iron leaving a bald piece on each end. Measure the cut and cut a piece of PVC 3/8ths" longer then your measure. The 3/8ths" will allow for the coupling gaskets to install. Couple the two pipes together and take some strap iron or a pipe hanger and support the PVC. Good luck and if you have more questions I'm as close as a click. Tom
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 19, 2007, 04:18 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by speedball1
    Measure the cut and cut a piece of PVC 3/8ths" longer then your measure. The 3/8ths" will allow for the coupling gaskets to install. Couple the two pipes together and take some strap iron or a pipe hanger and support the PVC.
    Ummm...

    Shouldn't that be 3/8" shorter, Tom?
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Cast iron sewer line replacement [ 3 Answers ]

We have been having a concern where periodically the toilet and or tub will not drain then everything stops draining. Apx 3 years ago we rented an auger and cleaned out the line this seemed to work until a few months ago when everything backed up again. This time we had someone come out and look at...

Replacing old Cast Iron Sewer with PVC [ 1 Answers ]

I am remodeling a 2 bedroom house myself which sit on a crawl space and unfortunately I have to replace all plumbing and sewer systems inside the house. I was wondering what the best and easiest way to replace the cast iron sewer system with PVC. Do I need to replace the entire cast iron stack, how...

Dripping Cast Iron Pipes [ 1 Answers ]

I was in my basement today and noticed a few mini puddles along our water lines. We have large cast iron pipes that are looking pretty rusty, and they are covered in water droplets. I am not sure whether they are sewer or clean water lines, but they are not looking too good :confused:... I live...

Replacing cast iron pipes [ 3 Answers ]

I have an older home with cast iron pipes. I have to replace them due to stress cracks? How is this done and should I replace the cast iron with PVC?:confused:

Cast Iron Pipes [ 2 Answers ]

What is the best way to clear cast iron drain pipes as a step towards making future preventive maintenance cost effective and less labor intense? Is there a preferred cutter to use on a rooter machine that could accomplish this? Is there chemicals that are safe to use that can assist the process. I...

View more questions Search