Greetings all!

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a leaky cast
iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40 year old cast iron
pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from which waste water leaks
resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor (it's gradual, but does
accumulate over time). Before I go through the trouble of having the pipe
replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions. What I am envisioning is
some sort of putty that will adhere to the pipe, is water resistant (or
better yet water proof), and preferably can be painted. I've experimented
with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough to prevent water from bubbling up
underneath. The glue eventually fails.

The problem is that I cannot go for too long without running water through
the pipe (flushing toilets, running water in sinks, and so on), so there is
never enough time for the glue to dry completely (nor enough time for the
pipe to dry enough to apply the glue, I figure).

Any ideas?


Thanks,
Kevin

On Jul 26, 7:42 am, "Kevin" wrote:
Greetings all!

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a leaky cast
iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40 year old cast iron
pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from which waste water leaks
resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor (it's gradual, but does
accumulate over time). Before I go through the trouble of having the pipe
replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions. What I am envisioning is
some sort of putty that will adhere to the pipe, is water resistant (or
better yet water proof), and preferably can be painted. I've experimented
with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough to prevent water from bubbling up
underneath. The glue eventually fails.

The problem is that I cannot go for too long without running water through
the pipe (flushing toilets, running water in sinks, and so on), so there is
never enough time for the glue to dry completely (nor enough time for the
pipe to dry enough to apply the glue, I figure).

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin

If you at least four minutes drying time and the area isn't hugh you
probably can fix it with "J B Weld' Kwick set".. Then there was a
product that I never knew the name of that would do the trick. It was
and still may be used to seal aircraft tanks during WWII when they
were pierced by bullets. it was self sealing. It had a brand name of
"Prestone" on it.. It was a black compound putty consistence and would
adhere to anything and was resistant to water, gasolene, oils etc. I
think lacquer thinner was only solvent that would touch it. I've not
seen it on local markets but aircraft supplies may still carry or an
inproved product. It definitely would do the trick.

Kevin wrote:
Greetings all!

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a leaky cast
iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40 year old cast iron
pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from which waste water leaks
resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor (it's gradual, but does
accumulate over time). Before I go through the trouble of having the pipe
replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions. What I am envisioning is
some sort of putty that will adhere to the pipe, is water resistant (or
better yet water proof), and preferably can be painted. I've experimented
with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough to prevent water from bubbling up
underneath. The glue eventually fails....

You know the real answer, of course, already...

As you patch one pinhole, another will break out. If the cast is this
badly corroded, it's inevitable that it will finally fail in a large
enough area that you may as well figure on replacement.

The bad thing is if an exposed area is this bad, that that's in the
concrete and underground is probably worse. You may already have a
forming cesspool under the basement floor. I'll not tell the story of
what we found at the church when replacing an old urinal the valve had
failed on...

--

You know the real answer, of course, already...

Yeah.....


As you patch one pinhole, another will break out. If the cast is this
badly corroded, it's inevitable that it will finally fail in a large
enough area that you may as well figure on replacement.

I'm already seeing this to a degree. I managed to get some of the epoxy to
set in one spot blocking the leak. Not far from it you can see little beads
of water starting to form.


The bad thing is if an exposed area is this bad, that that's in the
concrete and underground is probably worse. You may already have a
forming cesspool under the basement floor. I'll not tell the story of
what we found at the church when replacing an old urinal the valve had
failed on...


No...please don't...I'm depressed enough already! ;-)


But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron
again. I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother asking
it....

Kevin wrote:
You know the real answer, of course, already...

Yeah.....
....
But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron
again. I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother asking
it....

Slick! I like it...

In general, it's far simpler and cheaper to replace waste lines w/
plastic instead of cast.

If you can find a location upstream of this bad section that is still in
pretty good shape, making the transition would be relatively simple w/ a
Fernco or other coupling.

The question is where the drain goes after the floor and what it will
take to do it that likely really will need looking after sooner rather
than later.

One presumes given the description and problems, this is a fairly old,
probably original, installation...

Good luck. You may be able to limp along for a while yet, but probably
best to be planning on the replacement before too long.

--

"Kevin" wrote in message
...
You know the real answer, of course, already...

Yeah.....


As you patch one pinhole, another will break out. If the cast is this badly
corroded, it's inevitable that it will finally fail in a large enough area
that you may as well figure on replacement.

I'm already seeing this to a degree. I managed to get some of the epoxy to
set in one spot blocking the leak. Not far from it you can see little beads
of water starting to form.


The bad thing is if an exposed area is this bad, that that's in the concrete
and underground is probably worse. You may already have a forming cesspool
under the basement floor. I'll not tell the story of what we found at the
church when replacing an old urinal the valve had failed on...


No...please don't...I'm depressed enough already! ;-)


But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron again.
I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother asking it....

That might depend on how much you enjoy hearing water rush by whenever anyone
upstairs flushes.

Bob

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a
leaky cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly
40 year old cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes

Out with the bad pipe, in with the PVC of about the same diameter and
length, connect with rubber pipe-clamps that slide over the PVC and
iron junction, tighten with a screwdriver, done.

