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    gmattick's Avatar
    gmattick Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    May 30, 2008, 05:37 AM
    Cutting a Cast Iron Drain / Vent Pipe
    I have a 4 inch Cast Iron Drain pipe that is in the wall and runs into the floor in the basement. It has 2 toilets and a sink and shower that drain into it.

    I need to replace the pipe with PVC. It is from just above the basement floor (built into a side wall) and runs all the way through the roof for vent. Other than in the attic, it is contained in a wall. I can only get to it from one side.

    What can I use to cut it. I have read about snap cutters and ratchet cutters, but I'm not sure I have room to use them. I don't really understand how they work either.

    What are my options?

    Thanks for your help.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    May 30, 2008, 06:50 AM
    Would it be possible to cut the wall open and get a chain from a set of ratchet cutters around the pipe? That would be your best bet , however, if that's not possible then I would go after the stack with a Skill Saw with a Cerbide Blade. Make no mistake about it, that wall will have to be opened up to replace the stack. You will need to stop the cast iron stack from falling down after you make your cut. A raiser clamp, (see image) propped up by bumper jacks or 2 X 4's is needed. More questions? I'm as close as a click. Tom
    gmattick's Avatar
    gmattick Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    May 30, 2008, 11:00 AM
    Thanks speedball1.

    I probably can. I assume since the pipe is about 20 feet long (including the coupler) that I should start in the attic and cut it into manageable pieces. I would most likely only need to open up the wall in one place in the basement (where I cut and splice in the PVC pipe).

    Sound correct?

    A rachet cutter. Is that what I ask for at the tool rental company?
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