O/T: 4 cast iron sewer pipe

Anonymous-0 · Jun 19, 2010

I have to modify the bathroom drain at my mom's house and tie in a 2nd bathroom line. The only way I have room to do what I need is to replace a section of the cast iron pipe with 4" pvc. What is the easiest way to cut cast pipe? I've used the sawzall blades meant for this applicaion. They do get the job done, although you still burn up several blades. Is there a better way?

Additionally, I will have to reseal one of the existing 4" cast iron joints. What material is best to use for this?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Anthony

Tony S. · Jun 20, 2010

Cutting wheel on hand grinder

2x4 · Jun 20, 2010

they make a special cutter for that job. It wraps around the pipe with a bicycle chain with a disc wheel-type cutter on it & does it work slick! Fits in tight places & quick.

MarkB_MI · Jun 20, 2010

One of these.
Ridgid soil pipe cutters

Chris (WA) · Jun 20, 2010

Replace the pipe all the way to the joint with DWV pipe and join them with a Fenco coupling.
Watch yourself on supporting the pipe as cast is very heavy and DWV will not take the load of cast. You will have to tie the pipe to supports to take the weight of the remaining pipe.

El Toro · Jun 20, 2010

Rent one of those cutter's that MarkB suggested and use the Fenco coupling to connect your pvc pipe. Hal
PS; That was shown on "This Ole House".

Ultradog MN · Jun 20, 2010

I do this all the time. Use a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a cutting sheel on it. Make sure you have the upper portion is well supported. Replace past the CI joint so you don't have to reseal it. Around here a fernco coupling will not meet code if it is to be covered or buried.
You have to use a mission coupling.

Mission coupling

Fernco coupling

Anonymous-0 · Jun 20, 2010

And then once you have completed that, you can show BP how to cut pipe!

johnlobb · Jun 20, 2010

If you use the side grinder method, make sure you use lung protection. Cast iron dust is evil!

Anonymous-0 · Jun 20, 2010

A little clarification that I should have included: the run of pipe I'm working on is in the basement, so it will not be buried.

I do have to tie into the CI Y-piece that is built into the basement wall. This is where I need to reseal one of the cast pipe joints. My plan is, once the section of pipe is removed, to cut a short piece of pipe and insert it into the CI joint on the Y-piece(this is where I have to reseal the CI joint). Then I can use the rubber coupler to adapt to PVC.

Am I on the right track or is there a better way?

Not familiar with DWV pipe, but looking it up now.

Thanks for the replies,

Anthony

Anonymous-0 · Jun 20, 2010

Ah, got it: DWV = Drain, Waste and Vent. Same pipe, different name, right?

Thanks!

Anthony

WantACaseLASomeday · Jun 20, 2010

Really good info on plumbing issues: ridgidforum.com/forum

rhouston · Jun 21, 2010

I just had to do this. Biggest issue is support of the cast above the PVC. PVC cannot hold the weight of the CAST. Ratchet chain pipe cutter is money well spent. The chain binds against the pipe and cracks it where the cutter wheels contact the pipe. The chain is stationary and the ratchet goes up and down. Tie a small rope to the end of the chain to help snake it around the pipe in close quarters.
Tool Talk thread

O/T: 4 cast iron sewer pipe

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Tony S.

Member

2x4

Well-known Member

MarkB_MI

Well-known Member

Chris (WA)

Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

Ultradog MN

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

johnlobb

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

WantACaseLASomeday

Member

rhouston

Well-known Member

Similar threads