But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron
again. I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother
asking it....

That might depend on how much you enjoy hearing water rush by whenever
anyone upstairs flushes.

Bob




Oh yeah, I'm fully aware of how noisy PVC can be, and I'd much rather go
with iron again, but....


Of course, I could just paint a mural of a waterfall on the plastic and go
with a Hawaiian theme in the basement! Could be soothing!

"dpb" wrote in message ...
Kevin wrote:
You know the real answer, of course, already...

Yeah.....
...
But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron
again. I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother
asking it....

Slick! I like it...

In general, it's far simpler and cheaper to replace waste lines w/ plastic
instead of cast.

If you can find a location upstream of this bad section that is still in
pretty good shape, making the transition would be relatively simple w/ a
Fernco or other coupling.

Much of the upstream pipe has already been converted to plastic (or is still
the old lead stuff). When I remodel the master bathroom, I'll end up
replacing the rest with PVC, which would leave only the main vertical stack
to content with (mind you the master bath is a few years off, and I'd prefer
to take care of the rest well before then).


The question is where the drain goes after the floor and what it will take
to do it that likely really will need looking after sooner rather than
later.

One presumes given the description and problems, this is a fairly old,
probably original, installation...

The case iron is most certainly original. What gets me is that I've heard
quotes of up to 100 years life for the stuff (probably in this newsgroup),
yet mine is already failing (*already* is relative, mind you). Of course,
I'm sure the previous owners did nothing to help the situation.

The drain pipe actually exits the house about a foot off the basement floor
(and leads to a septic tank). I could conceivably dig down far enough on
the outside to find it. Since the a large portion of the basement
foundation is exposed on that side, I may only have to go down a couple
feet. While I don't like the prospect of having to repair that, it's not
totally out of the question. Could be a good project for a hot midwest
summer afternoon.....



Good luck. You may be able to limp along for a while yet, but probably
best to be planning on the replacement before too long.

--


Cheers!
Kevin

On Jul 26, 2:33 pm, Bert Byfield wrote:
Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a
leaky cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly
40 year old cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes

Out with the bad pipe, in with the PVC of about the same diameter and
length, connect with rubber pipe-clamps that slide over the PVC and
iron junction, tighten with a screwdriver, done.

if you leave cast iron above the pvc it needs to be supported somehow
BEFORE cutting...

nate

Kevin wrote:
"dpb" wrote in message ...
Kevin wrote:
You know the real answer, of course, already...
Yeah.....
...
But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or cast iron
again. I know this has come up before though, so I won't even bother
asking it....
Slick! I like it...

In general, it's far simpler and cheaper to replace waste lines w/ plastic
instead of cast.

If you can find a location upstream of this bad section that is still in
pretty good shape, making the transition would be relatively simple w/ a
Fernco or other coupling.

Much of the upstream pipe has already been converted to plastic (or is still
the old lead stuff). When I remodel the master bathroom, I'll end up
replacing the rest with PVC, which would leave only the main vertical stack
to content with (mind you the master bath is a few years off, and I'd prefer
to take care of the rest well before then).

The question is where the drain goes after the floor and what it will take
to do it that likely really will need looking after sooner rather than
later.

One presumes given the description and problems, this is a fairly old,
probably original, installation...

The case iron is most certainly original. What gets me is that I've heard
quotes of up to 100 years life for the stuff (probably in this newsgroup),
yet mine is already failing (*already* is relative, mind you). Of course,
I'm sure the previous owners did nothing to help the situation.

The drain pipe actually exits the house about a foot off the basement floor
(and leads to a septic tank). I could conceivably dig down far enough on
the outside to find it. Since the a large portion of the basement
foundation is exposed on that side, I may only have to go down a couple
feet. While I don't like the prospect of having to repair that, it's not
totally out of the question. Could be a good project for a hot midwest
summer afternoon.....

Actually quite similar geometry to this house. More than likely (I'd
say greater than 50/50, probably like 75/25) once through the wall the
cast turns into tile.

This house is 90+ and the remaining cast all seems as good as new. All
except the last 8-10-ft of the main stack and exit was replaced when Dad
remodeled. Local water conditions and use make for a wide variability.

--

"N8N" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Jul 26, 2:33 pm, Bert Byfield wrote:
Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a
leaky cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly
40 year old cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes

Out with the bad pipe, in with the PVC of about the same diameter and
length, connect with rubber pipe-clamps that slide over the PVC and
iron junction, tighten with a screwdriver, done.

if you leave cast iron above the pvc it needs to be supported somehow
BEFORE cutting...

nate


Thanks Nate.

I'd say that if I replace it, no matter what I go with, I'll end up
replacing all of it (that I can easily get to that is). But, most of the
upper stuff is already supported by straps nailed to the joists.

I am curious, though. Did you learn this the hard way?

"Kevin" wrote in message
...
Greetings all!

