I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

On 4/6/2011 9:23 AM, RogerT wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

That's how...

--

On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

On Apr 6, 10:49*am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

On Apr 6, 9:49*am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

You could always put a larger diameter piece of solid plastic pipe
around the Fernco to keep from damaging the Fernco. .

On Apr 6, 11:01*am, bob haller wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:49*am, JIMMIE wrote:









On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line *and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

I kind of leaned more toward a screw up as the most likely cause too.
I bet if the OP googles bury Fernco he will get all the info he needs.

Jimmie

On Apr 6, 11:17*am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 11:01*am, bob haller wrote:









On Apr 6, 10:49*am, JIMMIE wrote:

On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line *and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

I kind of leaned more toward a screw up as the most likely cause too.
I bet if the OP googles bury Fernco he will get all the info he needs.

Jimmie

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an add-
on.

Jimmie

JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 11:17 am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 11:01 am, bob haller wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:49 am, JIMMIE wrote:

On Apr 6, 10:23 am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer
pipe that runs from the front of my house toward the street. The
existing underground sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be
using PVC to replace the line from the front of my house and
connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old
underground cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My
neighbor used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when
they filled the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started
backing up a couple of days later. Dont know if that is a problem
with using coupling underground or an installation problem. I
think they may have disturbed the ground under the new pipe too
much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill
the trench with sand or gravel before placing line and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling
espically if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big
rocks on the new line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

I kind of leaned more toward a screw up as the most likely cause too.
I bet if the OP googles bury Fernco he will get all the info he
needs.

Jimmie

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an
add-
on.

Jimmie

Thanks. I did try doing Google searches before posting, but I hadn't tried
Googling for "bury Fernco". I too, did that after reading your first post,
and that produced a lot of good information. I also saw some suggestions to
use a shielded Fernco coupling.

I then went to http://www.fernco.com and
http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings to see what they look like
and what they are for etc. I'm going to go back and do more reading at the
main Fernco site because I saw lnks there for FAQ's, videos, etc.

Thanks.

RogerT wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe
that runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing
underground sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to
replace the line from the front of my house and connecting to that
sewer line about 5 feet out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old
underground cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I installed two ferncos on a four inch ID concrete line about 10 years ago,
and they are still holding up fine. The reason was to install a cleanout,
as the existing one had been covered in concrete when the homeowner
purchased the property.

I backfilled it with 3/4 minus, and then dirt making up to ground level. .
No problems, and nothing has moved or shifted since installation.

Jon

"RogerT" wrote in message
...
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing
underground sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to replace
the line from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about
5 feet out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?


There is one that is code approved for concealed locations and burial. I
always have to ask at the supply house to be sure I get the right one. I
think it is the one with the full metal sleeve but you better ask some one
in your area just to be safe.

Colbyt

On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:01:38 -0700 (PDT), bob haller
wrote:

On Apr 6, 10:49Â*am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23Â*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. Â*The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. Â*I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense
An MJ is better than a standard Fernco. It has a metal sleeve to
protect it and give it some rigidity. Not sure of the size/adapter
availability though.

On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:30:09 -0700 (PDT), JIMMIE
wrote:

On Apr 6, 11:17Â*am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 11:01Â*am, bob haller wrote:









On Apr 6, 10:49Â*am, JIMMIE wrote:

On Apr 6, 10:23Â*am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. Â*The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. Â*I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

I would check with manufacturer and local codes on this . My neighbor
used one as you said a few years ago and it ripped when they filled
the trench. He didnt know until his toilet started backing up a couple
of days later. Dont know if that is a problem with using coupling
underground or an installation problem. I think they may have
disturbed the ground under the new pipe too much.

Jimmie

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line Â*and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

I kind of leaned more toward a screw up as the most likely cause too.
I bet if the OP googles bury Fernco he will get all the info he needs.

Jimmie

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an add-
on.

Jimmie
Called an MJ (Mechanical Joint)

On Apr 6, 4:56*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:30:09 -0700 (PDT), JIMMIE

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an add-
on.


