Hello I am looking for advice on plumbing I need to cut into a main stack that is made of cast but before I can do that I need to know How to suport it properly ?

U need access to a hub. Install a hub hanger secured to studs.

Or u can make an A frame from hub to floor out of 2x4s. Be sure to put 2x4 ties at floor and mid way up point.

Good luck

Chuck

Hi Cameron:

Chuck has started you out here... ;) In my area we call the appropriate hangers for this job RISER CLAMPS... see image. You want to tuck this hanger up under the hub and distribute the weight of the cast iron stack to the floor using 2"x4" studs... see image. If the weight of the stack exceeds 1 floor then you may need to double up on the 2"x4" studs... safety first OK? This kind of work can be dangerous, but with the right tools and decent advice you should be fine. Don't forget to support the weight of the piping above AND below the cut as well.

Are you planning on inserting a cast iron fitting into the stack? If so, let me know as I can list out the instructions and material needed to do the job correctly. Let us know more...

Mark

Ha! I was thinking the same thing as Mark only here in my area of the Midwest we call them Friction Clamps!

We call them "raiser clamps" in my area. In addition to the excellent advice received you will use a set of ratchet cutters, (see image) to make your cut. Make your cut at least 1/4" larger then the fitting to be installed to accommodate the No-Hub couplings ,(see image) you'll be using. Good luck, tom

They actually make blades for sawzalls now that are special for cast iron. They work pretty good.

Hi all:

For most cuts into a cast iron stack by a homeowner I recommend the lennox DIAMOND GRIT sawzall blades... see image. These make real quick work of cutting into the cast iron... ;)

I'd also recommend that you install a NO-HUB cast iron fitting (available at all plumbing supply stores) into the stack. Do not attempt to install a PVC fitting into the stack... not made for the weight of cast above.

Finally, I'd add 1/2" to the overall length of the cast iron fitting to accommodate the 2 no-hub clamps you'll need to connect this all together. This allows for the clamps and a not so perfect cut... just in case! :)

Back to you...

Mark