Hi,

I have a cast iron soil stack that is cracked badly a length of about
5 feet. The crack goes from the top of one section to the bottom of
that section. The other sections seem fine above and below.

I would like to replace with PVC. It is a straight shot from the
basement up through the first floor and to the second story bathroom.
Ther are no other conections on first floor or basement.

The problem is BELOW where the toilet / bathtub / and bathroom sink
meet at the stack, so I just have to replace a strait length of pipe
down to the basement.

1. How do I loosen the conncetions between two pieces of cast iron so
I can take out this damaged section and the 2 sections below it. Heat
the lead and Oakum and twist the sections apart?? Will that get the
pipe sections seperated? How is it best done?

2. How do I reconnect PVC to this cast iron piece.

3. Do I need to support it from above? Can I grab ahold of the vent on
the roof with a clamp and thus support the stack above the cut?

Click here for pictures: http://trillionfive.com/plumbing.html

Any other advice!?? Thanks guys!!!