Called an MJ (Mechanical Joint)

That's a really odd term as all flexible coupling joints are
mechanical joints. The only term I've ever heard used for a shielded
flexible coupling is shielded flexible coupling.

http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/fle.../N-a85Z1z0ytb9
and that's the ASTM term as well:
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1541.htm

R

On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 15:31:48 -0700 (PDT), RicodJour
wrote:

On Apr 6, 4:56Â*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:30:09 -0700 (PDT), JIMMIE

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an add-
on.


Called an MJ (Mechanical Joint)

That's a really odd term as all flexible coupling joints are
mechanical joints. The only term I've ever heard used for a shielded
flexible coupling is shielded flexible coupling.

http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/fle.../N-a85Z1z0ytb9
and that's the ASTM term as well:
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1541.htm

R
look at http://www.fergusonfire.com/pdfs/Sec58.pdf

take a look at Metro Supply --
http://www.metrosupply.ca/catalog/519410
They list both the Fernco flex and MJ products.


Fernco calls them "Proflex" oand "sheilded couplings" as well on
their website.
Another Ferco product is the "strongback", as well as the "no hub".

All of these are generically referred to by all the plumbing supply
houses around here as "MJ"s, and that's how I was introduced to them
by my old plumber friend ED the first time I ran into an application
where one was needed. He just said "call Marks' and ask them for an MJ
for sizeX PVC to size Y copper"

Problem solved.

On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?


What do local codes say about your use of PVC in sewer run that is
presently cast iron ?

Would there be a problem obtaining cast iron piping and patching
whatever pipe has given way ?

Since you are already digging up the pipe why not replace the
entire run, as it gets expensive to dig it up and repair it 4' at a
time...

~~ Evan

"bob haller" wrote in message
...
On Apr 6, 10:49 am, JIMMIE wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23 am, "RogerT" wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe
that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing
underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5
feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old
underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

ferncos are used here. in replacing the line its important to fill the
trench with sand or gravel before placing line and get the slope
right and the line properly supported along its entire length, and
cover the new line the same as the bottom before backfilling espically
if the line is extra deep, you dont want to drop big rocks on the new
line.

kinda common sense things but lots of folks lack common sense

++++++++++

Thanks. I found this article which includes info on how to do the back
filling after the new pipe goes in:
http://www.cispi.org/handbook/chapter6.pdf .

And on one of the Google searches I did, someone wrote something similar
about surrounding the pipe with sand or clean dirt in areas that are rocky
to prevent sharp rocks from damaging the pipe.

So, what you wrote is correct and worth noting even if it is common sense.

On Apr 6, 6:51*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011, RicodJour wrote:
On Apr 6, 4:56*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:30:09 -0700 (PDT), JIMMIE

OK I went ahead and goggled. Coupling should have a shear shield when
buried . This is a stainless steel band that wraps around the coupling
From the looks of things this come with the coupling and is not an add-
on.

Called an MJ (Mechanical Joint)

That's a really odd term as all flexible coupling joints are
mechanical joints. *The only term I've ever heard used for a shielded
flexible coupling is shielded flexible coupling. *

http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/fle...ings/plumbing/...
and that's the ASTM term as well:
http://www.astm.org/Standards/C1541.htm


look at http://www.fergusonfire.com/pdfs/Sec58.pdf

take a look at Metro Supply -- http://www.metrosupply.ca/catalog/519410
They list both the Fernco flex and MJ products.

Fernco calls them *"Proflex" *oand *"sheilded couplings" as well on
their website.
Another Ferco product is the "strongback", as well as the "no hub".

All of these are generically referred to by all the plumbing supply
houses around here as "MJ"s, and that's how I was introduced to them
by my old plumber friend ED the first time I ran into an application
where one was needed. He just said "call Marks' and ask them for an MJ
for sizeX PVC to size Y copper"

Problem solved.

My point was that using a local term and pronouncing it as the defacto
standard term on a nationwide, or larger, stage, is of dubious
benefit. Doubly so as you are in Canada and the OP is in the US.

