[bbrauner]

My house is old, really old. 1925 apprx. The pipes are old. Looks like old copper/lead pipes. One large fat pipe leaks when the shower/bath upstairs is running. Will this be complicated to fix and could you give me an estimate on the cost.

[ballengerb1]

It is likely a drain pipe, cast iron in that era. If the pipe itself leaks the repair should be done by a pro. The weight of a drain like this can be several hundred pounds and not much holds it if you cut the pipe. If a joint is leaking you can clean it and try caulking it, originally it was lead and oakum. Cost depends on which problem you have. Back to you for more info.

[massplumber2008]

Hey all... :)

BB... if smaller lead pipe (soft silvery pipe that can be scraped with knife to reveal lead material beneath... picture would be great here... ;) ) then if you are lucky you may be able to cut into the softer lead pipe and replace pipe using correct transition clamps...referred to as mission or proflex clamps... see picture. These are shielded clamps and should not be confused with fernco clamps... ok?

I usually end up ordering 1.25" plastic x 1.5" plastic mission clamp but that is because I have 1.5" fittings minimum on my truck...point is that you may be able to purchase 1.25" mission clamp and proper 1.25" pipe and fittings and replace the pipe.

If this is cast iron pipe (hard black metal) then you need to be very careful because this is heavy stuff and can be dangerous to work with like Ballenger (Bob) has suggested! Let us know before proceeding with this at all!!

Back at you... what material are we dealing with here..

MARK