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    GCK823's Avatar
    GCK823 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 17, 2012, 05:34 PM
    Repair small leak in cast iron sewer pipe right before elbow
    I gutted my downstairs bathroom to do some updating in there. The bathroom upstairs is directly above. I noticed that there is a leak in the sewer pipe that runs from the toilet into the main sewage pipe. The leak is a small hole in the horizontal pipe right before the elbow where it goes to vertical. The pipes are cast iron. Is there a way to fix this with putty or epoxy. If not is it possible for me to replace this myself with PVC or call a plumber. I can provide pictures if necessary.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 17, 2012, 07:19 PM
    Post the pictures. Check to insure that the leak is actually in the pipe and not in the joint above. No repair. If you have a leak in the pipe itself and repaired it, it wouldn't be long before you have another one some where else.

    Post the pictures.
    GCK823's Avatar
    GCK823 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 23, 2012, 08:07 AM
    All right well I check it out and the leak was coming from the joint. I bought this putty that you work with your hands for 5 minutes and let it sit for 15 - 20 minutes around the joint. It worked... no more leaks... thanks for the quick response.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 23, 2012, 08:18 AM
    If this drain is in an area which will be closed off by walls when you remodel I would not trust that putty. Most home owners do not have the right tools to cut a cast pipe and replace it with PVC or cast. I'd call 3 plumbers for an estimate to replace and then make your decision.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 23, 2012, 03:26 PM
    Yeah... quick fix now will certainly work, but if you end up having to rip open the walls/ceiling and repaint, etc. down the road, this will be MUCH more expensive than it had to be, for sure! Since it is wide open underneath... fix it to 100% for future peace of mind!

    Good luck!

    Mark
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