Noticed a crack in the pipe that carries waste out to the sewer. It's about 13 or 14 " long and very thin possible an eighth of an inch. There doesn't seem to be any leakage. It's a large black pipe, I guess wrought iron. Part of it has been replaced with white PVC pipe but the last six or eight feet is this black wrought iron pipe that leads out to the sewer. My question is should I panic and get someone out to look at it immediately. Can just that part of the pipe be replaced without extensive work to get to the whole pipe that I assume is underground. It's an old old house.
Thanks so much.
Jill

It doesn't sound too bad, but you should be able to patch that up yourself. There is a putty or epoxy that you could easily buy for a few bucks to patch that crack up. If you decide to do that you should also make a note of the crack and when you noticed it, Also check the rest of the pipe very thouroughly for any wear or places were cracks may be forming. If you see anything else than you should definitely talk to a plumber.

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