I need to cut into a metal vent pipe in order to insert a tee and create a drain for a washing machine hoop-up. I am wondering if there is a danger in using a reciprocating saw (sawsall) to cut the pipe, a danger as in "explosion"! Are there alternatives to cutting the pip in a very limited space environment? This is a 1 1/2 inch vent. Thanks

Hi Jshivers...

Always good to ask first... so good for you, but fact is that there is no danger cutting into the pipe.

I have cut out stacks/pipes using every tool in the business including grinders that spark like crazy... only danger there is NOT wearing safety goggles... ;)

Now...what fixture is that vent you are about to cut into serving now? If you cut a washing machine into this vent then the fixture below this vent could be a problem in the future, i.e. the ptrap could siphon and allow sewer gasses into the home... *YUCK*.

Any chance you could find a 2" waste pipe to connect into? Then connect the vent pipe from the washing machine into the vent you want to cut into now?

Let me know more... ok?

MARK

[Qas far as I can tell the only fixture served by this vent is the existing washing machine drain. I am simply moving the washer drain to another location about the same distance from the vent as it is now, only a different direction. There is a full bath nearby but there is a larger vent on the roof serving it. And thanks much for the quick reply!! Glad I found this place!

Hi Jshivers...

Always good to ask first... so good for you, but fact is that there is no danger cutting into the pipe.

I have cut out stacks/pipes using every tool in the business including grinders that spark like crazy... only danger there is NOT wearing safety goggles... ;)

Now...what fixture is that vent you are about to cut into serving now? If you cut a washing machine into this vent then the fixture below this vent could be a problem in the future, i.e. the ptrap could siphon and allow sewer gasses into the home... *YUCK*.

Any chance you could find a 2" waste pipe to connect into? Then connect the vent pipe from the washing machine into the vent you want to cut into now?

Let me know more... ok?

MARK[/QUOTE]

Glad if we helped! Pop back anytime.

MARK