[JAM]

Hello,
I noticed that the iron pipe from my kitchen sink that runs down the basement wall is leaking right at the basement floor. The floor is tile over cement. I see what appears to be a little rust stain on the floor. I see a little hole just behind the pipe (not on the pipe) coming out of the floor where the water and soap suds were coming from. Am I going to have to bust up the floor and to fix this pipe? If so should I just run all new PVC or use the iron pipe?

[tommytman]

You probably did this but make sure the water is coming from below the basement floor and not leaking down the side/back of the pipe. Is your basement finished?

[JAM]

That side of the basement has a finished ceiling and tiled floor. The walls are cinder block. I took some caulking and plugged the hole for now. I know this is only temporary fix to keep the water off the floor. I just not sure what I am going to run into once I bust up that part of the floor, and how far down that pipe goes before it makes it turn and heads to where ever it goes to drain out.

Thanks for any help
Jeff

[labman]

My guess is that the pipe has rusted off just below the floor level. Chances are it goes through the floor and then runs under the floor to join the rest of the drains and then goes out to the septic or city sewer. I would start just breaking up a little around the pipe to see. The joint between the floor and pipe can hold moisture and rust the pipe there more than the rest. If the pipe below the floor gives a good boing when you hit it with a hammer, it is solid, and maybe skip tearing the whole floor up. Do a lot more hammering on the elbow if it is threaded, maybe heat it with a torch and quench it to break the stub of the pipe free. Screw in a male PVC/pipe adapter, and short length of PVC, and then if you can find one the right size, a compression coupling to adapt back to the steel pipe. I am a big fan of PVC, but steel does hold up better to hard knocks exposed pipes get sometimes. I would reuse as much of the steel pipe as you can.

If forced into more extensive replacement of pipe under the floor, be sure to use DWV fittings. Their longer radiuses reduce the chances of clogs.

[JAM]

Thanks,
I've got a four day weekend and I be starting it Friday.

[tommytman]

If you end up cutting out a section of pipe make sure you support the parts that are still there if they need it. Cast iron pipe is pretty heavy.

[speedball1]

Thanks,
I've got a four day weekend and I be starting it Friday.

Well today's Friday and while Labman gave you excellent advice, let me give you a option the doesn't involve cutting the pipe. If you find a small hole after you bare the leak consider patching the hole.
Go to a hardware store and ask for PROPOXY 20 by Hercules Chemical CO.
Passic,NJ 07056. This is a steel reinforced epoxy putty that molds like putty and hardens like steel. You can machine it, you can drill and tap it, in short your patch will become part of the pipe. I offer this as a option only. Labman gave you the BEST repair, I just came back with the easiest. Good luck, Tom

[JAM]

Thanks to all for your help and advice.