Replies

1. 
   gfretwell | Jul 11, 2011 11:01pm | #1

   Trying to get those hubs apart is not easy. You ain't doing it with your Bernzomatic propane torch. I would cut the pipe with a side grinder and use a "No Hub" fitting to connect up the PVC

1. 
   rdesigns | Jul 12, 2011 09:18am | #2

   Ditto with a few details: 

   Cut out all the CI you can--having the cleanout in pvc will be much easier to remove the plug when you need to.

   Cutting with a side grinder is a much surer way to get a clean, unbroken pipe than snapping, especially on old CI.

   For the coupling, use a neoprene fitting like Fernco. It will accomodate the two differing pipe diameters. (4" CI is considerably smaller than 4" pvc)

2. 
   cussnu2 | Jul 12, 2011 10:34am | #3

   I guess I am wondering about the need or desire to take out cast iron.  If it has to be relocated, I can understand it but in general the cast iron is superior to PVC.  PVC WILL be a noise issue that cast iron will mostly mitigate.  Sometimes newer isn't better its just newer.

1. 
   KristineLiliane | Jul 13, 2011 02:11pm | #4

   Hi,

   I want to replace the cast iron because it is starting to rust a lot (as you can see on the image). I am afraid it might break down in a few years and causes some serious leaking.

   Also, the bathroom on the second floor has difficulty flushing. I think it is because the the cast iron is getting old and there might be residue caked inside the pipe over the years.

   Do you think there an alternative solution to not replace the cast iron? Please let me know!

2. 
   ndege | Jul 15, 2011 11:51am | #5

   I've dealt with several of these. Unless you need to get the cast iron out of the way, why replace something that is working and is superior? You can tie into the CI with a fernco. It's not so bad cutting the cast iron.

1. 
   cussnu2 | Jul 15, 2011 01:06pm | #6

   The funny thing is, the cast iron looks to be in excellent shape.  The only part that looks like it is having any rusting issue at all is the part you plan on leaving in at the very base....and its really hard to tell if that is a problem or not just looking at the pictures.  Your slow draining problem is as likely due to inadequate venting as it would be to some type of narrowing of the cast iron in a perfectly vertical position.  Yes there could be a blockage in the cast iron but it would more likely happen in the horizontal runs not the vertical. 

   Just a personal opinion but I would open up the clean-out shown there....after several days of soaking it with wd40.... and use an auger on it all the out to the street.  Some people are up to this and others are better off just calling a roto-rooter type service.  Most of them have cameras now too so they could really tell you if there is a problem you should fix "while your are at it"

3. 
   ward121 | Jul 15, 2011 05:13pm | #7

   I just did this

   Same problem of drains backing up.  I removed all the old CI that was horisontal. The vent vent was fine. Why mess with the roof if you don't have to .

     When I took the CI down it was 3/4 plugged. That and all the Galvy from all the drains that tied into it.

   Ward