In my 60s semi I have found 3 cracks on soil downpipe. I believe the pipe is asbestos/cement. Any suggestions on how to deal with this.

Back the we roughed with cast iron. Never heard of asbestos/cement being used for inside drainage. Is this a stack in the basement. Is water leaking out of the cracks? Can you fill in the details for me? Regards, Tom

Yes water is leaking out of cracks. It is an outside pipe and serves handbasin, bath and toilet.

What do you wish to do?
Repair or replace the pipe? Describe the cracks. Are you sure the pipe isn't cast iron? If you wish to fill and repair the cracks I recommend Soil Seal, check it out at ;Soil Seal Back to you. Tom

Repair is what I had hoped but my son found the cracks to be large one either side and another crack leading down to an elbow join. I believe I have to replace. I was told the pipe is a mixture of asbestos. I haven't had a professional inspect it yet.

Describe the cracks. How wide? How long? How far off from the ground level? Does the pipes have hubs or are they joined with couplings? L<t me know, Tom

Very roughly two of the cracks either side of the pipe are less than 1/4" wide about 3" long. The other one is more a hairline crack from what I can see. They are 9 feet off the ground. I believe the pipes are hub joined.

Quote:

---

I believe the pipes are hub joined.

---

I believe the pipe is bell and spicit cast iron. I further believe that the cracks can be grouted and repaired without replacement.
Soil Seal or JB Weld should do the trick, Good luck, tom

Many thanks Tom. I've spoken to a professional this morning to come and have a look. He also reckoned the pipe was cast iron. I hope he suggests a repair rather than replacement.

Let us know what the pro sez. If the cast iron isn't rotten and crumbly around the cracks I can see no reason why they can't be grouted. Good luck, Tom

The pipe IS asbestos. It looks like a big job. The pro also looked inside at the toilet outlet pipe. This will have to be replaced as well to match replacement soil pipe which will of course be of today's materials. Waiting for quote!