R

It would be much better to use a "no hub clamp". These have a
stainless steel band in addition to the rubber and band clamps.
They are much better about keeping the pipes in line and not
allowing the pipe ends to misalign. These work quite well on cast
iron to PVC connections.

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DanG
Keep the whole world singing . . .


"RogerT" wrote in message
...
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer
pipe that runs from the front of my house toward the street. The
existing underground sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be
using PVC to replace the line from the front of my house and
connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old
underground cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 16:13:49 -0700 (PDT), Evan
wrote:

On Apr 6, 10:23Â*am, "RogerT" wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. Â*The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. Â*I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?


What do local codes say about your use of PVC in sewer run that is
presently cast iron ?

Would there be a problem obtaining cast iron piping and patching
whatever pipe has given way ?

Since you are already digging up the pipe why not replace the
entire run, as it gets expensive to dig it up and repair it 4' at a
time...

~~ Evan
MOST places PREFER PVC to C!.

On 4/6/2011 9:23 AM, RogerT wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?



when i had a similar situation, i drove about 10' of 3" INTO the 4" cast
and that was the extent of my connection. MY connection was under a
basement floor, so being out in the yard where little tree roots can
(and will) go anywhere, you might want to pack such a connection with
tar and wrap with some asphalt shingles or something to prevent the root
infiltration.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

On Apr 7, 12:17*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 16:13:49 -0700 (PDT), Evan



wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23*am, "RogerT" wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

What do local codes say about your use of PVC in sewer run that is
presently cast iron ?

Would there be a problem obtaining cast iron piping and patching
whatever pipe has given way ?

Since you are already digging up the pipe why not replace the
entire run, as it gets expensive to dig it up and repair it 4' at a
time...

~~ Evan

*MOST places PREFER PVC to C!.


That's crap... If that were the case any work done to the line
would require its replacement with PVC...

On Thu, 7 Apr 2011 13:20:07 -0700 (PDT), Evan
wrote:

On Apr 7, 12:17Â*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 16:13:49 -0700 (PDT), Evan



wrote:
On Apr 6, 10:23Â*am, "RogerT" wrote:
I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. Â*The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. Â*I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

What do local codes say about your use of PVC in sewer run that is
presently cast iron ?

Would there be a problem obtaining cast iron piping and patching
whatever pipe has given way ?

Since you are already digging up the pipe why not replace the
entire run, as it gets expensive to dig it up and repair it 4' at a
time...

~~ Evan

Â*MOST places PREFER PVC to C!.


That's crap... If that were the case any work done to the line
would require its replacement with PVC...


Well, if your house has cast iron sewer pipe and stack, MANY insurance
companies will NOT write you a policy for new business without having
it replaced.
ANd any time sewer lines are replaced here they are NOT replaced with
cast iron - not Transite (or cement) either. The only thing used
around here is PLASTIC - both inside the house and underground.

On Apr 8, 2:08*am, wrote:
On Wed, 6 Apr 2011 10:23:38 -0400, "RogerT"
wrote:

I am going to be replacing a small section of underground sewer pipe that
runs from the front of my house toward the street. *The existing underground
sewer pipe is 4-inch cast iron. *I will be using PVC to replace the line
from the front of my house and connecting to that sewer line about 5 feet
out.

Can I use a Fernco coupling to connect the new PVC to the old underground
cast iron sewer pipe?

If not, how is that type of connection usually made?

Wrap about 200 layers of duct tape around them. *I saw this on one of
them redneck home improvement shows. *They ran a pipe from the
outhouse pit to the kids swimming pool so the pool would get filled up
for the kids. *I guess they said the bathtub was plugged in their
trailer house so they needed a place to wash the kids, the huntin
dogs, and a place to clean blood out of the dead possums then dun
shot. *Maybe it was the Red Green shown I dont recall. *

Pretty common to butt the two pipes together and mix up a couple of
bags of Sakrete and dump it on the joint.

Jimmie

Yes. But have to be a fernco with a shear ban.