:confused: I just moved into a Bi-level house approx. 40-50 years old. It has a Cast Iron Main soil stack (main vertical sewer line).
On the lower level I noticed that it has a crack that is approx 5"-6" long about 1/4" thick.
Now I bought a new pluming book because of some other repairs I had to make and it says to use some kind of putty to fill in the crack or it says to build a support and clamp it to the pipe, then cut the cracked section and replace it with PVC.
I really would like a person to give me some advice before I just read instructions out of a book. THis is my 1st house and I've never done plumbing work before. I'm learning, but I want to make sure everything is OK.

Thanks.

If a welder can get to it get some free estimates on the repair of the crack. It may be patched with a welder. Some people have portable machine they have set up on a truck. Since cast iron is so heavy and durable, it would be hard to cut out bad area and put something else there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjinms

If a welder can get to it get some free estimates on the repair of the crack. It may be patched with a welder. some people have portable machine they have set up on a truck. since cast iron is so heavy and durable, it would be hard to cut out bad area and put something else there.

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There is drywall behind it that goes to the living room and 2x4 on the sides. The front was paneling that I removed. In the plubing book I have, it showed a brace made from 2 x 4's attached to a special clamp that supports the pipe and then with a circular saw cut the section of pipe out and then replace with pvc.

I'm trying to tackle this myself if possible.

You have several options here. First poke around the crack to remove any weak material that may be near the edge. You are now ready to repair the crack.
1) cut out and replace the bad part with PVC.
2) Weld the crack shut.
3) Seal the crack with JB Weld or epoxy.
4)Patch the crack with a Saddle Clamp,(see image)

You now have a few options to choose from. Your choice! I would not let this slide as sewer gas may be escaping out of the crack. Repair it at once.
Good luck, Tom