4 Ways to Fix a Rusting and Leaking Cast Iron Sewer Pipe
- Hydro-jetting. Not long ago, clogged sewer lines were snaked using long, steel augers. With hydro-jetting, just as the name suggests, we use high pressurized water to clean out clogs.
- Pipe bursting. If a pipe has lost its structural integrity or has a straight run, we will use pipe bursting instead.
- Trenchless sewer pipe lining. Also called structural pipe lining, or cured-in-place lining (CIPP), sewer pipe lining involves a special, epoxy-impregnated liner to create a new pipe directly inside your ...
- Conventional sewer repair. Unfortunately, sometimes a sewer pipe is so badly damaged that no trenchless sewer repair is available.
How to repair cast iron without welding?
- Put on a dust mask, safety glasses and work gloves.
- Remove loose metal debris and rust from the pipe at the area of the hole, using a steel putty knife.
- Use the putty knife to fill the hole with cast-iron patching compound.
- Loosen and remove the nut from the bolt on a rubber-lined sleeve clamp, using a nut driver.
How to cut and replace cast iron pipe?
To cut cast iron with an angle grinder, you will need to do the following:
- Mark the cut line on the cast iron pipe using chalk or crayon. ...
- Use a diamond cutting wheel/blade to cut through the cast iron with an angle grinder.
- Run the angle grinder along your cut line by applying even pressure all the way around the pipe.
- Safely remove the pipe from the plumbing segment after you have completely cut through the pipe.
How to remove cast iron pipe from Your House?
What Cast Iron Drain Pipe Options Work?
- Trenching Sometimes, a drain pipe is so severely damaged that no trenchless method is viable. ...
- Pipe Lining (Trenchless) A unique, epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into the old pipe, inflates, and creates a new pipe structure directly inside the old one. ...
- Pipe Bursting (Trenchless)
What are the signs of a broken sewer pipe?
What Are the Signs of a Broken Sewer Pipe?
- Strong sewer odor: This is the first sign that something might be wrong. ...
- Toilet that gurgles: This one is a little trickier to spot. ...
- Drains that take a long time to clear: Sewage seeping into your plumbing can cause debris to enter and clog up the drains. ...
What can I use to patch a cast iron pipe?
So, you'll want to use a steel epoxy putty repair stick. What's that you ask? It's a polymer compound that when mixed, creates a super strong bonding agent that will fix any crack/leak/hole in any cast iron pipe.
Should I replace cast iron sewer pipe with PVC?
Durable – Polyvinyl Chloride can last up to 70 years or more. Replacing cast iron pipe is expensive as they deteriorate from oxidization. Cleaner – Because PVC doesn't corrode or rust, you won't get any metal in your sewage or drinking pipes. It's a non-toxic material, safe to use for all kinds of plumbing purposes.
How do you repair a hole in a cast iron drain?
Use the putty knife to fill the hole with cast-iron patching compound. To do this, apply the compound around the pipe instead of along the pipe, and use just enough compound to seal the hole.
How do you fix a leaky cast iron pipe?
Step 1: Clean Away Corrosion. SCP_113_02.jpg. If water or a bad smell comes from an old leaded joint, use a cold chisel and hammer to gently tap the lead back into the joint. ... Step 2: Fill with Repair Paste. SCP_113_03.jpg. Fill the resulting void with cast-iron pipe repair paste. ... Step 3: Fill Any Holes. SCP_113_04.jpg.
How much does it cost to replace cast iron with PVC pipe?
Average Cost to Replace a Drain Line by Type of PipeTypePrice Per Foot30-Foot Project Cost*Cast Iron$10 – $20$375 – $900Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)$0.50 – $5$19 – $225Copper$2 – $10$75 – $450Polypropylene (PP)$1 – $10$37.50 – $4501 more row•Jun 2, 2022
How do I convert cast iron plumbing to PVC pipe?
0:081:32Tie In to Cast-Iron Pipe With PVC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's how first fabricate your PVC y fitting by gluing two short lengths of pipe on either endMoreHere's how first fabricate your PVC y fitting by gluing two short lengths of pipe on either end leaving enough exposed pipe to make the connection with the no hug fittings.
Can you fill a hole in cast iron?
There are several ideal methods that you could use to repair cast iron that does not require welding. Such techniques include brazing, the use of epoxy putty, and the use of cold metal stitching.