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a leaky
cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40 year old
cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from which waste
water leaks resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor (it's gradual,
but does accumulate over time). Before I go through the trouble of having
the pipe replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions. What I am
envisioning is some sort of putty that will adhere to the pipe, is water
resistant (or better yet water proof), and preferably can be painted.
I've experimented with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough to prevent
water from bubbling up underneath. The glue eventually fails.

The problem is that I cannot go for too long without running water through
the pipe (flushing toilets, running water in sinks, and so on), so there
is never enough time for the glue to dry completely (nor enough time for
the pipe to dry enough to apply the glue, I figure).

Any ideas?


Thanks,
Kevin


You could weld the holes shut although as many have already said, you're
better off replacing it.
Cheers,
cc

On Jul 26, 8:46 pm, "James \"Cubby\" Culbertson"
wrote:
"Kevin" wrote in message

...



Greetings all!

Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to repair a leaky
cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40 year old
cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from which waste
water leaks resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor (it's gradual,
but does accumulate over time). Before I go through the trouble of having
the pipe replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions. What I am
envisioning is some sort of putty that will adhere to the pipe, is water
resistant (or better yet water proof), and preferably can be painted.
I've experimented with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough to prevent
water from bubbling up underneath. The glue eventually fails.

The problem is that I cannot go for too long without running water through
the pipe (flushing toilets, running water in sinks, and so on), so there
is never enough time for the glue to dry completely (nor enough time for
the pipe to dry enough to apply the glue, I figure).

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin

You could weld the holes shut although as many have already said, you're
better off replacing it.
Cheers,
cc

Really? You good at welding CAST IRON? My dad is a retired welder,
and couldn't weld cast iron, even after 37 years on the job.

JK

Big_Jake wrote:
On Jul 26, 8:46 pm, "James \"Cubby\" Culbertson"
wrote:
....

You could weld the holes shut although as many have already said, you're
better off replacing it.
Cheers,
cc

Really? You good at welding CAST IRON? My dad is a retired welder,
and couldn't weld cast iron, even after 37 years on the job.

Well, yes cast _can_ be welded, but takes correct rod, heat, etc., and,
like any other specialty, some training helps. Like various stainless,
some are more amenable than others.

Biggest problem other than simply technique and material is if it's so
thin it's leaking through the wall, it'll be no better than the patch up
w/ epoxy or anything else--one spot fixed, another will soon pop up...

Just got the compressor sheave back from the machine shop today -- they
welded in filler where it was hogged out from set screw having worked
loose and rebored the hole and cut a new key groove -- it's cast.

--

"Big_Jake" wrote in message
ups.com...
Really? You good at welding CAST IRON? My dad is a retired welder,
and couldn't weld cast iron, even after 37 years on the job.

JK


Plenty of things that are cast are welded. You have to be careful with
preheat and post heat, correct rod/wire, etc... but yes, with the right
procedure, it's not that difficult...just time consuming. Would I bother
on this application? No. The welds are only masking a small part of the
problem that will surely surface in other places.
Cheers,
cc

Rolls of duct tape, spiralled, and overlapping. Lots, and lots
of duct tape.

That, or the new wide UV resistant tape at Johnstone. It was
made for outdoor patches, but may work for this.

--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

:
: "Kevin" wrote in message
: ...
: Greetings all!
:
: Does anyone know if something exists that can be used to
repair a leaky
: cast iron drain stack? Basically, what I have is a nearly 40
year old
: cast iron pipe that has formed various pin-sized holes from
which waste
: water leaks resulting in a rusty mess on the basement floor
(it's gradual,
: but does accumulate over time). Before I go through the
trouble of having
: the pipe replaced, I wanted to look into repair solutions.
What I am
: envisioning is some sort of putty that will adhere to the
pipe, is water
: resistant (or better yet water proof), and preferably can be
painted.
: I've experimented with epoxy glues, but none set fast enough
to prevent
: water from bubbling up underneath. The glue eventually
fails.
:
: The problem is that I cannot go for too long without running
water through
: the pipe (flushing toilets, running water in sinks, and so
on), so there
: is never enough time for the glue to dry completely (nor
enough time for
: the pipe to dry enough to apply the glue, I figure).
:
: Any ideas?
:
:
: Thanks,
: Kevin

The big problem in replacing cast iron pipe is doing the cutting.
Choices: grit edge blade in a Sawzall (slow), gasoline cut off
saw with abrasive wheel (noisy, dirty, moderately dangerous), a
weld cutting wheel in an offset grinder, chain cutter. If you're
lucky and careful, it can be cut with a cold chisel and hammer.

The joints can all be done with no hub clamps. You've not
indicated whether there are fittings involved, but even they are
easy with no hub fittings and clamps.

--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"Kevin" wrote in message
...

But, my next question would be the whole replace with PVC or
cast iron again. I know this has come up before though, so I
won't even bother asking it....

That might depend on how much you enjoy hearing water rush by
whenever anyone upstairs flushes.

Bob




Oh yeah, I'm fully aware of how noisy PVC can be, and I'd much
rather go with iron again, but....


Of course, I could just paint a mural of a waterfall on the
plastic and go with a Hawaiian theme in the basement! Could be
soothing!