Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    GCK823's Avatar
    GCK823 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #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
    New Member
     
    #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

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Repair small leak in sewer drain pipe at connection of pipe [ 2 Answers ]

My toilet drain pipe has a small leak where two pipes connect. Is there a way I can repair the connection leak without taking the connection apart?

Plumbing:Repair/perplacement of cast iron sewer pipe [ 6 Answers ]

How do I remove the lead seal ring on a horizontal 4" cast iron sewer pile? It's in a pretty confined area, between a floor and a ceiling. The flange end of the stand pipe will stay. Once th old PC. Is removed, how can I seal a PVC section to the cast iron? ...

How do you disconnect concrete sewer pipe form cast iron pipe [ 10 Answers ]

Well, I have dug out to the cast iron connection outside my stem wall and the concrete pipe seems to be cemented to the cast iron pipe. Any tricks to get this cast iron pipe cleaned up so I can connect the plastic pipe to it? Could I use a small chisel and chip away carefully so as not to break...

Cast iron sewer pipe [ 3 Answers ]

When my cast iron sewer pipe comes out from under the slab there is a slit type hole in the top of the pipe before you get to the cleanout. It looks like it was made on purpose not like a crack in the pipe. It is about 6 inches long wider in the middle then narrow on both sides. I mentioned this...


View more questions Search