Crack in Sewer Pipe

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Author Message   jab Citizen Username: Jab Post Number: 156 Registered: 3-2003 Posted on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 11:22 pm:        We recently noticed that one stretch of thick black pipe in our basement is cracked. The crack is very thin -- not leaking -- but it is also long. A contractor said we would have to replace the section and that it would be very expensive to replace with black pipe. So, he suggested using PVC pipes, but then said that we cannot have the heavy black pipe before and after PVC pipe, because there would be pressure problems. This means that his recommendation is to replace all the black pipe with PVC. Does this sound like a reasonable solution or does somebody have a better suggestion? Thanks.   tjohn Citizen Username: Tjohn Post Number: 1988 Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 6:01 am:        I don't understand the pressure problem the contractor mentioned. The black pipe you mention is presumbably a waste line and does not operate under any pressure. Unless there is some code issue, I would have thought you could just replace the damaged section with PVC and join it to the existing iron pipe with rubber couplings.   bobk Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 4119 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 8:07 am:        The contractor might have been referencing the weight of the pipe going up to the first and second floors, although this should be mostly handled by strapping to the house frame of the cast iron, which is very heavy. I would get a second estimate.   jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 3386 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 11:26 am:        It is very common and pretty easy to cut out a section of this pipe and insert a PVC section. In fact special devices are made to make the connection. So, unless the pipe is holding weight it should be easy. And if it is holding weight, as bobk suggested, the weight can be transfered to the house frame via straps. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.   macman Citizen Username: Macman Post Number: 53 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 12:56 pm:        I agree with jgberkeley. I had a plumbing problem this past winter with the waste line from the second floor through the kitchen ceiling. The plumber cut out a section of the cast iron waste line and pieced in a PVC section. The joints were married with the rubber looking boot and clamp (I forgot the name of it). The cast iron pipe is supported to the house frame and the PVC is not holding any weight of anything.   bobk Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 4126 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 1:08 pm:        The rubber connection pieces are called "hubless". Macman, the pipe is holding something at least part of the time.   Davegateway Citizen Username: Davegateway Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2003 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 5:21 pm:        If the pipe in question is your vertical "stack", it must be supported securely during the removal of the cracked section. Once the new pipe is in place (PVC or Cast Iron), it will be able to hold the weight without a problem. Schedule 40 PVC (standard drain pipe) will not compress or bend if the weight is centered above. Just make sure there's no gap between the old & new pipes. They make a special transition coupling (mission coupling) to join the existing Extra Heavy Cast Iron to PVC or No-Hub pipe.   Richard O'Connor Citizen Username: Roconn Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 5:07 pm:        I am also with JG....cut out the cracked bit and replace with pvc and mission fittings on the ends. Probably a 45 minute job. (I watched them do the job at Macman's ... someone is trying to make some money here by taking it out of your pocket) Richard (ROC) --Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.-- --AIM: ROConn   tourne Citizen Username: Tourne Post Number: 268 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 5:55 pm:        Jab, What kind of pipe is it!? (ie. waste, water, etc.) Is it HORIZONTAL or VERTICAL? Where is it located in the house?