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Pete2008 · Jan 2, 2008, 02:59 PM

How do I separate cast iron pipe at a joint and save the hub?

There is a cleanout plug in the end of the run that I want to remove to add the line from a new bathroom. I would like to use the rubber bushing type connector that is driven into the hub and reduce the size at this point to 3". The clean out plug can not be used were it is anyway and there are serious clearance problems if I have to cut into the pipe earlier in the run.

The pipe has been buried in the crawl space and the outside of the pipe is rusted so a good seal from a no-hub connector is questionable. Also, the end of the run is a Y and there does not appear to be enough pipe after the Y to get a good connection if the hub is removed.

The work will be taking place in a crawl space so flame of any kind is not an option.

All help is appreciated

ThomasCKeat · Jan 2, 2008, 05:50 PM

get a drill and make swiss cheese out of the lead & okum, Drill as many holes into the lead to try to remove it. When you have completed drilling out the lead wiggle out the nipple. Then you will need a coarse wire wheel brush the same size as the hub 3" or 4". Attach it to your drill and clean out the hub as best you can, some hubs have a groove on the inside that lead fills when poured, try to get that out also. The cleaner the hub the easier it will be to install the hub connector. When done grease up the rubber hub connector and the pvc nipple, place the nipple into the hub connector just a little to get it started then place it into the hub, put a 4x4 over it and give it a good wack to try and get it into the hub all the way to the base. Clean off the grease and start with your pvc.

ballengerb1 · Jan 2, 2008, 07:17 PM

Be careful when you drill into the lead. If you go too far and reach the bottom your wrist will snap to the right from the torque of the drill as the bit snaps in two.

mothrfaker · Mar 25, 2012, 05:07 PM

Ballenger1, thank you for great answer, but I would assume if you have a drill, You might know the torque on it and being a most Home Depot or Lowe's drills at 400 pounds of torque or less I think you should be OK... And it seems like the guy who's asking, he seem to be like someone who knows what he's doing.

Milo Dolezal · Mar 25, 2012, 06:40 PM

Response # 3: Experienced contractor has spoken. Wanted to give it " Plus Mark" but the system would not allow me to do so...

speedball1 · Mar 26, 2012, 06:32 AM

Hi mothrfaker and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. You're responding to a 4 year old dead thread Look in then upper left hand corner of the first post form the date before you post, Thanks, Tom