I have an older home with cast iron pipes. I have to replace them due to stress cracks? How is this done and should I replace the cast iron with PVC?:confused:

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Originally Posted by Ish Torres

I have an older home with cast iron pipes. I have to replace them due to stress cracks? How is this done and should I replace the cast iron with PVC?:confused:

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Yes PVC is the only way to go. Unfortunately you failed to tell us what cast iron pipes needed to be replaced, underground or in the house, so we can't be of much help. Regards, Tom

I would say not to use pvc, but use ABS probably. I'm not an expert, but I just removed a huge 4" cast iron vent stack from my house and replaced it with 3" abs pipe. The inspector will come soon so I'll find out if my new vent is all up to code soon...

Basically, to remove the pipe I rented a snap cutter at home depot, it cost $10 for 4 hours and made the work very easy. Basically, for 3" or 4" cast iron the snap cutter just wraps around it, you tighten it, then pop the pipe breaks right at around the chain of the snap cutter. I cut the pipe in 5 places within 20 minutes.

"to remove the pipe i rented a snap cutter at home depot, it cost $10 for 4 hours and made the work very easy. basically, for 3" or 4" cast iron the snap cutter just wraps around it, you tighten it, then pop the pipe breaks right at around the chain of the snap cutter."

It depends on where the pipe's located that you wish to cut. For cast iron that's flat, (horizontal) use a set of snap cutters. For cast iron that's vertical. As like a stack, use a set of ratchet cutters.
While it's possible to cut a vertical piece of cast iron with snap cutters it's a real hassle. Peaches! I don't know about you! Tom