How do you seal a cast iron pipe joint?
Work the dampened compound into the joint a few inches at a time. Then tamp it down with a hammer and caulking iron. Continue adding and tamping the caulking a few inches at a time until the complete length has been packed into the joint.
How do you seal an old sewer pipe?
0:332:10how To Properly Seal A Drain Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot some rubber cement here what you're gonna do is take your rubber cement. And put it inside ofMoreGot some rubber cement here what you're gonna do is take your rubber cement. And put it inside of the pipe. And I got one hand here guys. So just do that I've already cleaned off my pipe.
Can I repair cast iron?
Yes, a cast iron skillet can be repaired. Depending on the damage it has encountered, you must choose a suitable method to repair it. Almost always, a good way to repair it is to use epoxy putty. In other cases, if possible you can fix it using a brazing torch or by using the cold stitching method.
What is the life expectancy of cast iron sewer pipe?
between 80-100 yearsCast Iron: Cast iron pipes last between 80-100 years, and are built to withstand a high amount of water pressure. However, like galvanized steel, cast iron piping has been found to be susceptible to rust over time.
Can you reline a cast iron pipe?
Relining cast iron drain pipes will join together any gaps and leaks on the pipe, thereby restoring it to its full-functional state.
Should old cast iron plumbing be replaced?
Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. However, it may be time to replace cast iron pipes long before their lifetime is up.
Is PVC plumbing better than cast iron?
Cast iron pipes are extremely resistant to heat and won't melt. Flexibility. Although cast iron is strong, it can be brittle and break when blunt force trauma is applied. PVC is a much more flexible material and can withstand these forces without breaking.
Does PVC last longer than cast iron?
Cast iron often lasts significantly longer than PVC piping when utilized in drainage systems. Cast iron piping can last several decades, if not for a century. One downside of cast iron is that it is susceptible to rusting if not maintained properly.
What is the life expectancy of cast iron sewer pipe?
between 80-100 yearsCast Iron: Cast iron pipes last between 80-100 years, and are built to withstand a high amount of water pressure. However, like galvanized steel, cast iron piping has been found to be susceptible to rust over time.
How much does trenchless sewer repair cost?
Trenchless sewer repair can cost anywhere between $4,000-$15,000 for the average single family home.
How long does a sewer repair project take?
Trenchless sewer repair can take as little as one day. Conventional sewer repair may last a week or more.
Will trenchless sewer repair destroy my home?
No. Trenchless sewer repair does not destroy your home. No trenches will need to be dug through your home or property.
What is your service area?
New Flow Plumbing provides sewer repair services to customers within a 20 mile radius of our office at 6718 Katherine Ave Van Nuys, CA 91405 includ...
How long does trenchless sewer repair last?
Trenchless sewer repair typically adds 50 – 100 years of life-use to your sewer lines.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes. We provide a minimum 7-year parts and labor warranty on all sewer repair projects.
How long have you been in business?
We have been family-owned and operated for over 10 years.
Does trenchless sewer repair require a permit?
City requirements may vary. Please call for details.
What other services do you provide?
Besides trenchless sewer repair, we offer: Hydro-Jetting Sewer Camera Inspection Drain Cleaning Water Heaters Residential and Commercial Plumbing R...
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our California State License Board (CSLB) number is 974766.
How much does trenchless sewer repair cost?
Trenchless sewer repair can cost anywhere between $4,000-$15,000 for the average single family home.
How long does a sewer repair project take?
Trenchless sewer repair can take as little as one day. Conventional sewer repair may last a week or more.
Will trenchless sewer repair destroy my home?
No. Trenchless sewer repair does not destroy your home. No trenches will need to be dug through your home or property.
What is your service area?
New Flow Plumbing provides sewer repair services to customers within a 20 mile radius of our office at 6718 Katherine Ave Van Nuys, CA 91405 includ...
How long does trenchless sewer repair last?
Trenchless sewer repair typically adds 50 – 100 years of life-use to your sewer lines.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes. We provide a minimum 7-year parts and labor warranty on all sewer repair projects.
How long have you been in business?
We have been family-owned and operated for over 10 years.
Does trenchless sewer repair require a permit?
City requirements may vary. Please call for details.
What other services do you provide?
Besides trenchless sewer repair, we offer: Hydro-Jetting Sewer Camera Inspection Drain Cleaning Water Heaters Residential and Commercial Plumbing R...
