Discovered only after new record setting heavy rains. Someone at a local hardware store suggested either trying a cement (or mortar – but it’s in a tight spot), or use a foam with a straw. I would be afraid of any expanding foam causing pressure that might crack a cast iron pipe even over time, but I’m not any expert nor in the construction business. So I’m asking here as I would guess an outside repair would be very costly and may not be covered by insurance (I will be checking). So maybe someone here could give some experienced based information?
Replies
I don't think that there is any common expanding foam that will generate enough expansive force to crack a cast iron pipe.
Use of any cementitious material is going to be difficult to adequately fill the annular space around pipe and never allow any seep again in the future.
Thanks
It’ll leak till dig up and fixed properly
Thanks. I could use some details on how to determine if a contractor offers a proper solution.
Using expanding foam in a tight spot might seem like a quick fix, but it could potentially lead to long-term damage to your cast iron pipe. It's wise to seek advice from experienced individuals in the field who can provide insight into the most effective and safe solutions for your situation.
Explain how expanding foam would damage cast iron pipe please.
What would you propose instead?
(CT-MA-NY licensed professional engineer)
Discovered only after new record-setting heavy rains. Someone at a local hardware store suggested either trying cement (or mortar – but it’s in a tight spot), or using foam with a straw. I would be afraid of any expanding foam causing pressure that might crack a cast iron pipe even over time, but I’m not an expert nor in the construction business. So I’m asking here as I would guess an outside repair would be very costly and may not be covered by insurance (I will be checking). So maybe someone here could give some experienced-based information?