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Our California State License Board (CSLB) number is 974766.
What to do if cast iron pipe is failing?
If this is the case, you can easily make a repair. But if a cast-iron pipe is failing at several points, the most economical solution is to replace it with PVC pipe. This is a job for a professional.
How to clean a leaded joint?
Step 1: Clean Away Corrosion. If water or a bad smell comes from an old leaded joint, use a cold chisel and hammer to gently tap the lead back into the joint. Use a wire brush and rag to clean away the corrosion.
Can you disturb cast iron clamps?
Never disturb these clamps ; as if one weakens, a long section of pipe could come crashing down. Also, some older cast-iron joints were sealed with molten lead, but don't worry. This is not a danger to your health because only wastewater passes through the pipes.
How much does it cost to repair a sewer line?
Conventional sewer repair, on average, costs $50 to $450 per linear foot. The price to install brand new pipes throughout your home or yard could run to $15,000 because of all the extensive work, such as trenching and excavation.
What happens if a drain pipe leaks?
When a drain pipe leaks sewage, the excess water will cause the soil to expand and shrink (if the foundation was built on top of expansive soil) causing your foundation to shift. If a drain pipe is damaged, rats, mice, sewer flies, cockroaches, or palmetto bugs can enter your home.
What is a bursting pipe?
Pipe bursting is where a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is attached to a winch with a cone-shaped bursting head and pulled through the damaged line. The damaged pipe breaks apart as the new one takes its place.
How long does cast iron last?
They are supposed to have a life-use of around 50 to 100 years, but unavoidable circumstances affect the material’s longevity. Signs you might have a problem include, If you have backups in all of your toilets, sinks, and showers, the cast iron sewer pipe (which connects all of them) is probably faulty. If you can smell sewage in your house, you ...
What happens if you put a pipe under a concrete driveway?
If builders laid a pipe underneath concrete, it had to be chipped away with jackhammers or picks. If your line ran under your driveway, that would mean pavement, asphalt, or brick had to be broken apart. Let’s not forget inside your kitchen or bedroom.
What is an epoxy liner?
A unique, epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into the old pipe, inflates, and creates a new pipe structure directly inside the old one. Pipe lining can be considered replacement or repair depending on whether the whole pipe length will be lined or just a section.
What color is cast iron?
Most homes built before the 1970s are equipped with cast iron pipe. Their blackish-brown color and hard material help identify them. Cast-iron drain pipes are strong, but nature has a way of breaking things down over time.
Tools & Materials
To get started, you’ll need the following list of tools and materials. But keep in mind, before you make any purchases or rentals, the labor involved in excavating and repairing a sewer line pipe is heavy. Don’t attempt this unless you’re in good physical health.
1. Mark the Sewer Line
Begin by tracing the path of the sewer line from the main drain to the sewer or septic tank. Ask your local authorities for permission to work on the sewer pipe, and for information about its location and depth.
2. Reinforce the Trench
If the soil is loose or sandy, make the trench safe to work in by shoring its walls. Clay soil generally does not require shoring. Gravel soil requires shoring at the bottom only.
3. Brace the Trench Walls
Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Leave enough space between braces to dig with a shovel.
4. Expose the Main Line (Sewer Line)
Because you likely won’t have access to (or the expertise to operate) a sewer line inspection camera, you will have to find the damaged pipe manually.
5. Prepare to Cut the Cast Iron Pipe
We’re at about the halfway mark in making the cast iron sewer pipe repair. Good job.
6. Cut the Cast Iron Pipe
Wearing your safety goggles, pump the handle of the ratchet back and forth to cut through the pipe. Loosen the adjusting knob, unlock the chain, slide the ratchet cutter to the other chalk mark and repeat the process.
What is trenchless pipe lining?
Trenchless pipe lining is the most modern method as it involves no excavation or digging whatsoever. In essence, from outside the house or the building where the cleanout exists, the pipe is cleaned using a hydro jetter machine and or a pipe drain snake machine.
Can you repair a cast iron drain without digging?
Methods to repair cast iron sewer drains without digging through floors. If you found our website, you’re probably freak ed out because your plumber discovered that your cast iron sewer drains have long cracks or holes in them, and they recommend digging up your entire house for a few weeks to replace your cast iron sewer drains ...
